Incentive/Application FAQs
- How much and what types of rebates are available?
- Who is eligible to receive incentives under the CSI program?
- Are tax incentives available?
- Which solar technologies are covered under CSI?
- Are incentives available for solar water heating system?
- Are incentives available for non-PV solar systems?
- How do I apply for CSI incentives?
- How much are application fees?
- How can I check on the status of my application?
- How long will the application process take?
- Does SCE offer classes in solar PV systems?
- Do I need to obtain a building permit?
- How do I find a solar installer I can trust?
- Where can I get more information?
Q1. How much and what types of rebates are available?
A. California Solar Initiative (CSI) rebates vary according to system size, customer class, performance and installation factors. The incentives decline in “steps” based on the volume of megawatts of confirmed incentive reservations issued in SCE’s service area.
CSI provides two types of incentives for consumers: (1) the Expected Performance-Based Buydown (EPBB) is the incentive for solar projects less than 50 kilowatt (kW) and is a one-time lump-sum payment, based on the expected performance of the solar energy system; and (2) the Performance-Based Incentive is the incentive for solar projects between 50 kW and 1 megawatt and is paid to the customer over a period of 60 months, based on the actual output of the solar energy system.
Additional real-time information on incentive dollar amounts is available at www.csi-trigger.com.
Q2. Who is eligible to receive incentives under the CSI program?
A. All SCE customers, including residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural enterprises, as well as local governments and non-profit organizations, are eligible to apply for CSI incentives.
Planned new housing construction, including new housing development projects and new custom homes, are eligible for the New Solar Homes Partnership program. In addition, CSI now includes a Single-Family Affordable Solar Homes (SASH) Program that is managed by GRID Alternatives in SCE’s service territory. The goal of the SASH Program is to provide qualifying low income homeowners with access to photovoltaic (PV) solar energy systems.
Q3. Are tax incentives available?
A. Yes. In addition to rebates available through the CSI, you currently can save on your new solar electric power system by taking an income tax deduction of up to 30% of the eligible equipment cost. The Emergency Economic Stablilization Act of 2008 (Act), signed by President Bush in October 2008, extends the commercial and residential solar investment tax credit (ITC) through December 31, 2016, and removes the previous residential limit of $2,000. For additional information, click here. For the most current status of these tax credits, you should contact the Internal Revenue Service and/or your tax preparer.
Q4. Which solar technologies are covered under CSI?
A. The CSI program is available for solar PV technologies (roof-mounted, ground-mounted and building-integrated PV), non-PV electric displacing systems, and non-PV electric generating systems, sized to meet actual or forecast on-site load.
Q5. Are incentives available for solar water heating system?
A. Yes, incentives are available to customers who install solar water heating systems. For more information on how to offset the cost of installing a solar water heater, please visit the CSI Thermal Program Web page.
Q6. Are incentives available for non-PV solar systems?
A. CSI incentives are available for both electricity-displacing systems—such as solar space heating and solar cooling systems—and electricity-generating solar systems, such as Dish Stirling, parabolic troughs, dish and lens, and concentrating solar systems up to 1 MW.
Q7. How do I apply for CSI incentives?
A. In nearly all situations, the installer submits of the application on the customer’s behalf. Applications proceed through several stages before payment—from Requested to Reserved to Completed. Qualified installers understand the application process and can optimize customers’ incentives by completing the application properly.
Residential and small commercial applicants can apply through a simple, two-step application process, while larger commercial projects have an additional milestone step.
Q8. How much are application fees?
A. There is no application fee for residential projects and other projects less than 10 kW. For non-residential applications and projects greater than 10kW, the application fee is 1% of the unadjusted requested program incentive amount. The application fee must be paid by check within 30 days of the Reservation Request to activate the application.
The application fee will be refunded to applicants following solar energy system connection to the grid. Please refer to the CSI Program Handbook for additional rules regarding the application fee.
Q9. How can I check on the status of my application?
A. Your installer can provide you with regular updates regarding the status of your application. You can also review details of your application online at www.powerclerk.com.
Q10. How long will the application process take?
A. SCE strives to confirm both residential and non-residential reservation requests in less than 30 days. Application processing time depends on a number of factors, including the speed with which applicants respond to requests for more information or application corrections.
To help ensure your application is processed quickly, please note the most frequent issues encountered with applications are: missing energy efficiency audit; listed equipment does not match EPBB tool calculator printout; missing copy of executed contract for system purchase and installation; missing signature(s); and incomplete or missing documentation.
Residential and non-residential retrofit customers are granted a reservation period of 12 months to complete their project. New non-residential construction projects and large (>10kW) tax-exempt projects may be granted an 18-month reservation period.
Q11. Does SCE offer classes in solar PV systems?
A. SCE hosts a class entitled Introduction to the California Solar Initiative every month.
Q12. Do I need to obtain a building permit?
A. You probably will, but you should contact the agency responsible for issuing building permits in your specific city or county to determine your local requirements.
Q13. How do I find a solar installer I can trust?
A. Qualified contractors are your key to getting the most productive solar energy system for your home or business. Choose a reputable installer by interviewing at least three potential installers and obtaining bids before making your selection.
The California Energy Commission maintains on its Web site a list of registered solar installers eligible to apply for CSI rebates.
Except for those systems that are self-installed, all systems must be installed by appropriately licensed California contractors in accordance with rules and regulations adopted by the California Contractors State Licensing Board. All systems must be installed in conformance with the manufacturer’s specifications and with all applicable electrical and building code standards.
Q14. Where can I get more information?
A. For additional information on “going solar,” visit www.sce.com/csi or www.gosolarcalifornia.ca.gov.
