1. Complete a Free Energy Efficiency Audit
Making your home or business energy efficient before you “go solar” is an essential first step to turning sunshine into dollars.
By understanding where and how your energy dollars are spent, you can take energy efficiency actions that are key to saving energy and money while providing lasting benefits to the environment.
Replacing old, inefficient appliances and changing incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescent lights reduce your energy demand and the need for a larger, more expensive solar system.
While some contractors may help with an energy efficiency audit, it is more typical for non-residential customers to receive assistance from their account representative and for residential customers to conduct the online assessment themselves. Take the Home Energy Survey.
2. Select the Right Solar Installer
Qualified licensed contractors are your key to getting the most productive solar energy system for your home or business.
Typically, the installer will apply for CSI incentives on your behalf and arrange for your system to be interconnected to SCE’s electric grid. The installer may also apply for necessary local permits.
A licensed contractor should be able to evaluate factors that will impact your PV system performance, such as the roof size, orientation (tilt and direction) of the system, shading and other factors.
Contractors typically provide free site evaluations, comprehensive quick quotes and payback information.
To ensure you receive the most competitive bid for your project, contact at least three licensed contractors for bids. A database of registered solar installers, contractors and retailers in California is available online. Though uncommon, self-installations are allowed.
3. Submit an Application
To reserve your solar incentive, you or your solar installer must complete the CSI Application and return it to SCE.
After SCE receives your completed application, and in some cases an application fee, you will receive a letter confirming your reservation and the incentive funds reserved for you, which are based upon the size of your solar project (your contractor will help you determine the correct system size). These funds will be reserved for a specified period of time during which you must install your solar system, interconnect it to SCE’s power grid and submit your Incentive Claim Form (ICF).
Reserving your incentive early ensures your access to the highest applicable incentive. As more solar systems are purchased and installed by California consumers, the amount of available incentive dollars decreases and the incentive rate decreases, too.
4. Installing & Inspecting Your System
As part of the installation process, your solar installer generally handles any permitting required by the city or county. Once the required permits are acquired, a typical residential installation can be completed in three to five days.
Once construction is complete, the city or county and SCE may inspect it. After your new solar system passes inspection, you will need SCE’s written authorization to connect it to SCE’s power grid and to collect your incentive under the CSI program.
To expedite this process, you or your installer should complete the interconnection application and submit it to SCE as early as possible. Download the application.
To get your system inspected by SCE, please download the CSI Inspection Protocol.
5. Collect Your Incentive
Once your new solar system passes inspection, you or your installer will need to submit to SCE a completed ICF for payment. Then you (or your installer) will receive a check from SCE for the incentive amount.
Get more information on applicable tax credits.