1. Complete a Free Energy Efficiency Audit
Making your building 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 (CFLs) will reduce your energy demand and the need for a larger, more expensive solar system.
While some contractors may help with an energy efficiency audit, non-residential customers can also receive assistance from their account representative and for residential customers to conduct the online assessment themselves.
2. Select the Right Solar Contractor
Qualified licensed contractors are your key to getting the most productive solar energy system for your home or business.
Typically, the contractor will apply for MASH incentives on your behalf and arrange for your system to be interconnected to SCE’s electric grid. The contractor 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. You should also check the California Contractors State License Board to determine the license status of each contractor. Though uncommon, self-installations are allowed.
3. Submit an Application
To reserve your solar incentive, you or your solar contractor must complete the MASH Application and return it to SCE.
After SCE receives your completed application you will receive a letter confirming your reserved incentive funds. 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).
4. Installing & Inspecting Your System
As part of the installation process, your solar contractor generally handles any permitting required by the city or county.
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 rebate under the MASH program.
To expedite this process, you or your contractor should complete the interconnection application and submit it to SCE as early as possible. The application is here. In addition, SCE will conduct a site inspection on all MASH projects.
Here are the documents related to getting your system inspected by SCE: CSI Inspection Protocol.
5. Collect Your Incentive
Once your new solar system passes inspection, you or your contractor will need to submit to SCE a completed Incentive Claim Form (ICF) for payment. Then you (or your contractor) will receive a check from SCE for the incentive amount.
Don’t forget to apply for the appropriate tax credit (if applicable). Check for applicable tax credits.
We Work With Your Contractor
As your contractor builds your system, we are in contact with the contract to ensure that he or she completes the necessary steps and documents required for proper interconnection, system rebate, and transfer of your account to the Net Energy Metering schedule.
Please see below for information about what to expect from your contractor, what to expect from SCE, and facts of which you should be aware as a customer.
Customer is responsible for*:
- Reviewing and signing required paperwork
- Understanding and fulfilling the interconnection terms and requirements as outlined in the agreement
- Becoming informed about the efficieny and maintenance of the solar power system; making sure you use a licensed contractor who is knowledgable about compliance with applicable codes, safety and performance standards
- Providing access for installations and inspections
- Understanding the CSI program
Contractor is typically responsible for:
- Completing documents required for:
- Your rebate
- Interconnection
- Permits
- Other required forms
- Resolving technical issues and knowing program requirements
- Providing information on equipment durability and warranty information; being in compliance with applicable safety codes, safety and performance standards
- Providing information on system sizing and placement documentation, and system operation and maintenance requirements
SCE is responsible for:
- Providing information on:
- Completing required documents
- Connecting your system to the electric grid
- Providing the effective date for your system to interconnect to the electric grid follwing its construction and inspection
- Helping you:
- Determine the status of your rebate
- Understand the CSI rebate process
- Understand interconnection
- Providing information on how your system is impacted during and after and outage or storm
- Information and help with understanding your new bill and billing cycle
*Although these items fall under the customers' responsibilities, SCE can help provide resources such as Web sites and organizations that can offer customers additional information.