performance incentives
States and utilities across the country are offering rebates that reduce the cost of purchasing and installing a solar power system. These rebates vary in terms of amount, eligible system size, and availability of funds. Here some of the top rebate programs in California:
california solar initiative (CSI)
In Decision (D.) 06-01-024, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) collaborated with the CEC to create the California Solar Initiative (CSI). The goal of the CSI program is to ensure 3,000 MW of new solar facilities are installed on California homes and businesses. In January 2007, the photovoltaic (solar electric) portion of the SGIP and ERP programs were combined to form the new CSI program. The CSI rebates are based on actual and estimated system performance instead of system capacity. Incentive levels for both $/watt and $/kWh will automatically decline, based on the number of megawatts of reservations issued statewide.
expected performance-based buydown (EPBB)
For systems less than 50 kW (AC-CEC), incentives are paid as a one-time cash rebate based on a fixed dollar amount per rated watt. System size calculations include an estimation of expected system performance based on equipment, shading, and installation factors. Government and non-profit organizations will receive a higher $/watt rebate to adjust for the tax credits these organizations are not eligible to receive. Customers eligible to receive the EPBB incentive may instead opt into the Performance Based Incentive.
performance based incentives (PBI)
For systems greater than or equal to 50 kW (AC-CEC), incentives will be paid on a monthly basis over a period of 5 years, at a fixed rate per actual kWh produced. Eligible system size is up to 5 MW, but incentives are capped at 1 MW. There will no longer be an up-front cash rebate for systems of this size. Government and non-profit organizations will be paid a higher $/kWh to compensate for the tax incentives these organizations are not eligible to receive.
Check current CSI incentive levels at the Statewide Trigger Tracker website.
Only electric customers of PG&E, SCE, and SDG&E are eligible for participation in the CSI program. Municipal utility and gas-only customers are not eligible to participate. For more information on the CSI rebate you can visit the California Solar Initiative web site, or your electricity provider's CSI website:
Pacific Gas & Electric Company
Southern California Edison
San Diego Gas & Electric (Program administered by CCSE)
SMUD solar incentive program
This rebate program is available to Sacramento Municipal Utility District customers. SMUD offers both one-time incentives and performance based incentives to commercial and industrial customers. The eligible system size for the one-time incentive is capped at 1 MW.
The performance-based incentives are paid on actual kilowatt-hours produced. SMUD offers both 5-year and 10-year performance based incentives for customer-owned systems. Performance-based incentives are the only rebate option available for third-party owned systems.
For more information about the SMUD commercial solar incentive program, including current incentive rates, check the SMUD commercial solar website. Note: by participating in SMUD's incentive program, customers agree to either transfer ownership of their renewable energy credits to SMUD, or receive a reduced rebate amount.
renewable energy incentive database
See all the renewable energy incentives available in your area by visiting dsireusa.org.
States and utilities across the country are offering rebates that reduce the cost of purchasing and installing a solar power system. These rebates vary in terms of amount, eligible system size, and availability of funds. Here some of the top rebate programs in California:
california solar initiative (CSI)
In Decision (D.) 06-01-024, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) collaborated with the CEC to create the California Solar Initiative (CSI). The goal of the CSI program is to ensure 3,000 MW of new solar facilities are installed on California homes and businesses. In January 2007, the photovoltaic (solar electric) portion of the SGIP and ERP programs were combined to form the new CSI program. The CSI rebates are based on actual and estimated system performance instead of system capacity. Incentive levels for both $/watt and $/kWh will automatically decline, based on the number of megawatts of reservations issued statewide.
expected performance-based buydown (EPBB)
For systems less than 50 kW (AC-CEC), incentives are paid as a one-time cash rebate based on a fixed dollar amount per rated watt. System size calculations include an estimation of expected system performance based on equipment, shading, and installation factors. Government and non-profit organizations will receive a higher $/watt rebate to adjust for the tax credits these organizations are not eligible to receive. Customers eligible to receive the EPBB incentive may instead opt into the Performance Based Incentive.
performance based incentives (PBI)
For systems greater than or equal to 50 kW (AC-CEC), incentives will be paid on a monthly basis over a period of 5 years, at a fixed rate per actual kWh produced. Eligible system size is up to 5 MW, but incentives are capped at 1 MW. There will no longer be an up-front cash rebate for systems of this size. Government and non-profit organizations will be paid a higher $/kWh to compensate for the tax incentives these organizations are not eligible to receive.
Check current CSI incentive levels at the Statewide Trigger Tracker website.
Only electric customers of PG&E, SCE, and SDG&E are eligible for participation in the CSI program. Municipal utility and gas-only customers are not eligible to participate. For more information on the CSI rebate you can visit the California Solar Initiative web site, or your electricity provider's CSI website:
Pacific Gas & Electric Company
Southern California Edison
San Diego Gas & Electric (Program administered by CCSE)
SMUD solar incentive program
This rebate program is available to Sacramento Municipal Utility District customers. SMUD offers both one-time incentives and performance based incentives to commercial and industrial customers. The eligible system size for the one-time incentive is capped at 1 MW.
The performance-based incentives are paid on actual kilowatt-hours produced. SMUD offers both 5-year and 10-year performance based incentives for customer-owned systems. Performance-based incentives are the only rebate option available for third-party owned systems.
For more information about the SMUD commercial solar incentive program, including current incentive rates, check the SMUD commercial solar website. Note: by participating in SMUD's incentive program, customers agree to either transfer ownership of their renewable energy credits to SMUD, or receive a reduced rebate amount.
renewable energy incentive database
See all the renewable energy incentives available in your area by visiting dsireusa.org.
incentives
performance incentives
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