06.29.10

California Solar Initiative (CSI) Program Handbook – Review Latest Improvements

We will be starting the webinar momentarilyThank you for your patience

Garen GrigoryanBusiness AnalystSolar & Self GenerationPacific Gas and Electric Co.

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Goal of this Webinar:To discuss the recently approved changes to the CSI Program Handbook

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California Solar Initiative

On March 30th CSI Program Administrators (PG&E, SCE, and CCSE on behalf of SDG&E) jointly filed an Advice Letter to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) proposing revisions to the CSI Program Handbook

Purpose: In order to update specific sections in an attempt to clarify information and to remove repetitive language

Status: California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) Approved the Handbook Changes on 06/18/10

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California Solar InitiativeEquipment Eligibility: Add on Systems

Incorporated language that describes incentive eligibility for adding panels to an existing inverter.

This is only allowed if the new panel addition meets the requirement of a new system under the CSI Program.

•New Equipment

•Equipment must be listed on the CEC’s website

•Minimum of 1kW (CEC-AC)

•Original inverter funded by a SB 1 program

•NSHP, SASH, MASH or CSI

Affected Section(s): 2.2.1

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California Solar InitiativeEligibility of Replacement Systems

Only those systems that fall outside the warranty period given in either the Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP), California Energy Commission’s (CEC’s) Emerging Renewables Program (ERP) or Rebuild a Greener San Diego Program, are eligible for incentives through the California Solar Initiative.

Affected Section(s): 2.2.2

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California Solar InitiativeIncentive Eligibility – Interconnection to the Electric Utility Distribution System

Projects that have been interconnected to the utility grid for over twelve (12) months are not eligible to receive a CSI Incentive.

Affected Section(s): 2.6

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California Solar InitiativePerformance and Permanency Requirement

If a system is removed and re-installed within the same service territory from which it received its rebate, a mandatory inspection is required.

Failure to re-install a system within six (6) months from the date or removal requires the system owner to return the EPBB incentive.

Affected Section(s): 2.5

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California Solar InitiativeEquipment and Installation Warranty

All Solar Equipment must have a 10 year manufacturer performance warranty that guarantees the system output will not degrade more than 15% from the originally stated electrical generation output.

All contractors must provide a minimum 10-year warranty for no-cost repair and replacement of the system for any expenses not otherwise covered by the manufacturer and to protect the purchaser against more than 15% degradation of generation output that may occur as a result of faulty installation.

Affected Section(s): 2.4

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California Solar InitiativeTotal Eligible Project Costs

In cases in which an installation contract encompasses all costs associated with the installation of a solar generating system and additional measures such as energy efficiency, other renewable generating technologies, etc., the contractor must breakdown the costs for each measure separately.

Affected Section(s): 3.4.1

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California Solar InitiativeReportable Project Cost

Applicants must enter four (4) pre-determined cost components when applying for a CSI Incentive

•PV Module – the cost for the # of modules installed

•Inverter Cost – the cost for the # of inverters installed

•Permitting Fees – only include the cost of the permitting fees charged by the permitting agency

•Balance of the System – all other eligible costs associated with the installation of the PV system

Affected Section(s): 3.4.1.1

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California Solar InitiativeLimitations on Installed Cost – New Requirement

One of the goals of the CSI program is to support a reduction in PV system costs over time. It is the intent of this program to make steps towards this goal.

•Project shall not exceed two standard deviations above the average cost per watt or $14.70/watt, whichever is less

•A project may exceed the cost limit if documentation is provided to demonstrate that the project requires special configuration that will drive the cost up

Affected Section(s): 3.4.5

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California Solar InitiativeCSI Project Review – New Section

CSI Project Review includes the following:

•Onsite field inspections

•Application process review

•Review of all project application documentation

•Review of interconnection information

•Review of any other information about the Applicant's project that has been

received by the Program Administrators

• Review of PBI payment documentation (if applicable)

Program Administrators may issue infractions and failures for Onsite Field Inspections and/or Application Process Review.

Affected Section(s): 4.9 and 4.10

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California Solar InitiativeIssuance of Infractions

An infraction can be issued to any program participant for the following reasons but are not limited to:

•The incentive amount submitted in the Incentive Claim documentation differs from that of the inspection incentive results between 5-10%

•Neglecting to respond to requested information within the 20 daytime period on a consistent basis

•Neglecting to provide required documentation on a consistent basis, such as Host Customer Contact information

Affected Section(s): 4.9.2

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California Solar InitiativeIssuance of Failures

A failure can be issued to any program participant for the following reasons but are not limited to:

• The incentive amount submitted in the Incentive Claim documentation differs from that of the inspection incentive results greater than 10%

• 3 Infractions (as defined in section 4.9.2.1)• System found non-operational at the time of inspection due to

equipment failure• Installed PV modules, invertors and/or performance meters are

not on the CEC’s list of eligible equipment• Failing to disclose the actual contractor performing work on the

Installation Contract

Affected Section(s): 4.9.2

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California Solar InitiativeHost Customer Contact Information

A Host Customer’s email address is required in order for the CSI Program Administrators to send communications to the Host Customer

Affected Section(s): 4.2/4.3.1/4.4.1

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California Solar InitiativeSystem Size Changes Affecting the Incentive Amount

If the installed system is smaller in output than specified in the Reservation Request Package or Proof of Project Milestone, the incentive amount will be calculated using the installed system size.

If the installed system is larger than that originally specifiedin the Reservation Request Package or Proof of Project Milestone the incentive will be recalculated based upon the installed system size, with the incremental addition to the system receiving the current level of incentive.

Affected Section(s): 4.8

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California Solar InitiativeSubcontracts

In cases where a General Contractor subcontracts the Solar Installation on behalf of the Host Customer, the subcontract agreement will fulfill the requirements for the installation.

The subcontract must outline the requirements in Section 4.11.1.12

Affected Section(s): New Section

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California Solar InitiativeExtensions for School and/or Community College districts as well as UCs and CSUs

University of California Schools and California State Universities may be allowed to receive a maximum three extensions of 180 calendar days for each extensions.

Affected Section(s): 4.6.2

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California Solar InitiativePMRS Contracts

CSI Program Administrators reserve the right to request PMRS contracts.

Affected Section(s): 5

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ResourcesApplications:

www.pge.powerclerk.com

EPBB Calculation Tool:

www.csi-epbb.com

CSI Handbook:

www.gosolarcalifornia.ca.gov

Solar Classes:

www.pge.com/solarclasses

General Solar Inquiries:

1-877-PGE-4112www.pge.com/solar

PG&E CSI Hotline for Application Inquiries:

415-973-3480solar@pge.com

Energy Efficiency Information:

www.pge.com/myhome/saveenergymoney

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Questions