California Solar Initiative
1
Content
 General Overview of CSI
 What’s New
 CSI Status Update
 CSI Application Process
 CSI Inspections
 CSI Metering
2
General Overview of CSI
3
General Overview of CSI
 The California Solar Initiative (CSI) program is designed to
provide incentives for the installation and operation of solar
photovoltaic (PV) projects
•
•
•
•
•
•
Authorized by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and
Senate Bill 1
Total CSI budget of $2.165 billion authorized by CPUC
CPUC commitment to a long term 10-year program
Provides incentives to residential retrofit and non-residential retrofit and
new construction solar projects except for residential new construction
projects which will be funded through the CEC New Solar Homes
Partnership
Transitions from capacity based incentives to performance based
incentives
Replaces solar incentives previously offered through the SelfGeneration Incentive Program and CEC Emerging Renewables
Program
4
CSI Budget
 Total authorized CPUC CSI budget is $2.165 Billion
 Funded by electric distribution rates
 Regional CSI incentive budgets are as follows:
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
$946M
Southern California Edison Company
$996M
California Center for Sustainable Energy
$223M
5
CSI Eligible Customers

Eligible customer projects must be within the service territory of
and must receive retail level electric service from:
• Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E)
• Southern California Edison (SCE)
• San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E)
•
The California Center for Sustainable Energy administers the
CSI in the SDG&E Service Territory

Municipal electric utility customers are not eligible to receive
incentives

Municipal electric utilities are required to have a CSI solar
program for their customers starting in 2008
6
CSI Eligible Projects

Residential Retrofit Projects1

Non-Residential Retrofit and New Construction Projects

Minimum System Size of 1 kW

Maximum System Size of 5 MW

•
Incentives will be capped to the First MW
•
1 MW under SGIP and 1 MW under CSI allowed
•
Future system expansions allowed
Installed capacity at site may not exceed actual energy consumed during
previous 12 months
• Maximum System Capacity = 12-months previous kWh usage /
(0.18 x 8760 hr/year)
• New Construction and Future Load Growth must be substantiated
1) New construction residential projects administered by the CEC under
the New Solar Homes Partnership Program
7
CSI Installer & Warranty
Requirements
 CSI Installer Requirements
• Must be listed with Program Administrators to be eligible
• Self-Installations allowed
• Must have active A, B, C-10, or C-46 license
• Must maintain Commercial General Liability, Workers
Compensation and Auto Insurance requirements
• Refer to CSI Handbook:
• Section 2.1.4 - Installer Eligibility
• Section 2.6.2 - Installer Insurance Requirements
 CSI Warranty Requirements
• All systems must have minimum 10-year warranty covering
the solar generating system provided for no cost repair or
replacement
• Refer to CSI Handbook, Section 2.4
8
CSI Incentive Structure
As of January 1, 2007, the CSI program pays:
 Expected Performance-Based Buydown (EPBB)
incentives for PV projects < 100 kW
• EPBB is an up-front incentive based on an estimate of the
system's future performance
• EPBB combines the benefits of rewarding PV System
performance with the administrative simplicity of a one-time
incentive paid at the time of project installation
 Performance-Based Incentives (PBI) for
PV projects > 100 kW
• Monthly payments based on measured kWh output of solar
power produced over a 5-year period
9
Expected Performance
Based Buydown (EPBB)
 Applies to Systems < 100 kW
 Paid upfront, based on the following incentive rates
(based on current incentives reserved)
 EPBB Incentive = EPBB Incentive Rate x System
Rating x Design Factor
 Design Factor = Simulated solar output of proposed
system/Simulated solar output for optimal system
• Takes into consideration location, orientation, tilt and
shading effects on system performance
• EPBB Design Factor Tool: www.csi-epbb.com
10
Performance Based
Incentives (PBI)
 Applies to systems ≥100 kW
 Paid monthly over a 5-year period, based on the
following incentive rates:
 PBI Incentive = PBI Incentive Rate x Measured PV
System Energy Output
 Reservation Amount will vary by capacity factor used
• Reservation Amount = PBI Incentive Rate x .18 x
8760 x CSI System Size x 5 year (fixed systems)
• Reservation Amount = PBI Incentive Rate x .22 x
8760 x CSI System Size x 5 year (tracking systems)
 Customers may opt into PBI for systems < 100 kW
11
CSI Incentive Rates
Incentive structure:
 Rebates automatically decline based upon reservations reserved
 Higher rebates for non-taxable entities
PG&E (MW)
EPBB Payments (per Watt)
PBI Payments (per kWh)
Step
Res
NonRes
Residential
Commercial
Gov't /
Nonprofit
Residential
Commercial
Gov't /
Nonprofit
1
-
-
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
2
10.1
20.5
$2.50
$2.50
$3.25
$0.39
$0.39
$0.50
3
14.4
29.3
$2.20
$2.20
$2.95
$0.34
$0.34
$0.46
4
18.7
38.1
$1.90
$1.90
$2.65
$0.26
$0.26
$0.37
5
23.1
46.8
$1.55
$1.55
$2.30
$0.22
$0.22
$0.32
6
27.4
55.6
$1.10
$1.10
$1.85
$0.15
$0.15
$0.26
7
31
62.9
$0.65
$0.65
$1.40
$0.09
$0.09
$0.19
8
36.1
73.2
$0.35
$0.35
$1.10
$0.05
$0.05
$0.15
9
41.1
83.4
$0.25
$0.25
$0.90
$0.03
$0.03
$0.12
10
50.5
102.5
$0.20
$0.20
$0.70
$0.03
$0.03
$0.10
12
As of June 13, 2007
http://www.csi-trigger.com
13
Statewide Trigger Point Tracker
http://www.csi-trigger.com
14
What’s New
15
What’s New
 Recent TOU decision
 Next CSI Program Forum to be held on June
29th in Irwindale (Southern California)
 CSI Program Administrators hired technical
experts to asses incentives and filed CSI
Handbook changes on June 1, 2007
 Beta testing statewide database began in
June
16
Update on Time of Use
(TOU) Rate Requirements
 TOU tariffs are now optional for CSI applicants not otherwise
required to take service on TOU tariffs, until the new tariffs
CPUC develops requirements and approves new PG&E TOU
tariffs.
 Customers who have already applied for CSI rebates have the
option of remaining on their TOU rate schedule or returning to
their prior electricity rate schedule or an otherwise applicable
flat rate schedule for which they qualify.
 If customers were required to switch to a TOU rate schedule in
order to receive their CSI rebate, they may be eligible to
receive a credit for any difference between their bill under the
TOU rate schedule and a qualifying flat rate schedule.
17
CSI Status Update
18
Program Activity to date
CSI Applications
Received
40
0
45
0
50
0
495
30
0
35
0
319
240
25
0
Res Apps
15
0
20
0
Non-Res Apps
79
0
10
50
51
52
58
40
37
11
39120
39148
39179
39209
11
240
79
319
495
Non-Res Apps
37
52
40
51
58
0
39089
Res Apps
As of June 13, PG&E has received over 1500 CSI applications and
issued payments totaling ~$175,000.
19
Program Activity to date
2007 CSI Applications
Forecast & Actuals
700
641
640
642
639
615
600
572
553
532
495
544
550
529
578
543
475
500
400
617
370
292
319
300
240
200
119
100
0
Totals:
Projected Total: 5,748
Residential:
4,894
79
48
11
Jan-07
Feb-07
Mar-07
Apr-07
May-07
Jun-07
Revised Projected
Jul-07
Aug-07
Sep-07
Oct-07
Nov-07
Dec-07
Res
20
Annual PG&E Solar
Interconnections
To tal NEM Applicatio ns Received
1000
900
2004
2005
2006
2007
Applic at ions Rec eiv ed
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
As of May 31, 2007, 16,318 PG&E customers have
installed 135.9 MW of solar generation
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January
0
21
Annual PG&E Solar
Interconnections
5000
4500
4316
4000
3500
3098
Installations
3000
2815
2500
1864
2000
1500
1277
1000
597
500
70
0
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
22
CSI Application Process
23
Energy Efficiency Requirements
 Host Customers must perform an energy efficiency
audit to be eligible for CSI incentives
 Host Customer are exempt if they:
•
•
•
Provide documentation of an energy efficiency audit
performed at the facility in the last three years
Submit proof of Title 24 energy efficiency compliance within
the past three years Measurement & Evaluation
Demonstrate the have one of the following two national
certifications of energy efficiency for the facility:
•
•
Energy Star
LEED
24
Energy Efficiency Requirements
 PG&E audits:
• Residential audits:
• Phone Audit: Call the Smarter Energy Line (SEL) at 1-800-933-9555
• On line: Home Energy Analyzer
• Non-Residential audits:
• Phone Audit: Call the Business Customer Center (BCC) at 1-800-4684PGE(4743)
• On line audits: Business Energy Analyzer
• Onsite: Contact your local Pacific Gas and Electric Company division
Account Representative, or call the Business Customer Center at 1-800468-4PGE (4743)
• Agricultural Pump Tests:
• Onsite: Contact the Agricultural Pumping Efficiency Program at 1-800-8456038
 Third party provided audits are acceptable provided:
•
At the customers expense
25
CSI EPBB Tool and Online
Application Tool
 CSI EPBB Tool:
• Developed by AESC
• Questions & Comments: [email protected]
 CSI Online Application Tool
• Clean Power Research PowerClerk
26
EPBB Tool: Key CPUC Decision Orders
• All systems oriented between 180º and 270º, facing
south, southwest, and west, will be treated equally.
• An “optimal reference orientation tilt” optimized for
summer production.
• An “optimal reference latitude tilt” that relates to local
latitude.
• Location-specific criteria which account for weather
variation and varying degrees of solar insolation,
based on local climate and geography.
27
How to Access the EPBB Tool
• http://www.csi-epbb.com
• Compatible w/ Major PC &
Mac Browsers
– Internet Explorer
– Opera
– Fire Fox
– Safari
28
3-Step vs. 2-Step
Reservation Process



3-Step Reservation Process
• Non-Residential System size >10 kW
• Subject to Application Fee of 1% of Requested Incentive Amount
• Customers may opt-in to Expedited 3-Step
2-Step Reservation Process
• Residential System of any size
• Non-Residential Systems <10 kW
• No Application Fee
Reservation Period
• 12-months for retrofit projects
• 18-months for new construction/government/non-profit
All forms available at www.pge.com/csi
Refer to CSI Handbook, Section 4.1
29
3 Step Process
Step 1: Reservation Request
Completed Reservation Request Application with Original Signature
Proof of Electric Utility Service for Site
System Description Worksheet
Electrical System Sizing Documentation (new/expanded load only)
Application Fee (1% of EPBB Incentive Amount)
Certification of tax-exempt status and AB1407 compliance (Gov't and Nonprofit only)
Documentation of an Energy Efficiency Audit (if you have not met Title 24 or other exemptions)
Printout of EPBB Tool Calculation (www.csi-epbb.com)
Refer to CSI Handbook, Section 4.2
30
3 Step Process
Step 2: Proof of Project Milestone
Completed Proof of Project Milestone Checklist
Host Customer Certificate of Insurance
System Owner Certificate of Insurance (if different than Host Customer)
Copy of Completed Interconnection Application
Copy of executed contract for system purchase and installation
Copy of executed alternative System Ownership agreement (if System Owner is different than Host
Customer)
Project Cost Breakdown Worksheet
Revised System Sizing Calculations (If applicable)
Revised Incentive Calculation Worksheet (If applicable)
CSI Program Contract with Original Signature
Copy of RFP or solicitation (Government, Non-profit, and Public Entities only)
Refer to CSI Handbook, Section 4.2
31
3 Step Process
Step 3: Incentive Form Package
Complete Incentive Claim Form with Original Signatures
Proof of Authorization to Interconnect and Final Interconnection Agreement
Copy of Building Permit and Final Inspection sign-off
Proof of Warranty
Final Project Cost Breakdown Worksheet
Final Project Cost Affidavit
Refer to CSI Handbook, Section 4.7.2
32
2 Step Process
Step 1: Reservation Request
Completed Reservation Request Application with Original Signature on CSI program
Contract
Proof of Electric Utility Service for Site
System Description Worksheet
Electrical System Sizing Documentation (new/expanded load only)
Certification of tax-exempt status and AB1407 compliance (Gov't and Nonprofit
only)
Documentation of an Energy Efficiency Audit (if you have not met Title 24 or other
exemptions)
Printout of EPBB Tool Calculation (www.csi-epbb.com)
Copy of Executed Agreement of Solar System Purchase and Installation
Copy of Executed Alternative System Ownership Agreement (If System Owner is
Different from Host Customer)
Copy of Application for Interconnection Agreement
Refer to CSI Handbook, Section 4.1
33
2 Step Process
Step 2: Reservation Confirmation and Claim
Complete Incentive Claim Form with Original Signatures
Proof of Authorization to Interconnect and Final Interconnection Agreement
Copy of Building Permit and Final Inspection sign-off
Proof of Warranty
Final Project Cost Breakdown Worksheet
Final Project Cost Affidavit
Refer to CSI Handbook, Section 4.1
34
Avoid Common Mistakes
• Include host customer e-mail information
• If a customer is a public entity, be sure to provide the AB1407
letter
• If a customer is a non-profit, be sure to provide confirmation
that the system will not be receiving tax benefits
• In the “Applicant” section, please provide a contact for the
person who will be handling the paperwork and data
requests.
• Please provide future load documentation for non-residential
new construction or added load projects.
• Whenever possible, include the application fee check with
the initial application
35
CSI Inspection Process
36
CSI Inspections
 Inspections will check for:
• Verification that equipment nameplates and counts
match those submitted on the Incentive Claim Form
• Measurements to verify that system tilt, orientation,
and shading values are consistent with values used in
the EPBB calculator and submitted along with the
Incentive Claim Form
• Verification that system is operational and output is
reasonable for conditions at time of inspection
37
Common Mistakes
 Azimuth
• Not corrected for magnetic declination
• Compass used near metal or magnet
• Bad compass
 Shading
• Misunderstanding of “minimal shading”
• Incorrect shading analysis
38
Avoiding Mistakes
 Azimuth
• Add magnetic declination to compass reading
• Stay 10-15 ft. away from metal or magnets
• Check reading against tools like GoogleEarth
 Shading
• Minimal shading requires at least 2:1 distance to
height ratio (equal to 27° altitude angle)
• Account for tilt & azimuth in shading analysis
39
Failed Inspections
 Material mechanical failure: A failure that results in a
decline in the expected performance of the system (i.e., one
or more of the system components is not operating
properly).
 Immaterial mechanical failure: minor failures that can be
corrected within 60 days.
 Material compliance failure: the system as verified does not
match the application’s stated system and/or the system
does not meet the CSI program eligibility requirements (i.e.,
the EPBB characteristics are incorrect, the system
components or number of components are incorrect, etc.)
 Immaterial compliance failure: failures that have no impact
on the expected performance of the system and can be
corrected within 60 days (i.e. submission of erroneous
system data)
Refer to CSI Handbook, Section 2.10.1
40
Failed Inspections
 If an entity fails 3 inspections, they will be disqualified
from the CSI Program
 Failed inspection for mechanical failures: 60 calendar
days will be allowed to bring the system into
compliance after a failed inspection, subject to reinspection
 High volume installers (> 200 installed systems per
year):
•
If the installer accumulates two strikes, the entity will be
placed on probation. If no additional strikes are accumulated
within the first year, their first strike is removed and they
continue on probation until the second strike’s probation year
ends. If they acquire no additional strikes, the second strike
is removed, and they will be restored to a zero-strike status.
Refer to CSI Handbook, Section 2.10.1
41
CSI Inspections Forms
42
CSI Metering
43
Meter Requirements
All Systems Must Have Metering &
Performance Monitoring
• Meters are separate from utility revenue meters
• Must have 5-yrs of performance monitoring service
• Subject to certain exemptions (See Table 16 in CSI Handbook)
Meter Costs
• Customer must bear all costs for metering and 5 years of data
communication and performance monitoring service
• Costs not to exceed 1% of system costs for 30kW and below,
0.5% above 30kW (See Table 16 for exemptions)
EPBB vs. PBI Accuracy Requirements
• EPBB < 10 kW: +/- 5% accurate (inverter meters allowed)
• EPBB > 10 kW & All PBI: +/- 2% accurate
44
CSI Handbook
Table 16
Metering Summary
5% Meter
(Inverter Integrated)
2% Meter
(Standalone Meter)
PMRS
Required
Optional
Required*
EPBB ≥ 10kW and <20 kW
N/A
Required
Required*
EPBB > 20 kW
N/A
Required
Required
EPBB < 10kW
PBI (All System Sizes)
N/A
Required
Required
Notes:
• PMRS stands for Performance Monitoring and Reporting System
*Required unless the cost of the PMRS fall above the cost cap (the cost of the minimum metering,
communication, and reporting system over the first five years for each solar installation size grouping shall
be less than 1% of total installed cost for systems up to 30 k and 0.5% for larger systems. See CPUC
Decision D.06-08-028). The customer seeking exemption must demonstrate to the Program Administrator
that they were not able to satisfy the metering requirements within the applicable cost cap.
N/A = Not Applicable
Refer to CSI Handbook, Section 2.8 and Appendix B
45
Meter Data Requirements
Two Separate Data Streams:
 Performance Data to Customer
•
Daily, hourly or “real-time” performance data to customer
•
Data maintained by Performance Monitoring & Reporting
Service (PMRS) provider per Handbook requirements
•
Only PMRS providers listed with the CEC currently eligible
 PBI Data to Program Administrator
•
Monthly kWh produced 15-min. interval data
•
Submitted via approved “Performance Data Provider” (PDP)
•
Program Administrators developing PDP requirements
•
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) 867 format (proposed)
46
Meter Installation
Options
 Customers may contract with utility or qualified 3rd
party providers.
•
Can use any qualified provider for the meter installation, so long
as the meter is CEC-approved & installed to NEC and applicable
local codes.
•
We recommend using experienced meter installers for safety &
reliability reasons. (See CPUC web site for certified Meter Service
Providers)
•
Customer responsible for installing meter socket for utilityprovided meters.
 Customers should decide early in the process who
will provide meter, MDMA & PMRS services to avoid
delays, minimize cost and ensure compatibility.
47
Meter Requirements Update
 Petition to Modify submitted on March 5th (PG&E,
CCSE, CalSEIA, PV Now, Vote Solar Initiative,
SMA America)
 If approved, Petition would modify CSI as follows:
• All EPBB customers allowed to use inverter meters.
• Remove cost cap for all PBI customers & confirm 2%
meter requirement for all PBI, regardless of size.
• Remove requirement for PMRS providers to be
independent of solar vendors & installers.
 Awaiting CPUC action
48
Meter & PMRS Links
 Eligible Equipment, MSP’s, MDMA’s, and
PMRS Listings
• Eligible Meters – Listed on CEC website:
http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/cgibin/eligible_meters.cgi
• MSP – Listing on CPUC website:
http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/static/energy/electric/electric
+markets/metering/msps.htm
• MDMA – Listed on CPUC website:
http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/static/energy/electric/electric
+markets/metering/mdmas.htm
• PMRS – Listed on CEC website:
http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/erprebate/mo
nitors+rsp.html
49
Website Resources
• PG&E Solar Website: www.pge.com/solar
• PG&E CSI Website: www.pge.com/csi
• CPUC Solar Website:
www.gosolarcalifornia.ca.gov
• Locate Solar Installers: www.find.solar.com
• CEC PV Eligible Technologies:
http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/erpreb
ate/equipment.html
50
Additional PG&E Resources
Pacific Energy Center and Stockton Training Center:
 Solar Classes: http://www.pge.com/solarclasses/
•
•
•
•
Basics of Photovoltaic (PV) Systems for Grid-Tied
Applications
Solar Water Heating Systems
Field Verification and Diagnostic Testing of Photovoltaic
Systems for HERS Raters
Understanding Financial Analysis Methods for Photovoltaic
(PV) Systems
 Diagnostic Tool Lending Library
•
•
•
•
Solar Pathfinder
Solmetric SunEye
All tool requests must be submitted online via our online tool
request form at www.pge.com/pec. The Request to Borrow
Tools link at the top of the page brings borrower to our online
tool request form.
We request 2 to 3 days lead time for tool requests.
51
PG&E Contact Information
 Website: www.pge.com/csi
 Email Address: [email protected]
 Contact Person:
Program Manager, Telephone: (800) 743-5000
 Fax: (415) 973-8300
 Mailing Address:
PG&E Integrated Processing Center
California Solar Initiative Program
P.O. Box 7265
San Francisco, CA 94120-7265
52
Generation Interconnection
Services
53
GIS Role
• One point of contact for customer (or authorized
agent) with regard to interconnecting systems
• Coordinate various activities, including engineering,
metering, and contract administration
• Responsible to ensure system is installed as design
indicates and operating according to Rule 21
• Two types of solar interconnections: NEM and nonNEM options
54
Process Improvement
• Change in AC disconnect requirement policy –
November 2006
• NEM-MT has been approved to simplify projects with
solar combined with other generation technologies
• Underway: simplification of application, to be
combined with the Agreement for NEM
55
Interconnection Application
and Agreement
• A separate application and process from CSI
(recently updated)
• Process runs parallel with CSI/SGIP
• Application must be complete and include required
documents for review
• Execute Inspection and Interconnection Agreement
before a system is permitted to operate
56
Project Review
Analysis of system
Protection
Metering (revenue
meter)
Net Gen Meter
(NGOM)
AC Disconnect
NEM
Single-line diagram (SLD)
n/a in most cases
Bi-directional required
Non-NEM
SLD, Site Diagram
Larger systems/interconnection at
which level (distribution vs
transmission)
No metering change
Dependent upon size and/or selection (EPBB vs PBI); meter must
conform to standards
Self-contained meter – not required; Transformer-rated meterrequired (Table 7-3, 2007 PG&E “Green Book”)
57
Inspection
• Check system to ensure built as designed (matches
SLD)
• Install bi-directional meter (NEM)
• Verify installation of AC disconnect and appropriate
signage (if required)
• Install Net Gen Output Meter, if needed
58
Overall Timeline
• NEM projects- generally less than 30 business days
• Non-NEM- within 60 days, if all required
docs/signatures and construction is on schedule
59
December
November
2006
October
2005
September
2004
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January
A pplic at ions Rec eiv ed
Total NEM Applications Received
1000
900
800
2007
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
60
December
November
2006
October
2005
September
2004
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January
M o n th l y In te r c o n n e c ti o n s
Total NEM Interconnections
600
2007
500
400
300
200
100
0
61
May
Application Count
(Standard & Expanded)
600
500
438
400
300
200
100
9
5
Over 12 to 30
Over 30
0
Within 12
62
Resources
• Standard NEM:
http://www.pge.com/suppliers_purchasing/new_gener
ator/solar_wind_generators/standard_e_net/
• Expanded NEM:
http://www.pge.com/suppliers_purchasing/new_gener
ator/solar_wind_generators/expanded_e_net/
• Non-NEM projects:
http://www.pge.com/suppliers_purchasing/new_gener
ator/retail_generators/
• Contact: [email protected], or 415-972-5676
63