HomeMy WebLinkAbout7.3 Solar Initiative~~~~ Off' nU~~~
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DATE:
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT
STAFF REPORT
CITY COUNCIL
CITY CLERK
File #530-10
February 7, 2012
Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
~~
Joni Pattillo, City Manager ° ~'
Authorization to Apply for California Solar Initiative Grant Funding
Prepared by Roger Bradley, Assistant to the City Manager
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The City Council will consider authorizing the application for grant funding to offset the costs of
possible future installation of solar power generation projects at City of Dublin facilities.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The cost to the City to apply for the grant funding is $31,250, which will be refunded if the City is
not selected for a grant award. A Budget Change, in the amount of $31,250, will be necessary
as no funds have been appropriated for this purpose in the current budget. It is proposed that
the appropriation utilize Reserves designated for Innovations and New Opportunities.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council authorize the application for California Solar Initiative
Grant funding; and approve the Budget Change.
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Submitted By"
Assistant to the City Manager
DESCRIPTION:
~,
Reviewed By
Assistant City Manager
On May 3, 2011, the City Council authorized the City Manager to enter into an agreement with
Chevron Energy Solutions to conduct a comprehensive energy audit of all the City's facilities.
During the past several months, Staff and Chevron have worked diligently to complete this
project and Staff and Chevron are in the final stages of preparing the audit report. During the
course of completing the study, Staff was approached by Chevron with atime-sensitive
opportunity to put a place holder on grant funding through the California Solar Initiative (CSI).
Previously, funding for the CSI Program has been exhausted, but unexpectedly, the State of
California decided to fund the program for another year.
Page 1 of 2 ITEM NO. 7.3
The CSI program is overseen by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and
provides incentives for solar system installations to customers of the state's three investor-
owned utilities (IOUs): Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), Southern California Edison
(SCE) and San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E). The CSI Program provides upfront incentives
for solar systems installed on existing residential homes, as well as existing and new
commercial, industrial, government, non-profit, and agricultural properties within the service
territories of the IOUs (Attachment 1).
As funding for this program is highly competitive, getting an application in as early as possible to
reserve the funds is important. As the City is in the final process of completing the energy audit,
Chevron Energy Solutions has offered to submit an application on behalf of the City to get the
City in the queue and reserve funds, should the City decide to pursue any solar projects that
may be recommended within the energy audit. Chevron estimates that the City may be eligible
for as much as $590,000, based on the probable size of the potential solar generation systems
considered within the draft energy audit for various City facilities. There is an application fee to
apply in the amount of $31,250, which would be refunded at the completion of any potential
project. If the City were to be successful in receiving the full grant amount ($590,000), those
funds would be received in monthly installments over a 60 month period (about $9,800 per
month). The City would have 30 days to pay the application fee after submittal of the application.
The $31,250 funding for the grant application deposit is proposed to be appropriated from the
Committed Fund Balance for Innovations and New Opportunities as approved by the City
Council. City Council action is required to appropriate funding from this source. Staff is
requesting that the City Council approve the budget change (Attachment 2).
NOTICING REQUIREMENTS/PUBLIC OUTREACH:
None.
ATTACHMENTS: 1. California Solar Initiative Grant Information.
2. Budget Change Form.
Page 2 of 2
1. Introduction: California Solar Initiative Program
1.1 Program Overview
The California Solar Initiative (CSI) is overseen by the California Public Utilities Commission
(CPUC or Commission) and provides incentives to customers in investor-owned utility (IOU)
territories of Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), Southern California Edison (SCE), and
San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E). These three utilities represent about 68 percent of
California's electric load. The CSI provides cash back for solar energy systems for existing
homes, as well as existing and new commercial, industrial, government, non-profit, and
agricultural properties -within the service territories of the three above-listed IOUs. The CSI has
a budget of $2,167 million over 10 years, and the goal is to reach 1,940 megawatts (MVO of
installed solar capacity by 2016. This goal includes 1,750 MW from the general market (GM)
CSI program, which provides incentives for photovoltaic (PV) and other solar electric generating
technologies. The goal also includes 190 MW from the two low-income residential incentive
programs, the Multifamily Affordable Solar Housing (MASH) Program and the Single-family
Affordable Solar Homes (SASH) Program.
This CSI Program Handbook describes the detailed requirements for receiving funding for the
installation of solar energy system projects under the CPUC-managed incentive programs,
including the MASH and SASH Programs. Note that SASH Program details are found in its
Handbook, attached hereto as Appendix E.
The CSI Program builds on nearly 10 years of State solar rebates offered to customers in
California IOU territories. Former solar incentive programs included the Emerging Renewables
Program (ERP) and the Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP). In August 2004, Governor
Schwarzenegger widened State support for solar generation technologies and announced the
Million Solar Roofs program. In 2006, the CPUC collaborated with the California Energy
Commission (CEC) to develop the framework of the CSI Program through 2016. In August
2006, Governor Schwarzenegger signed Senate Bill 1 (Murray), which authorized the CPUC's
CSI Program.' In January 1, 2007, the CSI Program launched and began operating under the
CSI Program Handbook. PG&E and SCE act as Program Administrators (PAs) in their
respective service territories, and the California Center for Sustainable Energy (GCSE) is the PA
in SDG&E territory. The CEC separately administers the New Solar Homes Partnership
(NSHP) Program for residential new construction -and they have a separate program
handbook. California's publicly owned utilities administer solar programs in their respective
territories.
1.1.1 CSI Program Budget
The total CSI Program budget is $2,167 million, $1,950 million for the GM CSI Program, $108.3
million for the MASH Program and $108.3 million for the SASH Program. The CSI Program
budget as authorized by the CPUC for each Program Administrator is shown in Table 1
(numbers rounded). Program Goals for capacity were originally established by the Commission
in 2006 in Decision (D.) 06-12-033. The program budget for incentives was also established in
D.06-12-033, and modified in 2010 in D.10-09-046.
~ Chapter 132, Statutes of 2006 (SB 1, Murray)
California Solar Initiative Program Handbook
The CSI Program will be offered until the Program Administrator territory megawatt targets have
been reached or until the allocated incentive budget for each Program Administrator territory
has been spent, whichever occurs first. CSI projects will not receive a reservation if funding is
not available and will be placed on a waitlist.
Once the incentive budget becomes fully subscribed within each Program Administrator
territory, the incentive amount per application will be capped at the reserved amount in Step 1
(Reservation Request step). System modifications resulting in an increase in the incentive
amount during the PPM or ICF step will not be paid.
Conversely, if the system modification results in a decrease in the incentive amount during the
ICF step, the lower of the PPM confirmed reservation amount and the revised incentive will be
paid.
Table 1
CSI Program Budget by Program Administrator, 2007-2016 ($ millions)
Program
Administrator % of Total
Budget Budget
(in millions)
PG&E 43.7% $ 946
SCE 46.0% $ 996
CCSEZ/SDG&E 10.3% $ 223
Total 100% $ 2,165
1.1.1.2 Mechanisms to Forecast Remaining GM CSI Budget Funds
Due to budgetary constraints (D.10.09.046), the Program Administrators may be unable to
guarantee a CSI incentive once CSI funding becomes expended for a specific customer sector
of a Program Administrator's territory. Hence, the CSI Program Administrators created a CSI
Weekly Budget Report which provides a snapshot of the forecasted remaining incentive budget,
including the amount of funds and megawatts remaining in each sector, as well as an estimate
of how far the remaining incentive budget will last through the step table. The CSI Weekly
Budget Report is available on the California Solar Statistics website:
hl:hlp:// .callii~oirniiasollairsl:al:iisl:iics.oir/ireoirts/buda~el: ~oirecaslJ .
Given the high levels of program participation, the rapid pace of incentive steps reduction and
the fact that payments to PBI participants are greater than forecasted in D.06-08-028, a "buffer"
must be established to assure that adequate funds are available to provide incentive payments
for overproducing PBI projects. The CSI PAs collectively agreed to set aside a certain percent of
the currently available funds. The method for calculating the PA specific incentive dollars
anticipated was performed by aggregating all currently committed Residential and Non-
Residential PBI incentives in PowerClerk, and then multiplying it by 1.06 (a 6% increase). The
2 CCSE is administering the program in SDG&E utility territory.
California Solar Initiative Program Handbook 2
6% reserve amount is a value derived from the Itron impact evaluation study published in the 4tn
quarter of 2010. The Itron study found on an aggregate basis that there was a 6% higher
capacity factor for all the PBI projects that were reviewed. Given that PBI project overproduction
has demonstrated high variability throughout the PA service territories, each PA may choose to
adjust their respective overproduction incentive reserve amount and set aside an additional
amount to the "buffer" to ensure the incentive budget is not overspent.
Remaining incentive funds have been forecasted in the Weekly Budget Report to determine at
which step funds would be exhausted after applying the 6% reserve for each CSI PA's
respective sectors (Residential and Non-Residential). However, it does not include the buffer
adjusted for each PA territory.
The methodology used to forecast the amount of MW incentivized by the remaining funds,
utilized the current participation rates in each of the PAs respective EPBB/PBI and Customer
Sectors (Residential/Commercial/Government/Non-Profit). Under the assumption that the
current participation rates will continue for the foreseeable future the remaining incentive funds
have been determined for each PAs currently unsubscribed steps.
1.1.2 Eligible Customer Segments and MW Targets
All customer segments are eligible for the CSI Program. Table 2 shows the MWs expected to be
generated by customer sector in the GM CSI Program. An additional 190 MW is expected from
the residential MASH and SASH Programs, for a total of 1,940 MW of installed solar capacity by
2016.3 GM CSI MW targets for each PA are shown in Table 3 below (numbers rounded).
Customer sectors are residential and non-residential. Customer segments include residential,
commercial, and government and non-profit. For the purpose of the CSI Program, the
commercial segment includes agricultural and industrial customers.
Table 2
GM CSI MW Target Allocations by Customer Sector
Customer Sector MW Percent
Residential 578 33%
Non-Residential 1173 67%
Total 1,750 100%
1.1.3 Currently Applicable Incentive Levels, MW Targets
and Step Triggers for CSI Program
The currently applicable incentive levels available in each PA territory are available at www.csi-
trigger.com. The incentive levels available through the GM CSI Program are divided into 10
"steps". Each step is for a targeted amount of MWs. As the program receives reservations in
3 Currently, the GM CSI program is scheduled to end December 31, 2016, and the MASH and SASH programs end
December 31, 2015.
California Solar Initiative Program Handbook 3
each step, it works towards the "trigger" when the next step (i.e., a lower incentive level) is
offered. The incentive levels available reduce automatically over the duration of the program
based on the volume of MW of solar reservations issued. Projects are counted toward the MW
goals once they are deemed eligible, have paid an application fee (if applicable), and have
received notice their reservation has been approved. CSI Incentive levels available at any
particular time may vary by PA service territory, depending on the pace of solar demand in that
territory. Additionally, incentive levels may differ for residential and non-residential customer
sectors based on the demand by each. Table 3 displays the incentives available for each "step"
by PA service territory and customer sector. The incentive levels for the low-income residential
programs are not subject to change based on MW Targets and Step Triggers, but at the
discretion of the CPUC, may be lowered or raised based on market changes.
Table 3
GM CSI MW Targets by Program Administrator and Customer Class
PG&E (MW) SCE (MW) CCSE (MW)
Step MW
in
Step
Res
Non-
Res
Res
Non-
Res
Res
Non-
Res
1 50 - - - - - -
2 70 10.1 20.5 10.6 21.6 2.4 4.8
3 100 14.4 29.3 15.2 30.8 3.4 6.9
4 130 18.7 38.1 19.7 40.1 4.4 9.0
5 160 23.1 46.8 24.3 49.3 5.4 11.0
6 190 27.4 55.6 28.8 58.6 6.5 13.1
7 215 31.0 62.9 32.6 66.3 7.3 14.8
8 250 36.1 73.2 38.0 77.1 8.5 17.3
9 285 41.1 83.4 43.3 87.8 9.7 19.7
10 350 50.5 102.5 53.1 107.9 11.9 24.2
Total 1750 252.4 512.3 265.6 539.5 59.5 120.8
Total by
Utility
764.8
805.0
180.3
Percent 43.7% 46.0% 10.3%
1.1.4 Incentive Structure
The GM CSI Program offers two types of incentives: Expected Performance Based Buydown
(EPBB) and Performance Based Incentives (PBI). The EPBB incentives are paid based on
verified solar energy system characteristics such as location, system size, shading, and
orientation. The PBI incentive is a flat cents-per-kWh payment for all output from a solar energy
system over its initial five years of operation. The amount of the EPBB or PBI incentive depends
on which incentive payment levels will be reduced automatically over the duration of the CSI
Program in 10 steps, based on the volume of MW of solar reservations issued by each Program
Administrator. The EPBB and PBI levels are directly tied to the 10 steps as outlined in Table 4.
See Sections 1.5 (Getting Paid) and 3.1 (GM CSI Program Incentive Trigger Mechanism) for
more detail. Incentive information for the MASH and SASH Programs is found in Section 1.1.5
California Solar Initiative Program Handbook 4
(Special Funding for Low Income Projects). To find the incentive rate currently available in your
Program Administrator's service territory, see www.csi-trigger.com.
Table 4
GM CSI PBI and EPBB Payment Amounts by Step
EBPP Payments
(per watt) PBI Payments
(per kWh)
MW
Step Statewide
MW in
Step
Residential
Commercial
Govt/
Nonprofit
Residential
Commercial
Govt/
Nonprofit
1 50 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
2 70 $ 2.50 $ 2.50 $ 3.25 $ 0.39 $ 0.39 $ 0.50
3 100 $ 2.20 $ 2.20 $ 2.95 $ 0.34 $ 0.34 $ 0.46
4 130 $ 1.90 $ 1.90 $ 2.65 $ 0.26 $ 0.26 $ 0.37
5 160 $ 1.55 $ 1.55 $ 2.30 $ 0.22 $ 0.22 $ 0.32
6 190 $ 1.10 $ 1.10 $ 1.85 $ 0.15 $ 0.15 $ 0.26
7 215 $ 0.65 $ 0.65 $ 1.40 $ 0.09 $ 0.09 $ 0.19
8 250 $ 0.35 $ 0.35 $ 1.10 $ 0.05 $ 0.05 $ 0.15
9 285 $ 0.25 $ 0.25 $ 0.90 $ 0.03 $ 0.03 $ 0.12
10 350 $ 0.20 $ 0.20 $ 0.70 $ 0.03 $ 0.03 $ 0.10
*The first 50 MW are allocated under the 2008 SGIP and are not pro-rated by customer class or service territory.
1.1.5 Special Funding for Low Income Programs
The CPUC has allocated 10 percent of the overall CSI Program budget, or $216 million, to
incentives for affordable housing/low-income residents. This amount is divided equally between
two programs, one for single-family residences (SASH) and one for multifamily residences
(MASH). The CPUC adopted the framework for the SASH Program in Commission Decision
(D.) 07-11-045, and for the MASH in D.08-10-036.
The MASH Program offers incentives for solar energy system installations on existing
multifamily affordable housing that meets the definition of low-income residential housing
established in Pub. Util. Code § 2852.a.2. There were two tracks originally offered in the MASH
program. Track 1 and Track 2. As a result of the higher demand of the Track 1 incentive
program, D.11-07-031 reallocated all unreserved Track 2 incentive budget to Track 1 and
closed the Track 2 program
Track 1 provides fixed, up front, capacity-based EPBB incentives. It offers two incentive levels,
Track 1A for systems that offsets common area load and Track 1 B for systems that offsets
tenant load. D.11-07-031 reduced the Track 1 incentive levels for any new MASH Reservation
Requests that are reviewed after July 14, 2011. Please see Table 6 for Track 1A and 1 B
incentive levels.
California Solar Initiative Program Handbook
Table 5
MASH Track 2 Incentive Budget Allocations
SCE PG&E CCSE
MASH Track 2 Budget MASH Track 2 Budget MASH Track 2 Budget
$9,200,000 $8,740,000 $2,060,000
Maximum Award Per Cycle Maximum Award Per Cycle Maximum Award Per Cycle
$1, 840, 000 $1, 748, 000 $412, 000
The SASH Program provides fully subsidized 1 kW solar energy systems to single-family very
low-income households and highly subsidized systems to other single-family low-income
households (both as defined in Pub. Util. Code § 2852). GRID Alternatives, anon-profit solar
organization, manages the SASH Program4 on the Commission's behalf.
All incentives offered through the MASH and SASH Programs are EPBB. There are no PBI
payments for these programs. MASH and SASH incentive rates are fixed and will not increase
or decrease based on "triggers" as for the GM CSI Program. Tables 6 and 7 below outline
MASH and SASH EPBB payment amounts.
Table 6
MASH EPBB Payment Amounts by Track
Track 1A Track 1B Tenant Track 2
Common Area (per watt) (per watt)
(per watt)
Reservation Requests $ 3.30 $ 4.00 $ Varies
Reviewed before July
14, 2011
Reservation Requests $1.90 $2.80 closed
Reviewed on and after
July 14, 2011
Table 7
SASH EPBB Payment Amounts*
Federal Income Qualifying Low- Qualifying Low-
Tax Income CARE Eligible Income Homeowners
Liability Homeowners not eligible for CARE
er watt er watt
$0 $7.00 $5.75
$1 to $1000 $6.50 $5.25
a The SASH Program Handbook is attached hereto as Appendix E.
California Solar Initiative Program Handbook
$1001 + $6.00 $4.75
* EPBB Payments for SASH Applicants qualifying for partial subsidies. Fully subsidized projects
are also available for qualifying very low-income households.
Application forms for these two programs are available online at Go Solar California
(www.GoSolarCalifornia.ca.gov). SASH information and materials are also available from Grid
Alternatives (www.gridalternatives.org; (866) 921-4696; SASH(a~gridalternatives.org).
1.1.6 Other Solar Electric Generating Technologies
Other solar electric generating technologies include, but are not limited to, electric displacing
solar thermal (generally defined as solar forced air heating and solar cooler or air conditioning)
and electric generating solar thermal (generally defined as dish Stirling, solar trough and
concentrating solar technologies). The CPUC has included the budget for other solar electric
generating technologies within the overall CSI budget, but capped the budget for electric
displacing solar electric generating technologies at $100.8 million. Any MW from other solar
electric generating technologies will be counted toward and paid at the currently applicable step
level. Non-PV systems are not eligible for SASH Program incentives.
1.2 California Solar Initiative Statewide Eligibility
Nearly all residential, commercial, government and non-profit customers of the state's three
investor-owned electric utilities-SCE, PG&E and SDG&E-are eligible for the incentives
provided through the California Solar Initiative for solar energy systems from 1 kilowatt (kW) up
to 1 MW.
Customers of municipal utilities may also qualify for similar incentives through their municipal
service provider.
1.3 CSI Application Process
The CSI application process is simple. It begins by completing a quick, free energy efficiency
audit. After doing so, select a Solar Contractor, who will then help you determine the correct
system size for your premises. They also will fill out the incentive Reservation Request Package
and submit it to one of the Program Administrators-SCE, PG&E or CCSE (for SDG&E
customers). The Program Administrator will then reserve the incentive amount based on the
size of your solar project.
Once your system is installed, you or your Solar Contractor will contact the utility for permission
to connect your system to its electric grid. After your system is inspected and approved, you or
your Solar Contractor will fill out the Incentive Claim Form (ICF) package and submit it to the
Program Administrator for payment. Then you will receive a check from the PA for your
incentive amount.
California Solar Initiative Program Handbook
More information about the California Solar Initiative is available from our
-~ = Consumer Guide, available at
,~~,
_, r ~ http://www.gosolarcalifornia.ca.gov/tools/marketing/csi_prgm_info_guide.php.
1.4 Getting Started with Solar
1. Energy Efficiency Self-Audit: Right-Size Your System
Making your home or business energy efficient before you Go Solar is an essential first step.
Energy-saving actions-such as changing incandescent bulbs to compact fluorescent lamps
(CFCs), and replacing old, inefficient appliances-are the best way to save energy and money
while providing real, lasting benefits to the environment.
Energy efficiency measures also help reduce the size of the solar energy system you need,
saving you thousands of dollars in up-front installation costs.
You will need to complete a simple energy efficiency survey or audit of your home or business
prior to applying for CSI Incentives. If you will be working with a contractor, they may be able to
assist with your energy audit and energy efficiency goals.
Your California Solar Initiative Program Administrator can provide you with an easy online audit
form:
• CCSE (for SDG&E customers): www.gosolar.energycenter.org
• PG&E: www.pge.com/csi
• SCE: www.sce.com/csi
Eligible MASH and SASH participants are also encouraged to participate in the CPUC's Low
Income Energy Efficiency (LIFE) program. For more information on the LIFE Program, please
visit: http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/PUC/energy/consumers/liee.htm.
2. Select the Right Solar Contractor
Licensed contractors are your key to getting the most productive solar energy system for your
home or business. Typically, the Solar Contractor will apply for the CSI Incentives on your
behalf and arrange for your system to be interconnected to your utility company's power grid.
The Solar Contractor may also apply for local permits.
The California Solar Initiative provides a list of Solar Contractors online at
http://www.gosolarcalifornia.ca.gov/database/search-new.php. Searching for a Solar Contractor
by zip code is the fastest way to find a Solar Contractor closest to you, although any licensed
contractor may work on your project. Solar Contractors typically provide free site evaluations,
comprehensive quotes and payback information.
A Solar Contractor should be able to evaluate factors that will affect your PV system
performance, such as the roof size, orientation (tilt and direction) of the system, shading and
other factors.
California Solar Initiative Program Handbook
Just as if you were doing any other type of home improvement, you will want to contact at least
three Solar Contractors to help ensure you receive the most competitive bid for your project. It is
customary for a Solar Contractor to visit your home to help you plan the location and size of
your system, as well as choose the incentive type best for you.
You can verify the Solar Contractor is using a valid contractor's license by contacting the
Contractors State License Board (www.cslb.ca.gov) or 1-800-321-2752.
3. Apply for Incentives
You or your Solar Contractor will submit a Reservation Request Package along with any
supporting documentation to your California Solar Initiative Program Administrator.
After the Program Administrator receives your RRF, they will reserve funds based on the size
and estimated performance of your solar project. These funds will be reserved for a specified
period of time during which you must install your solar energy system. Please remember that
there is a deadline by which you must interconnect your system and submit your Incentive
Claim Form (ICF).
Reserving your incentive early ensures your access to the highest applicable incentive. As more
solar energy systems are purchased and installed by California consumers, the amount of
available incentive dollars decreases, as does the incentive level.
4. Install Your System
As part of the installation process, your Solar Contractor generally handles any permits 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 the system is installed, the city or county will inspect the system. After your new system
passes inspection, the utility must be notified to interconnect your system to the grid. Once
interconnected, the Program Administrator may also inspect your system as part of program
quality control efforts.
Now that your system is interconnected, you can begin reaping the benefits of solar power
generation and Net Energy Metering (NEM). Each month, electricity you produce in excess of
your own consumption will be sent back to the utility grid and credited to your account for up to
one yearly billing cycle. These credits are used to offset some or all of your annual electric
consumption from the utility.
Building Permits
Solar contractors should seek building permits from applicable local government permit offices.
For solar installations on manufactured homes (mobile home parks), solar contractors must
contact the California Housing and Community Development Agency, the permit issuing agency
for solar panels on mobile homes, at http://www.hcd.ca.gov/codes/
5. Claim Your Incentive
Once your system has been purchased, installed and is operational, you or your Solar
Contractor will submit the Incentive Claim Form (ICF) along with any supporting documentation,
including a verification of project cost and a calculation of the expected system output (if there
are any changes from the time of your reservation request). The Program Administrator will
California Solar Initiative Program Handbook
verify that your system has been properly connected to the utility electric grid before sending
your California Solar Initiative incentive payment. Don't forget to apply for any applicable tax
credits.
1.5 Getting Paid: A Quick Guide to CSI Incentives
There are two types of incentives available to residential and non-residential customers through
the California Solar Initiative Program: the Expected Performance-Based Buydown (EPBB) and
the Performance-Based Incentive (PBI). Both incentives reward high-performance systems-
the EPBB is a one-time, up-front payment based on a system's expected performance; PBI
payments are based on a system's actual performance and paid out over five years. Table 8
below discusses the difference between the two incentives.
Table 8
EPBB and PBI Incentives
EPBB PBI
Intended for residential and small business Ideal for large commercial, government and
customers non- rofit customers
GM CSI Systems less than 30 kW and all Mandatory for all systems 30 kW and greater
MASH and SASH systems Systems less than 30 kW can opt-in to PBI*
Incentive paid per Watt based on your Incentive paid based on the actual energy
system's expected future performance produced by your solar energy system in
(factors include CEC-AC system rating, kilowatt-hours
location, orientation and shading)
One-time lump sum up-front payment Sixty payments over five years
*Systems that may opt-into PBI include: All small single and dual-axis trackers and fixed tilt systems > 10kW
1.6 Clean Power Estimator
The Clean Power Estimator is an online software program available through Go Solar California
that provides California residential and commercial electric customers a personalized estimate
of the costs and benefits of investing in a PV solar electric generating system.
The calculator takes into consideration customer-specific information to provide the best
estimate of a given system's costs and benefits. This information includes the estimated cost of
the particular system under consideration, the customer's location, the applicable incentive
level, electric rate schedule and other customer information.
The calculator provides a variety of customer specific analysis based on the variables provided
by the consumer. Please keep in mind that the Clean Power Estimator provides an estimated
incentive amount.
The Clean Power Estimator's incentive calculation does not apply to the SASH Program.
The Estimator is found at http://gosolarcalifornia.cleanpowerestimator.com/
California Solar Initiative Program Handbook 10
1.7 CSI Program Forum and Future Program Changes
Commission Decision (D.) 06-08-028 directed that a CSI Program Forum should "provide a
public venue for interested parties to identify and discuss ongoing issues related to CSI
administration and implementation." The CPUC Energy Division, in partnership with the
Program Administrators, hosts quarterly public Program Forums in rotating locations throughout
the state. Anyone interested in discussing any aspect of the CSI Program is invited to attend
one of these Program Forums and share their comments and ideas. Many of the ideas
suggested in these Program Forums have formed the basis for CSI Program Handbook
changes. If the Program Forum achieves consensus for more substantive changes beyond the
level of the Program Handbook, the Forum may designate a member to file a petition to modify
a Commission order or decision relating to the CSI Program.
Information on upcoming CSI Program Forums can be found at
I~nl:h~p:// .a~osollaircallii~oirniia.ca.a~ov/news irtt~ediia/newsllel:teir/. Interested parties should also sign
up for the CSI Newsletter.
1.8 CSI Handbook Structure
Following this introduction, the CSI Handbook is divided into two primary sections: Program
and Technical. The Program Section includes the less technical information about the CSI
Program, including descriptions of eligibility and participation, incentive structure and application
processes. As its name implies, the Technical Section includes more technical Program
information, such as metering requirements, formulas for incentive and system rating
calculations, surface orientation factors, PTC ratings, and data transfer rules. Appendices of
acronym and term definitions follow these Sections. This structure is intended to make the
Handbook more useful and accessible.
California Solar Initiative Program Handbook 11
1.9 CSI Program Administrator Contact Information and
Other Useful Resources
Program Administrators
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) www.pge.com/solar
Telephone:
Solar Customer Service Center: (877) 743-4112 PG&E offers solar classes:
Solar Hotline: (415) 973-3480 www.p4e.com/solarclasses
Fax: (415) 973-2510
Email: solar@pge.com
Mailing Address: PG&E Solar and Customer
Generation (CSI)
P.O. Box 7433
San Francisco, CA 94120-7433
Overnight Mail: 245 Market St
Mail Code: N7R
San Francisco, CA 94105-1797
Southern California Edison (SCE)
www.sce.com/CSI/
Telephone: (866) 584-7436
Fax: (626) 302-3967 Email: csigroup@sce.com
Mailing Address: Attn: CSI Program Administrator
SCE Customer Solar & Self-
Generation
Southern California Edison
P.O. Box 800
Rosemead, CA 91770-0800
California Center for Sustainable Energy (GCSE) -
www. e n e rg y ce n to r. o rg
Telephone: (858) 244-1177
Fax: (858) 244-1178 GCSE solar events and classes
Mailing Address: Attn: CSI Program www.energycenter.org/calendar
8690 Balboa Ave. Suite 100
San Diego, CA 92123-1502
Email: csiiCeneir~cenl:eir.oir
SASH Program Manager
California Solar Initiative Program Handbook 12
GRID Alternatives www.gridalternatives.org
Telephone: (510) 652-4730 Email: SASH(a~gridalternatives.org
Toll free: (866) 921-4696
Fax: (510) 225-2585
Mailing Address: 1171 Ocean Ave. Suite 200
Oakland, CA 94608
Utility Interconnection &NEM Contacts
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) www.pge.com/gen
Telephone: Email: gen@pge.com
PG&E Generation Interconnection Hotline:
(415) 972-5676
Solar Customer Service Center: (877) 743-4112
Southern California Edison (SCE) Email: solarnem@sce.com
Telephone: (626) 302-9680
Mailing Address: CSI NEM Program Administrator
SCE Customer Solar & Self-
Generation
Southern California Edison
P.O. Box 800
Rosemead, California 91770-
0800
California Solar Initiative Program Handbook 13
www.sdge.com/business/self genera
San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E)
tion.shtml
Telephone: (858) 636-5585
Mailing Address: Net Metering Team Email:
San Diego Gas & Electric netmetering(a~semprautilities.com
PO Box 129831, CP52F
San Diego, CA 92123-9749
Telephone: (858) 636-5581 Email: kparks(a~semprautilities.com
Mailing Address: Ken Parks
San Diego Gas & Electric
PO Box 129831, CP52F
San Diego, CA 92123-9749
Other Useful Resources
Go Solar California is the CSI statewide consumer www.GoSolarCalifornia.ca.gov
website which includes information on the CPUC, CEC,
and POU programs, including the CSI Program
Handbook
Information on upcoming CSI Program Forums and a http://www.gosolarcalifornia.ca.gov/n
sign-up form for the CSI Newsletter are available on ews media/newsletter/
the Go Solar California site.
California Solar Initiative Program Handbook 14
The California Solar Initiative provides a list of Solar www.gosolarcalifornia.ca.gov/databa
Contractors online se/search-new.php
Verify that a Solar Contractor is using a valid www.cslb.ca.gov
contractor's license by contacting the Contractors
State License Board
The CSI Program Administrators use an online tool to www.csi-epbb.com
calculate the up-front Expected Performance Based
Buy down (EPBB) incentive, known as the EPBB
Calculator
The CSI Program Administrators use an online www.csi.powerclerk.com
application tool and reporting database, known as
PowerClerk
Up-to-date information about the program's current www.csi-trigger.com
incentive level, or "step" can be found on the online CSI
Trigger Tracker
Information about the CPUC regulatory proceeding www.cpuc.ca.gov/PUC/energy/solar/
that deals with the CSI Program
California Solar Statistics contains data information www.CaliforniaSolarStatistics.ca.gov
about the progress of the CSI program
The Clean Power Estimator is an online consumer tool www.gosolarcalifornia.cleanpowerest
for estimating the costs and benefits of investing in a imator.com/
PV solar electric generating system
PV system components must be certified by the www.gosolarcalifornia.org/equipment
California Energy Commission. Lists of CEC-certified
eligible equipment are available on the Go Solar (800) 555-7794
California site or through the CEC Call Center
The California Energy Commission's New Solar http://www.newsolarhomes.org/
Homes Partnership (NSHP) Program site provides
information on the program and how to participate
Information on federal tax credits for solar installations www.gosolarcalifornia.ca.gov/consu
can be found on the Go Solar California site mers/taxcredits.php
California Solar Initiative Program Handbook 15
1.10 Acronyms
This section provides a list of acronyms used in this Program handbook.
AB (as in AB 1407, AB 2466, AB 2724, etc.): Assembly Bill
AC: Alternating Current
AMI: Advanced Metering Infrastructure
BIPV: Building Integrated Photovoltaic
BTU: British Thermal Units
CCSE: California Center for Sustainable Energy
CEC: California Energy Commission
CEC-AC: California Energy Commission Alternating Current, refers to inverter efficiency rating
CPUC: California Public Utilities Commission
CSI: California Solar Initiative
CSLB: Contractors State License Board
DC: Direct Current
ERP: Emerging Renewables Program
EPBB: Expected Performance-Based Buydown
ESCO: Energy Service Company
IDR: Interval Data Recorder
IOU: Investor-Owned Utility
KW: Kilowatt
KWH: Kilowatt-hour
LIEE: Low Income Energy Efficiency
MASH: Multifamily Affordable Solar Housing
M&E: Measurement and Evaluation
M&V: Measurement and Verification
California Solar Initiative Program Handbook 16
MW: Megawatt
NABCEP: North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners
NRTL: Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory
NSHP: New Solar Homes Partnership
PBI: Performance-Based Incentives
PDP: Performance Data Provider
PG&E: Pacific Gas and Electric Company
PIER: Public Interest Energy Research
PMRS: Performance Monitoring and Reporting Service
PTC: PVUSA Test Conditions
PV: Photovoltaic
PY: Program Year
RFP: Request for Proposal
SASH: Single-Family Affordable Solar Homes
SB (as in SB 1): Senate Bill
SCE: Southern California Edison Company
SDG&E: San Diego Gas & Electric Company
SGIP: Self-Generation Incentive Program
SOF: Surface Orientation Factor
STC: Standard Test Conditions
UL (as in UL 1703): Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.
California Solar Initiative Program Handbook 17
CITY OF DUBLIN
BUDGET CHANGE FORM FY 2011 / 2012
CHANGE FORM #
New Appropriations (City Council Approval Required): Budget Transfers:
X From Unappropriated Reserves From Budgeted Contingent Reserve
($31,250 from Committed Fund Balance (1001.1901-81101)
Innovations & New Opportunities)
Within Same Department Activity
From New Revenues _ _ Between Departments (City Council Approval Required)
Other
DECREASE BUDGET ACCOUNT AMOUNT INCREASE BUDGET ACCOUNT AMOUNT
Name: EXPENDITURE: General
Fund -Environmental
Programs Department $ 31,250
Processing Fees
GL Account #: 1001.5201.61114
REASON FOR BUDGET CHANGE ENTRY: As presented to the City Council on February 7, 2012, Solar
Grant Funding is potentially available through a California Utility Program. In order to participate in the
program an application fee deposit is required based on the amount of proposed solar energy
production. The City is in the final stages of identifying as part of an energy audit, solar opportunities for
the City. If the City is not awarded grant funds the deposit would be returned. As this is a very
competitive program it is important for the City to file an application at the earliest time possible. The
potential grant funding could be in excess of $500,000. The appropriation of $31,250 is proposed to
come from the Committed Fund Balance for Innovations and New Opportunities as approved by the City
Council. City Council action is required to appropriate funding from this source.
As Presented at the City Council Meeting on:
Posted By:
#################(Finance Use Only)###################
Date: 2/7/2012
Date:
~, ~r~ada~er~~~,~an~~~~,-r_zoll_lz~~l9 z_-_IZ s~~~„~ En~~~~,, c~~Unr_~~~ F~~a~~ ATTACHMENT 2