California Solar Initiative

1

• California Solar Initiative

2
Content

• Overview of CSI
• Whats New
• CSI Status Update
• CSI Field Inspection Process
• CSI Metering
• CSI Application Process

3
Overview of CSI
4
CSI Budget

• Total authorized CPUC CSI budget is 2.165
  Billion
• Funded by electric distribution rates
• Regional CSI incentive budgets are as follows

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 (PGE)
• Southern California Edison (SCE)
• San Diego Gas Electric (SDGE)
• The California Center for Sustainable Energy
  administers the CSI in the SDGE 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 Incentive Structure

• As of January 1, 2007, the CSI program pays
• Expected Performance-Based Buydown (EPBB)
  incentives for PV projects lt 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 gt 100 kW
• Monthly payments based on measured kWh output of
  solar power produced over a 5-year period

8
Expected Performance Based Buydown (EPBB)

• Applies to Systems lt 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

9
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 lt 100 kW

10
CSI Incentive Rates

• Incentive structure
• Rebates automatically decline based upon
  reservations reserved
• Higher rebates for non-taxable entities

  PGE (MW) PGE (MW) EPBB Payments (per Watt) EPBB Payments (per Watt) EPBB Payments (per Watt) PBI Payments (per kWh) PBI Payments (per kWh) PBI Payments (per kWh)
Step Res Non-Res 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
11
Whats New
12
Whats New

• Recent TOU decision
• PAs to file Advice Letter for proposed CSI
  Handbook changes
• CSI Program Forum held on June 29th in Irwindale
  (Southern California)
• CSI Program Administrators hired technical
  experts to assess incentives and filed CSI
  Handbook changes on June 1, 2007
• Beta testing for Statewide Database began in June

13
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 CPUC develops requirements and
  approves new PGE 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.
• See the Clean Power Estimator at
  http//www.consumerenergycenter.org/renewables/est
  imator/index.html

14
PAs Advice Letter - Procedures

• PAs intend to file an Advice Letter with the CPUC
  to recommend changes to CSI Handbook
• Proposed changes are not effective until Advice
  Letter is approved
• Regulatory procedure allows for a Protest Period

15
Proposed Handbook Changes

• System Description Worksheet Eliminate this
  requirement for all residential systems and
  non-residential systems under 10 kW
• Proof of Insurance for Installers Eliminate
  this requirement within the CSI Program
• Application for Interconnection Eliminate the
  requirement to submit Interconnection application
  at the same time as the rebate application for
  all residential systems and non-residential
  systems under 10 kW (2-Step Applications)
• Electrical System Sizing Documentation Eliminate
  load justification requirement for systems less
  than 5 kW
• Advanced Reservation prior to Interconnection
  Eliminate the Handbook requirement to have an
  approved reservation prior to interconnection. 

16
Proposed Handbook Changes

• Self-Installations Revise conflicting language
  in handbook to allow for self-installations to be
  eligible for CSI incentives
• Copy of Executed PMRS Contract or Cost Cap
  Exemption Documentation Add to final paperwork
  (Incentive Claim Form package)
• Correct Minor Typos Please identify any you
  have seen!
• Change SDREO to CCSE
• Changes due to Regulatory Decisions
• Update MW Trigger Section on how to allocate MWs
  that have dropped out
• Updated language on EPBB calculator
• Update TOU Section to reflect new changes

17
CSI Status Update
18
http//www.csi-trigger.com/
19
Statewide Trigger Point Tracker
http//www.csi-trigger.com
20
Program Activity to date
Customer Class Status Total of Projects Total System Size (kW) Total Incentive Amount
Residential Active Projects1 1,490 7,139.351 23,876,973
Residential Incentive Claim Projects Received2 121 541.189 1,353,969
Residential Completed 92 376.162 940,430
Non-residential Active Projects1 215 44,867.176 139,325,628
Non-residential Incentive Claim Projects Received2 2 108.934 242,968
Non-residential Completed 1 8.283 15,738
Total 1,921 53,041.095 165,755,706
1 Applications currently under review or have been reserved for CSI funding 1 Applications currently under review or have been reserved for CSI funding
2 Incentive Claim packages submitted that are under review, waiting for additional documentation from customer, or completion of field inspection before payment can be issued 2 Incentive Claim packages submitted that are under review, waiting for additional documentation from customer, or completion of field inspection before payment can be issued 2 Incentive Claim packages submitted that are under review, waiting for additional documentation from customer, or completion of field inspection before payment can be issued 2 Incentive Claim packages submitted that are under review, waiting for additional documentation from customer, or completion of field inspection before payment can be issued 2 Incentive Claim packages submitted that are under review, waiting for additional documentation from customer, or completion of field inspection before payment can be issued
21
Program Activity to date
22
CSI Field Inspection Process
23
CSI Inspections

• Inspections will
• Verify that equipment nameplates and counts match
  those submitted on the Incentive Claim Form
• Include 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
• Verify that system is operational and output is
  reasonable for conditions at time of inspection

24
CSI Inspections

• Coordinating Inspections
• Inspector will require physical access to the
  equipment to perform inspection.
• Applicant is not required to attend inspection,
  but it is recommended.
• We prefer that the applicant coordinate with
  customer to provide necessary access to
  inspectors.
• Upon request by the applicant, the inspector will
  coordinate access directly with the customer.

25
Equipment Verification

• Module verification
• If PV modules are mounted such that nameplates
  arent visible, we will request invoice to verify
  make and model.
• Number of modules installed is verified by the
  inspector on-site.
• Inverter verification
• Inspector needs to verify make, model, and number
  of inverters installed and that PV system is
  operational.

26
Installation Verification

• Verify Inputs
• Inspector will measure the tilt, azimuth and
  shading of array(s) on site and check against
  submitted values.
• Correct Inputs
• The EPBB design factor will be recalculated if
  measured values differ significantly from
  submitted values.
• Approve Inputs
• If submitted values are reasonable compared to
  measured values then the inspector will approve
  inputs as submitted.

27
Common Mistakes

• Azimuth
• Not corrected for magnetic declination
• Compass used near metal or magnet
• Bad compass
• Shading
• Misunderstanding of minimal shading
• Incorrect shading analysis

28
Measuring Azimuth

• Azimuth
• Lookup magnetic declination for location
  (http//www.ngdc.noaa.gov/seg/geomag/jsp/Declinati
  on.jsp)
• Stay 10-15 ft. away from metal or magnets
• Add magnetic declination to compass reading
• Check reading against tools like GoogleEarth

29
Magnetic Declination Correction
http//www.ngdc.noaa.gov/seg/geomag/icons/case1.gi
f
30
Measuring Shading

• Minimal shading requires at least 21 distance to
  height ratio (equal to 26.6 altitude angle) of
  any object between 80 to 280 orientation.
• Systems without minimal shading must submit
  monthly solar access for site.
• Solar access can be measured with tools such as
  the Solar Pathfinder or Solmetric SunEye.

31
Minimal Shading
NO SHADE IMPACT REQUIRED
Object Height is 10 feet above the array. 2x
Height 20 feet Distance 40 feet 2x Height lt
Distance Minimal Shading
32
Not Minimal Shading
SHADE IMPACT REQUIRED
Object Height is 15 feet above the array. 2x
Height 30 feet Distance 25 feet 2x Height gt
Distance Not Minimal Shading
33
Case Study
2
3
9 panels tilted S
1
4
5
6
21 panels S
7
8
Neighbors tree
34
Compile Data
Reading
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

• Jan 65 100 100 90 90 100 100
  70
• Feb 70 100 100 91 91 100 100
  73
• Mar 74 100 100 92 93 100 100
  75
• Apr 77 100 100 93 94 100 100
  77
• May 80 100 100 95 95 100 100
  80
• Jun 85 100 100 96 96 100 100
  83
• Jul 90 100 100 97 97 100 100
  85
• Aug 85 100 100 98 98 100 100
  86
• Sep 80 100 100 96 95 100 100
  83
• Oct 75 100 100 93 93 100 100
  79
• Nov 70 100 100 92 91 100 100
  76
• Dec 65 100 100 90 90 100 100
  72

of Solar Availability per month
35
Calculate Average
Jan 89 Jan 90 Feb 90 Feb 91 Mar 92 Mar 92
Apr 93 Apr 93 May 94 May 94 June 95 June 95 Jul
y 97 July 96 Aug 96 Aug 96 Sept 94 Sept 95 Oct
92 Oct 93 Nov 91 Nov 92 Dec 89 Dec 91
Array 1 Reads 1-4
Array 2 Reads 5-8
36
Calculate Impact
Run EPBB tool per Array Array 1 9
panels Array 2 21 panels
37
Shade EPBB vs PBI

• PBI
• Incentive based on kWh generated
• Winter shade matters
• Entire years system availability determines
  incentive
• EPBB
• Only summer availability determines incentive
• Much more forgiving of total shade impact

38
Shading Measurement Tips

• Account for tilt azimuth in shading analysis
  software (Solar Pathfinder Assistant Solmetric
  SunEye). This will affect results.
• Communicate tool and method used to inspector if
  possible.

39
Inspection Results

• Inspector will communicate any discrepancies
  found with applicant attending inspection.
• Inspector will recalculate EPBB design factor if
  necessary and submit with report.
• Inspection report is submitted to the Program
  Administrator by the inspector.
• Program Administrator will contact applicant if
  discrepancies were found.

40
CSI Metering
41
Meter Requirements

• All Systems Must Have Metering Performance
  Monitoring
• Performance meters are in addition to utility
  revenue meters
• Must have 5-yrs of independent performance
  monitoring
• Subject to certain exemptions (See Table 16 in
  CSI Handbook)
• Cost Responsibility Caps
• Customer must bear all costs for performance
  meters for 5 years of performance monitoring
  (incl. data communication)
• Costs not to exceed 1 of system costs for 30kW
  and below, 0.5 above 30kW (EPBB Only - See Table
  16 for exemptions)
• EPBB vs. PBI Accuracy Requirements
• EPBB lt 10 kW /- 5 accurate (inverter meters
  allowed)
• EPBB gt 10 kW All PBI /- 2 accurate

42
Meter Requirements

• Additional 2 Meter Requirements
• Must have Certificate from manufacturer verifying
  accuracy
• Must be capable of recording 15-minute interval
  data
• Must have remote communication capability (except
  EPBB systems lt 20 kW that are unable to meet
  cost cap)
• All Meters Must Be Listed by CEC
• CEC listing must state that the meter meets the
  2 requirement to be eligible for PBI program
• Meter Warranty Requirements
• 2007 One-Year Warranty
• 2008 Five-Year Warranty

43
CSI Handbook
Refer to CSI Handbook, Section 2.8 and Appendix B
44
PMRS Documentation

• Customers are required to submit proof that they
  have contracted with an eligible Performance
  Monitoring Reporting Service (PMRS) provider
• PMRS provider must be listed on CEC web site
• PMRS providers must not be affiliated with the
  incentive recipient, or any solar manufacturer or
  installer (D.06-08-028, Ordering Paragraph 17,
  page 124)
• EPBB customers lt 20 kW requesting an exemption
  per Table 16 must submit evidence that they
  cannot meet the cost cap
• For now, we just need an estimate from an
  eligible PMRS provider showing the cost exceeds
  the cap
• The Program Administrators are working on an
  exemption form for use in the near future

45
Meter Data Requirements

• Two Separate Data Streams
• Performance Data to Customer
• Daily, hourly or real-time performance data to
  customer
• Data maintained by 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 (kW)
• Submitted via approved Performance Data
  Provider (PDP)
• Program Administrators developing PDP
  requirements
• Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) 867 format
  (proposed)
• Eligible PDPs may include PMRS providers, PGE or
  3rd parties such as Meter Data Management Agents
  (MDMAs)

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 standards 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 utility-provided meters
• Customers should decide early in the process who
  will provide meter, PBI data PMRS service to
  avoid delays, minimize cost and ensure
  compatibility

47
Meter Requirements Update

• Petition to Modify submitted on March 5th
• Submitted by PGE, SDREO (now CCSE), PV Now,
  CalSEIA, Vote Solar Initiative, SMA America
• If approved, Petition would modify CSI as
  follows
• All EPBB customers can use /- 5 (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
  unaffiliated with solar vendors installers

48
Meter Requirements Update(Contd)

• CPUC issued a Proposed Decision (PD) on June 26th
  that would implement the first two issues
• CPUC to issue separate PD on the PMRS issue at a
  later date
• CPUC expected to act on first PD at July 26th
  Commission meeting
• We are now in the 30-day comment period
• The Commission could adopt the PD as is, modify
  it, or reject it
• PGE to file comments in support of PD
• Until/unless CPUC adopts PD, current meter
  requirements apply

49
Meter PMRS Links

• Eligible Equipment, MSPs, MDMAs, and PMRS
  Listings
• Eligible Meters Listed on CEC website
  http//www.consumerenergycenter.org/cgi-bin/eligib
  le_meters.cgi
• MSP Listing on CPUC website
  http//www.cpuc.ca.gov/static/energy/electric/elec
  tricmarkets/metering/msps.htm
• MDMA Listed on CPUC website http//www.cpuc.ca.
  gov/static/energy/electric/electricmarkets/meteri
  ng/mdmas.htm
• PMRS Listed on CEC website http//www.consumer
  energycenter.org/erprebate/monitorsrsp.html

50
CSI Application Process
51
Program Eligibility

• Host Customers must perform an energy efficiency
  audit to be eligible for CSI incentives
• CSI Installers must be listed with the Program
  Administrators and have an active A, B, C-10, or
  C-46 license
• Self-Installations allowed
• All systems must have minimum 10-year warranty
  covering the solar generating system provided for
  no cost repair or replacement

52
3-Step vs. 2-Step Reservation Process

• 3-Step Reservation Process
• Non-Residential System size gt10 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 lt10 kW
• No Application Fee
• Reservation Period
• 12-months for retrofit projects
• 18-months for new construction/government/non-prof
  it
• All forms available at www.pge.com/csi

Refer to CSI Handbook, Section 4.1
53
3 Step Process
Refer to CSI Handbook, Section 4.2
54
3 Step Process
Refer to CSI Handbook, Section 4.2
55
3 Step Process
Refer to CSI Handbook, Section 4.7.2
56
2 Step Process
Refer to CSI Handbook, Section 4.1
57
2 Step Process
Refer to CSI Handbook, Section 4.1
58
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

59
Website Resources

• PGE Solar Website www.pge.com/solar
• PGE 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.consumere
  nergycenter.org/erprebate/equipment.html

60
Additional PGE 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.

61
PGE Contact Information

• Website www.pge.com/csi
• Email Address solar_at_pge.com
• Contact Person
• Program Manager, Telephone [phone]
• Fax [phone]
• Mailing Address
• PGE Integrated Processing Center
• California Solar Initiative Program
• P.O. Box 7265
• San Francisco, CA 94120-7265

62
Generation Interconnection Services
63
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
  non-NEM options

64
Process Improvement

• Change in AC disconnect requirement policy
  November 2006
• NEM-MT has been approved to permit projects with
  solar combined with other generation technologies
• Underway simplification of application, to be
  combined with the Agreement for NEM

65
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

66
Project Review
67
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

68
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

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Resources

• Standard NEM http//www.pge.com/suppliers_purchas
  ing/new_generator/solar_wind_generators/standard_e
  _net/
• Expanded NEM http//www.pge.com/suppliers_purchas
  ing/new_generator/solar_wind_generators/expanded_e
  _net/
• Non-NEM projects http//www.pge.com/suppliers_pur
  chasing/new_generator/retail_generators/
• Contact gen_at_pge.com, or 415-972-5676