California Solar Power Rebates For Homes

The California solar power rebate scheme is part of the Million Solar Roofs program. The aim of this program is to generate 3000 megawatts of new solar electricity by the year 2017 with an overall budget of $3.2 billion. This pro-active approach to the problem of energy security is a model that many governments should look at replicating.

The program is split into two categories. These are installations for existing buildings which is receiving the lion's share of the budget, and installations for new buildings. All installations are expected to be permanent, for the life of the system.

Virtually all home and small business solar power installations will be smaller than 100kw capacity. Installations under this threshold level receive a one off payment rebate based on the expected performance of the installation. This is NOT the same as the maximum capacity of the system under ideal conditions. The expected performance is calculated using a raft of factors such as angle of tilt, geographic location, orientation and the amount of shade the system is subject to.

Rebates For Existing Homes

The program for installation of solar panels on existing buildings is called the California Solar Initiative (CSI).

To obtain a rebate, homeowners must submit two forms. One form is submitted before the system is installed and the second, to secure the rebate, is submitted when the system is up and running. It is important to read the guidelines carefully when preparing these forms.

The two California solar power forms are handled through PowerClerk, CSI's online form submission and management tool. Submissions must be handled through this program. You will need to create an account at that site first, then log in to use the program.

Finding A Reliable Installer

The Californian Government has stringent regulations that installers need to meet to be registered with them. However, there is no readily available database of approved California solar power installers. Have a read of this page about installers but be aware that the database is just made up of companies that have listed there, and that they are not necessarily properly licensed.

You can contact Sunpower for a free site assessment and quote. There's no obligation, and all you have to do is fill out a form. They are a reliable, well established company with a solid track record in the domestic solar area.

New Homes

New homes that are energy efficient and incorporate solar technology fall under the New Solar Homes Partnership program. This program seems to be delivered through registered builders though precious little information about the mechanics of the program is freely available. A description of the benefits of new energy efficient homes, and a link to locations of participating builders, is given on the NSHP page.