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Coming Soon—Energy Efficiency Upgrades Required, Rebate Payments Decreasing

As a result of new energy efficiency legislation (SB-1), receiving incentives for installing a solar system on your home will get tougher in 2009. Today, you are required to get an audit performed by a licensed solar installer before solar panels can be placed on your home. While upgrading your windows, refrigerator and HVAC systems to be more energy efficient is suggested, it is not currently required to receive the rebates outlined in the California Solar Initiative. Starting in 2009, the following items may need replacement to meet energy efficiency guidelines and qualify for solar rebates:

Heating/air conditioning system
Appliances to Energy Star label
Lighting (incandescent to CFLs)
Windows

Another urgency to get your solar system installed sooner than later is to reserve the funds for your rebates. The funds are reserved for periods of time, and you must provide proof of progress towards installing your system to qualify for them. As the year progresses, the funds available for rebates decrease. For example, PG&E just moved to a Step 4 for residential customers, meaning that the rebate payment per watt just went down from $2.20 (Step 3 payment) to $1.90 per watt in Step 4. Getting an application approved as soon as possible provides you with the highest return on your solar investment.

Story Directory

Time-of-Use Rates—Good for Some, Bad for Others

Coming Soon—Energy Efficiency Upgrades Required, Rebate Payments Decreasing

Real-time Pricing—Putting Customers on the “Spot”

SmartMeters—Gateway to Higher Rates

Demand Response—Cutting Power to Save Energy

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