FAQ

I. What size system do I need?
II. How much will this system cost?
III. How much will my rebate be?
III. What size system can I accommodate?
IV. How much pollution will I avoid producing?
(Click here to find out the answers to these questions.)

What is a solar electric or photovoltaic system?

Solar electric or photovoltaic technology uses the sun's energy to make electricity. Learning from the word itself, the prefix "photo" means "produced by light," and the suffix "voltaic" refers to "electricity produced by a chemical reaction." PV technology produces electricity directly from the electrons freed by the interaction of sunlight with certain semiconductor materials, such as silicon, in the PV module. The electrons are collected to form a direct current (DC) of electricity.

A complete PV system usually consists of one or more modules connected to an inverter that changes the PV's DC electricity to AC electricity. This conversion allows your system to power you electrical devices and to be compatible with the electric grid.

What is the California Solar Initiative (CSI)?

As part of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's 3.3 Billion, Million Solar Roofs Program, California has set a goal to create 3,000 megawatts of new, solar-produced electricity by 2017.The California Public Utilities Commission, through its California Solar Initiative, provides incentives for existing residential homes, commercial, industrial, and agricultural properties. The California Energy Commission manages a 10-year, $400 million program to encourage solar in new home construction through its New Solar Homes Partnership. The overall goal is to help build a self-sustaining photovoltaic, solar electricity market. It is vital to take advantage of the rebate program as soon as possible because the incentive amount will decline over the next decade. Solar Engineering Industries, Inc. can reserve a rebate amount for you at the specified funding block by submitting a reservation form to the program administrator. 

What are the eligibility requirements for the California Solar Initiative?

Your project is eligible if:

• It is located in the territory of a publicly-held utility such as Pacific Gas and Electric, Southern California Edison, or San Diego Gas & Electric.
• The Program Administrators approves the projects prior to installation.
• The system will be grid-tied and net-metered.
• The system will be installed with a separate meters to measure solar output and report performance back to the program administrator.
• You have an energy efficiency audit completed by telephone or in-person.
• All major system components (panels and inverters) will be new and will not have been previously placed in service in any other location or for any other application. 

Even if you are a customer of a municipal utility, including the state's  largest, LADWP and SMUD, you can still be eligible for a rebate. There are many utilities in California currently offering incentives, however the PUC is requiring all utility companies to offer incentives beginning in 2008. In some cases, the municipal utilities offer a higher rebate amount. Solar Engineering Industries, Inc. can assist in the application process.

How do I receive my rebate?

Once the PV system is installed, Solar Engineering Industries, Inc. will submit a rebate claim form to the program administrator, including documentation of proper installation. The utility company will possibly inspect the system and then issue a check within 30 to 60 days of receiving the claim form.

How large should my PV system be?

Several factors will influence the size of your PV system. As a starting point, we will calculate your average measured kWh (kilowatt hour) usage and match a system to your historical demand. We will also provide you with an estimated cost savings analysis on your electricity bill prior to installation of your PV system.

Sometimes system size will be limited by available, acceptable space. Solar Engineering Industries, Inc. will determine available space during a complimentary on-site evaluation. If your budget does not support a system of this size, Solar Engineering Industries, Inc. will design a system that meets your budget. Since PV systems are modular, you can start small and add on as you want. Add-ons are separately eligible for a rebate with some utilities. 

There is not minimum size requirement to qualify for the CSI Program; however, in order to qualify for the rebate, a PV system cannot provide more than 200 percent of the site's historical energy demand.

How much does a PV system cost?

The cost of a PV system depends on the system's size and the types of components. Your costs will depend on the system's configuration, equipment options, and labor costs. Prices vary depending on other factors as well. Please feel free to contact us for an estimated system cost and return investment summary. 

Please see our "Solar Calculator" to see the approximate cost and incentive amount.

How can I finance my PV system?

There are some special programs for financing solar and other renewable energy investments, Solar Engineering Industries, Inc. can assist you in obtaining an updated list of companies financing solar systems. Solar Engineering Industries, Inc. also offers financing as well, please contact us for further information. 

Will a PV system increase my Property Taxes?

No! All PV systems installed from 1999 until 2009 will not be subject to property taxes (Revenue and Taxation Code, section 73). A solar electric power generation system increases the value of your property without increasing your property taxes.

All utilities in the state must offer the option of interconnection on a net metering basis to residential and small commercial customers with PV systems 10 kilowatts or less (California Public Utilities Code, section 2827). However, Solar Engineering Industries, Inc. can provide a stand-alone PV system if the customer desires to be independent of the utility grid.

What is net metering?

As an eligible customer with a PV system, net metering allows you to interconnect with your utility and feed your surplus electricity to the utility grid. You can use an equivalent amount of electricity later without additional cost to you.

What is an interconnection agreement?

Interconnecting your PV system to the utility transmission grid will require you to enter into an interconnection agreement, and a purchase and sale agreement. Most California utilities have developed standardized interconnection agreements for small-scale PV systems as part of their implementation of California's net metering law. These agreements may be a single contract with your local utility or separate contracts with your utility and your electrical service provider

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