The California Solar Initiative - CSI

The goal of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's Million Solar Roofs Program is to develop 3,000 megawatts of new, solar-generated electricity by 2017. This will support California’s mission to move toward a cleaner energy future, while also lowering the cost of solar systems for consumers.

• The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), through its California Solar Initiative, provides over $2 billion in statewide incentives over the next decade for solar installations on existing residential homes, as well as on existing and new commercial, industrial, and agricultural properties.

• The California Energy Commission (CEC) will administer a 10-year, $350 million program to encourage solar installations in new home construction through its New Solar Homes Partnership.

The long-term goal of both programs is to help build a self-sustaining solar market in California that can be looked upon as a role-model for future solar programs throughout the United States.

The California Solar Initiative Offers:

• Photovoltaic incentives starting at $2.50 per watt for systems up to one megawatt in size for homeowners and commercial/industrial customers; $3.25 for government and non-profit customers

• Funds for solar installations for existing and new low-income and affordable housing.

• A Performance Based Incentive (PBI) structure to reward high-performing solar projects.

The California Solar Initiative will be coordinated with the state's energy efficiency, "smart" metering, and building standards programs at the CPUC and CEC, to ensure that the state is using its energy resources wisely.

The California Center for Sustainable Energy is designated as program administrator in SDG&E’s service territory. For more information and to apply to the program contact the California Center for Sustainable Energy.