California Solar
Initiative
Southern California Edison
2010
Agenda
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Class Objectives
Photovoltaic System Basics
CSI Program Overview
CSI Eligibility Requirements
Incentive Amounts & Structure
EPBB Calculator
Metering, Monitoring and Shading
Application Process and On Line Data Base
Interconnection
What’s New
2
Class Objectives
3
Class Objectives

At the completion of this class you will understand:
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Basic principals and components of a PV system
Background of the California Solar Initiative (CSI) program
How to use the Expected Performance Based Buydown
(EPBB) calculator
Program requirements for metering, monitoring, shading
Overview of the CSI Application using Powerclerk, the online CSI database. Where to get updated CSI information &
application documents
The SCE interconnection process
What’s New
4
Photovoltaic System Basics
5
How Do Photovoltaic's Work?



Photovoltaic's (PV) convert sunlight into direct current (DC)
electricity.
PV media is made of thin semiconductor materials and
constructed into individual “cells”.
Photon energy is transferred to an electron in an atom of
the semiconductor device causing the electron to escape
to become part of the current in an electrical circuit.
6
A Photovoltaic Configuration


PV cells are
arranged into
“modules”
Modules are
installed at
customer sites in
“arrays”.
7
A Photovoltaic “System”

PV systems require a transformer, called an
“inverter” to convert the DC to AC power.
8
Example PV Project
Bleyco, Corp.
Limoneira
Location: Santa Paula, CA
Date Completed: Jan 2009
System Size: 1 MW
Projected System Electrical
Output: 1.824 million kWh/yr
PV surface area: 5.5 acres
9
Example PV Project
SCE Customer
Manufacturer Facility
System Size: 33.5 kW
10
PV Efficiency
PV Systems kW
PV System Input/Output
400
300
PV Output (kW)
Solar Energy (kW)
314
200
100
0
08/07/2002
0:00
26.2
08/07/2002
6:00
08/07/2002
12:00
08/07/2002
18:00
08/08/2002
0:00
Date Time
11
When Considering Solar...



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CSI provides incentive ONLY for equipment on the California
Energy Commission (CEC) approved equipment list.
PV system capacity factors are approximately 17% to 22%
depending on system orientation & geographic location.
PV systems cost-per-watt averages are $7.85>10kW to
$9.07<10kW per CSI data. Costs vary due to: system design,
location, and construction variables.
Some installers offer financing or power purchase agreements.
12
When Considering Solar...

An Energy

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Efficiency Audit is required in the CSI program.
Residential: https://websafe.kemainc.com/scescg/gatewaysce.asp
Commercial:
http://www.energyguide.com/energysmartsbe/sbemasterframe.asp?referid=91&bid
=sce&sid=447
It is important to make your home as energy efficient as possible before you
size your solar system. The more efficient your home is, the smaller your solar
system can be. Energy efficiency is more cost effective than solar.
Determining your present electric needs is a first step in sizing your solar system.
Option: a smaller (50-70% of your load), less-costly system may help you avoid
reaching more expensive tiers ( 3, 4 and 5) on your electric bill.
SCE’s Energy Efficiency department can help with other rebates on electrical
equipment. Please check the web site for available programs.
 http://www.sce.com/residential/rebates-savings/.htm
13
When Considering Solar...
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When Sizing the system, here are a few thing to look at. Size, kW and kWh.
Kilowatt hours (kWh) is usage. Metric is quantity, or ‘how many?’
Kilowatt (kW) is an instantaneous “Demand” value. Metric is ‘how much?’
A general estimate is that a 1-kilowatt (kW) system will generate 1,400 to 2,000 kWh per
year (dependent on location, weather and system design). An ‘average’ home uses 8,030
kWh per year (22 kWh a day), an estimate is that a 4 to 6 kW system would cover 100% of
your usage and load.
The CSI program uses a Capacity Factor of 20%.
A generally accepted ‘Rule of thumb’ is 2-watts-per-square-foot. A 2,000-square-foot house
would theoretically require a 4 kW system.
14
CSI Program Overview
15
California Solar Initiative (CSI)
Background

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Authorization from California Public Utilities
Commission (D.06-12-033 & D.06-08-028)
and California Legislator (SB 1).
Systems serve Customer side of meter first.
Ten year program - 2007 through 2017.
Solar systems must reduce grid electric load.
16
SB1/CSI Statewide Solar
Programs

CSI General Market Program – IOUs

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PV Technologies
Other Solar Generating Technologies (Non-PV)
SASH (Single-Family Affordable Solar Housing)
MASH (Multifamily Affordable Solar Housing)
Municipal Utilities
NSHP (New Solar Homes Partnership) - CEC
17
CSI Budgets

IOU budgets authorized by the CPUC (in millions):
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
$946
Southern California Edison Company
$996
California Center for Sustainable Energy
/SDG&E
$223
18
California Solar Initiative Program

The California Solar
Initiative (CSI) program is
designed to provide
incentives for the
installation and operation
of solar energy systems

Authorized by the
California Public
Utilities Commission
(CPUC) and Senate
Bill 1
Budget Category
($ in millions)
SB 1 CSI Budget
$2,166.80
Low Income Budget
(10%)
216.68
Research
Development and
Demonstration
(RD&D)
50.00
CCSE SWH Pilot
Budget
3.00
Budget remaining
1897.12
Administration
Budget
189.71
Total CSI Budget for
Direct Incentives
$1707.41
19
Incentive Structure
20
2009 CSI Incentive Structure

Expected Performance Based Buy Down (EPBB)

Systems < 30 kW eligible for EPBB

Paid upon completion of system installation & NEM approval

EPBB Incentive = CEC-AC Rating x Design Factor x EPBB Incentive
Rate ($/kW)


CEC-AC Rating = Panel PTC Rating x No. Panels x Inverter Efficiency
(http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/erprebate/equipment.html)

“Panel PTC Rating” is the DC rating of the PV panel at PVUSA Test Conditions. See CEC
Eligible Equipment list.

Design Factor = 0.0 to 1.0 based on system configuration, shading, location, installation
method (EPBB Calculator)
Reservation amount will vary by location, tilt, azimuth and equipment
used.
21
2009 CSI Incentive Structure

Performance Based Incentives (PBI)

Mandatory for systems > 30 kW

PBI Incentive = PV System Energy Output x PBI Incentive Rate
($/kWh)

System energy output (kWh) is measured (metering
requirements)

Paid monthly over a 5-year period

Reservation Amount will vary by capacity factor (if the system is
fixed or a tracking system)

Customers may opt into PBI ≤ 30 kW
22
CSI Incentive Capacity
Schedule
EPBB Payments (per Watt)
Statewide
Step
PBI Payments (per kWh)
Government/
Residential
Commercial
MW in Step
Residential
Commercial
Non-Profit
Governme
nt/
NonProfit
1
50
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
2
70
$2.50
$2.50
$3.25
$0.39
$0.39
$0.50
3
100
$2.20
$2.20
$2.95
$0.34
$0.34
$0.46
4
130
$1.90
$1.90
$2.65
$0.26
$0.26
$0.37
5
160
$1.55
$1.55
$2.30
$0.22
$0.22
$0.32
6
190
$1.10
$1.10
$1.85
$0.15
$0.15
$0.26
7
215
$0.65
$0.65
$1.40
$0.09
$0.09
$0.19
8
250
$0.35
$0.35
$1.10
$0.05
$0.05
$0.15
9
285
$0.25
$0.25
$0.90
$0.03
$0.03
$0.12
10
350
$0.20
$0.20
$0.70
$0.03
$0.03
23
$0.10
CSI MW Targets by Utility and
Customer Class
PG&E (MW)
SDG&E/CCSE
(MW)
SCE (MW)
Step
MW in
Step
Res
Non-Res
Res
1
50
-
-
-
-
-
-
2
70
10.1
20.5
10.6
21.6
2.4
4.8
3
100
14.4
29.3
15.2
30.8
3.4
6.9
4
130
18.7
38.1
19.7
40.1
4.4
9.0
5
160
23.1
46.8
24.3
49.3
5.4
11.1
6
190
27.4
55.6
28.8
58.6
6.5
13.1
7
215
31.0
62.9
32.6
66.3
7.3
14.8
8
250
36.1
73.2
38.0
77.1
8.5
17.3
9
285
41.1
83.4
43.3
87.8
9.7
19.7
10
350
50.5
102.5
53.1
107.9
11.9
24.2
Total
1750
252.4
512.3
265.6
539.5
59.5
120.8
Non-Res
Res
Non-Res
Total by Utility
764.8
805.0
180.3
Percent
43.7%
46.0%
10.3%
24
Statewide MW Trigger Tracker
Status as of 06/15/10
http://www.csi-trigger.com
25
Eligibility Requirements
26
“Host Customer” Eligibility

Any retail electric customer of PG&E, SCE or SDG&E, except for…

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Customers who are receiving Distributed Generation payments.
Agreements for the export and sale of electricity from the Host Customer
Site.
Load that is committed to interruptible, curtailable rate schedules, or
demand reduction programs.
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Customers may request to terminate or reduce a portion of their interruptible
load.
Public or investor owned gas, electricity distribution utilities or any
electrical corporation.
Residential new construction systems (Before Permit of occupancy)

California Energy Commission’s New Solar Homes Partnership Program.
27
Program Participants Defined

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The “Host” is where the system is installed. Utility Customers
address.
The “System Owner” is the owner of the generating equipment
at the time the incentive is paid.
The “Applicant” completes and submits the CSI program
application and is the main contact person for the CSI Program
Administrator. May or May not be the “Host”.
The “Installer/Contractor” installs the solar hardware. They
must be a licensed California contractor (CSLB).
You must have and/or A, B, C10, C46 Solar
Link: http://www.cslb.ca.gov/

“Seller” system equipment retailer. They must be certified by the
Energy Commission. (NSHP-4 Form)
28
Other Solar Generating
Technologies (Non-PV)
Flat Plate Solar
Thermal
Parabolic Trough
Dish Stirling
Evacuated Tube
29
Other Solar Generating Technologies
(Non-PV)
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Budget: $100.8 million
Solar collector technologies can be integrated with additional equipment to
convert solar thermal energy to electricity or cooling.
Eligible Non-PV technologies must serve end-use loads that are electric
displacing or electric generating.
Eligible electric Displacing include –
• Solar space and process heating
• Solar driven cooling (e.g. absorption and adsorption chillers, and desiccant systems)
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Electric Generating besides the previous page also include Concentrating solar.
Per D.06-01-024, domestic hot water solar technologies are not eligible to
receive CSI Incentives.
Non-PV equipment must be safety certified by an NRTL.
Non-PV system performance parameters must be established by SRCC for flat
plate collectors or Sandia National Laboratories for concentrating solar systems.
30
CSI PV Technologies
31
Equipment Eligibility

New equipment
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No refurbished or used equipment
Not pilot or demonstration systems
Replacement solar systems must meet the criteria
for new systems and the replaced system must not
have received incentive from the…


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Self-Generating Incentive Program
Energy Commission’s Emerging Renewables Program
Rebuild a Greener San Diego Photovoltaic Incentive
Program
32
Equipment Eligibility, cont.

Equipment Must Serve On-Site Electrical
Load
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12-months previous usage (kWh/yr) ≥ EPBB
Calculator Estimated Annual Production
Systems ≤ 5 kW do not have to show evidence of
system sizing.
Systems < 10 kW may use 2 watt per sq ft rule of
thumb
33
Equipment Eligibility, cont.

System components (PV modules, inverters,
meters, etc.) must be on the CEC list.


Eligible equipment list
http://www.gosolarcalifornia.ca.gov
Eligible system size is 1 kW to 5,000 kW
CEC-AC, but the incentive is limited to the
first 1,000 kW of capacity.
34
Equipment Eligibility, cont.

Systems must have a minimum 10-year
warranty provided by the manufacturer and/or
installer.
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Warranty Initials/date to be provided on the
Incentive Claim Form.
Self-installed systems must have 10 year
equipment warranty.
Systems must be interconnected and operate
in parallel to the electrical distribution grid.
35
Equipment Eligibility, cont.

Energy production meters required for all
projects that receive CSI program incentives.


For EPBB, a basic meter with accuracy of ±5
percent is required. Inverter meter may suffice if
listed with Energy Commission.
For PBI, an interval data meter with accuracy of
±2 percent is required. See CSI Handbook
Section 5 for Meter and 10 for PBI data transfer
rules.
36
Equipment Eligibility, cont.

Performance Monitoring & Reporting System
(PMRS) is required for all projects that
receive CSI program incentives.

Unless the cost of a PMRS exceeds the allowable
cost cap.
Incentive
Structure
System Size
Minimum
Meter
Accuracy
PMRS
Required
Cost Cap
(Pct of
Project Cost)
EPBB
EPBB
< 30 kW
30 kW and
greater
All
± 5%
± 5%
Yes
Yes
1%
0.5%
± 2%
Yes
No Cost Cap
PBI
37
Performance Monitoring and
Reporting System (PMRS)

PMRS





Minimum metering
Communication
Reporting System
First 5 years of operating life
Cost Caps


Up to 1% of total installed project costs < 30 kW
systems
PBI No Cost Cap
38
EPBB Calculator
39
What is the EPBB Calculator?

Calculates the Design Factor & Expected
Performance Based Buydown incentive


EPBB Incentive = Max. Incentive Rate x System
Rating x Design Factor
Applicable to eligible CSI EPBB systems.


< 30 kW CEC-AC rating
All customer classes except residential new
construction
40
How to Access the Calculator


http://www.csiepbb.com
Compatible w/ Major PC
& Mac Browsers




Internet Explorer
Opera
Fire Fox
Safari
41
How does the Calculator
Work?

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User inputs information about
the proposed PV system
The information is sent to
NREL’s PV Watts 2 to
calculate system performance
The performance data is
returned to the EPBB
Calculator
Calculator determines the
Design Factor & Incentive
42
What are the Required Inputs?

User defines







system location
type of customer
type of incentive
equipment make/model
& mounting method
shading
configuration.
Press “GO” to start
calculator
43
PV Module Mounting Method


Mounting Method: This is the “average standoff” between the mounting
surface and back of the PV module.
 0” Avg Standoff (Direct Mounted BIPV) – Where the PV modules are in
direct contact with the mounting surface or lacks outdoor air ventilation.
 > 0” to 1” Avg Standoff – The average standoff is 1” or less and has
some outdoor ventilation
 > 1” to 3” Avg Standoff – The average standoff is 3” or less, but greater
than 1”
 > 3” to 6” Avg Standoff – The average standoff is 6” or less, but greater
than 3”
 > 6” – The average standoff is greater than 6”
“Average standoff” means the sum of the minimum and maximum standoff
divided by two.
 Standoff is the distance perpendicular from the mounting surface to the
back of the PV module.
44
PV Module Mounting Method,
cont.
SAVG = (SMAX + SMIN) / 2
Maximum
Standoff
PV
Ro
of
M
od
u le
Su
rfa
ce
Minimum
Standoff
45
What are the EPBB Outputs?

The calculator reports
the





Performance of
proposed & optimal
systems
CEC-AC Rating
Design Factor
EPBB Incentive
Recalculate to change
inputs
46
What are the PBI Outputs?

The calculator
reports the





Performance of
proposed & optimal
systems
CEC-AC Rating
Design Factor
PBI Incentive
Recalculate to
change inputs
47
Calculator Cautions &
Limitations



The CSI-EPBB calculator’s sole purpose is to
determine the EPBB Design Factor and
incentive.
PV Watts provides an estimate of long-term
performance rather than performance for a
particular month or year.
Reference optimized systems maximize
summer output per decision language.
48
Inspections and Shading
49
Inspection Results - Common
Errors

Most systems have tilt and azimuth slightly off from proposed system
a few degrees.


Unreported shading.





Azimuth System mostly due to lack of magnetic declination correction. Proposed
systems should be true north-south.
Most systems claim they meet the minimal shading criteria
About 20% of systems inspected have unreported shading, mostly less than 10%
impact.
Inverter not operational.
Equipment make/model does not match proposed system.
What if their are discrepancies between claims vs. inspection?

PAs will give the options: 1) recalculate the rebate; 2) let the customer fix it.
50
Why Shade matters



Shade impact analysis required
Affects actual system performance
The shading study should be available if the
EPBB calculator has Shading data. May also
be requested on a site inspection or audit.
51
Solar Path and shade
52
Minimal Shading
10 Feet
40 Feet
Object Height is 10 feet above the array.
IRED
U
Q
RE
T
C
2x Height = 20 feet
MPA
I
E
D
SHA
O
N
Distance = 40 feet
2x Height < Distance = Minimal Shading
53
Example of Minimal Shading
15 Feet
25 Feet
Object Height is 15 feet above the array.
RED
I
U
REQ
T
C
MPA
2x Height = 30 feet
I
E
D
SHA
Distance = 25 feet
2x Height > Distance = Shade Study Required
54
Case Study
3
2
9 panels tilted S
21 panels
S
6
7
Solmetric Suneye or Solar
Path Finder
5
4
1
8
Neighbor’s tree
55
Calculated Impact
Run EPBB tool per Array
Array 1 – 9 panels
Array 2 – 21 panels
56
Shade: EPBB vs PBI

PBI

Incentive based on kWh
Winter shade matters
 System availability determines incentive


EPBB
Summer availability only determines incentive
 Much more forgiving of total shade impact

57
Application Process and
On line Database
58
On-Line Data Base
(csi.powerclerk.com)
Existing
applicants
can sign-in
here
New
applicants
need to click
this link
59
On-Line Data Base (detail)
60
Registration – New applicants
To register
for a user id
and
password,
fill out the
following
information
and click the
Create User
bottom
You will be
contacted
within 24
hours with
your log-in
credentials
61
Project Summary
This is the first screen
you see once you log-in.
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
Application Review
69
70
71
CSI Application Process
Sector
Application
Fee
Application
Steps
System
Size
Reservation Period
All Residential
No
2
All
12 months
Commercial
No
2
Less than
10 kW
Government,
Non-profit, Public
Entities (small
projects)
No
2
Less than
10 kW
3
Greater than
or equal to
10 kW
3
Greater than
or equal to
10 kW
Commercial
Government, Nonprofit, Public
Entities
Yes
Yes
*12 months for retrofit
*18 months for new
construction projects
12 months
*12 months for retrofit
projects
*18 months for new
construction projects
18 months
72
Reservation Request (RR) Process
1of 2 Step: Residential & Small Commercial (<10 kW)
1of 3 Step: Non-Residential / Commercial (≥10 kW)






Completed Reservation Request Form and Program Contract with
Signatures. (Original, Faxed or Scanned)
Electrical System Sizing Documentation (new/expanded load only > 5
kW) (systems < 10 kW may use 2 Watts/sqft estimation)
Copy of signed Energy Efficiency Disclosure Form
Proof of Energy Efficiency Audit or Title 24 report within the last 3 years.
Copy of signed Commitment Agreement (EPBB existing commercial
buildings >= 100,000sq ft and Benchmarking <75. (proof of
Benchmarking doc required)).
Printout of EPBB Tool Calculation (www.csi-epbb.com) – (for non-PV,
TBD)
73
Reservation Request (RR) Cont.
1of 2 Step: Residential & Small Commercial (<10 kW)
1of 3 Step: Non-Residential / Commercial (≥10 kW)
Additional Required Documents for all projects <10kW:


Copy of Executed Agreement of Solar System Purchase and
Installation.
Copy of Executed Alternative System Ownership Agreement (If
System Owner is Different from Host Customer)
Additional Required Documents (Non-Residential >10kW):


Application Fee
Certification of tax-exempt status (gov’t and non-profit only)
Additional Required Documents (Non-Res, New Const):



Proof of at least 15% above Title 24 (PERF-1 form Certificate signed
by a Certified Energy Plans Examiner (CEPE)
Building Site Plan
Copy of New Construction Building Permit.
74
Proof of Project Milestones (PPM)
2 of 3 Step: Non-Residential / Commercial (≥10 kW)

Completed Proof of Project Milestone Checklist

Copy of executed contract for system purchase
and installation including warranty language

Copy of executed alternative System Ownership
agreement (if System Owner is different than
Host Customer)

Revised printout of EPBB Tool Calculation
(www.csi-epbb.com) – (for non-PV, TBD)

Copy of RFP or solicitation (Government, Nonprofit, and Public Entities only)
75
Incentive Claim Form (ICF)
2 of 2 Step: Residential & Small Commercial (<10 kW)
3 of 3 Step: Non-Residential / Commercial (≥10 kW)

Complete Incentive Claim Form with Original Signatures

Copy of PMRS Cost Cap Exemption Document (if applicable)

(PBI Only) Copy of Executed PDP Contract

Revised EPBB Calculation Printout or non-PV (TBD)

Signed Field Verification Certification Form

Copy of Retro-Commissioning Report (EPBB existing commercial
buildings >= 100,000sq ft and Benchmarking <75. (proof of
Benchmarking doc required)).
76
Application Fee criteria






Residential customers and systems <10 kW are exempt from the
application fee.
The application fee is a standardized amount based on the
following system size (CEC-AC)
criteria:
Fee must be paid during the RR stage.
Customer or 3rd party has 30 days to submit to active RR in
the form of check, cash, credit card or money order.
The App fee will be linked to the Reservation number.
77
SCE’s Website
Up to date information on CSI and SGIP
 The Trigger Tracker status
 Data on costs of installations
 Registration for CSI courses
 Other information
www.sce.com/
or www.sce.com/csi

Residential or Commercial
“Rebates & Savings”
“California Solar Initiative”
“Handbook & Forms”
“2 step or 3 step”
=>
Choose your step
78
Interconnection Requirements
79
Discussion Points

Net Energy Metering (NEM) Policy and Procedures
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NEM Interconnection End to End Process
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Why is an interconnection application required?
Net Energy Metering (NEM) Interconnection Program
SCE NEM Interconnection Application Process
Generating Facility Interconnection Application – “Long Form”
(Form 14-732)
NEM Interconnection Agreement (Form 16-344)
From “Design” To “Build”
Solar Installation Inspections
Interconnection Process Flow
Take Home Messages and Future Reference Contact
Information


Common reasons Interconnection Applications Are Delayed
SCE NEM Interconnection Support Contact Information
80
Interconnection Application

Safety

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
Rule 21


Identify electric generators within service area
Commission (CEC) approved components
B.1: A producer must comply with this Rule, execute an interconnection
agreement with SCE, and receive SCE’s express written permission before
Parallel Operation of its Generating Facility with SCE’s Distribution System.
Incentive

CSI: 2.6 Interconnection to the Electric Utility Distribution System


All solar electric generating systems receiving incentives under the CSI Program must
be connected to the local electric utility’s distribution system...To connect a solar
energy system to the utility distribution system, Host Customers, and/or System
Owners will be required to execute certain documents such as, but not limited to, an
Application to Interconnect a Generating Facility and a Generating Facility
Interconnection Agreement or Net Energy Metering (NEM) Agreement with the local
electric utility.
NSHP: Chapter IIC. Grid Interconnection

Eligible PV systems must be permanently interconnected to the electrical distribution
grid of the utility serving the customer’s electrical load…The system interconnection
must comply with applicable electrical codes, utility interconnection requirements, and
metering requirements
81
Net Energy Metering (NEM) vs. Distributed
Generation (DG)1
Program
Attribute
NEM
DG
Review Fee
None
Yes - (solar/wind exempt)
Capacity (kW)
<1000kW
Site Load
Insurance
No
Yes
Grid Feedback
Yes
No
Fast Track
Yes
No
Supplemental Review
No
Yes
Existing Meter Review
Yes
Yes
Rebate
Yes
By Technology Type
(excess generation)
1For
complete technical
information refer to SCE’s
Rule 21 “Generating
Facility Interconnections”
82
Net Energy Metering Program

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“Bank” Excess Solar
Generation
12-Month Relevant Period
Payment Plan: Annual vs.
Monthly
NEM Tariff: Energy vs. NonEnergy
Bi-Directional Meter
Fast-track Interconnection
Process
Capacity Capped at 1000kW
(AC)
Subset of Rule 21:
http://www.sce.com/AboutSCE/Re
gulatory/tariffbooks/rules.htm
83
Interconnection Requirements

NET ENERGY METERING APPLICATION OPTIONS
1)
SHORT FORM - One Page Application
Standard Installations <10kW (AC)
- Fast-Track interconnection Process
2)
LONG FORM - Fourteen Page Application
Generating Facility Interconnection Application
(Form 14-732)
Non-Standard Installations > 10kW-1000kW (AC)
- Battery Backup Systems
- System Expansions
- Non-Certified Inverter (Rule-21)
PLEASE NOTE: $800 fee is not required for Solar/NEM “Long Forms” –
Generating Facility Interconnection Application
84
Interconnection Requirements
HOW TO SUBMIT NEM APPLICATIONS?

Option 1: Apply by Email (customer.generation@sce.com)



Requires Microsoft Excel installed on your PC
Complete Application packet must consist of:
1) Interconnection Application 2) Single-Line Diagram
3) Current Customer SCE electric statement*
Options 2 & 3: Apply by Fax or US Mail

Complete Application packet must consist of:
1) Interconnection Application 2) Single-Line Diagram
3) Current Customer SCE electric statement*
*NOTE: For new construction provide copy of Building & Safety
Construction/Building Permit
85
Interconnection Requirements
Locating NEM Interconnection Forms Online
Step 1
Step 2
Step 4
Step 3
86
Interconnection Requirements
Long Form (GFIA): Page 3/14 – Identifying the Generating
Facility’s Location and Responsible Parties

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


SCE Customer name
Service Account
number / Meter number
Customer Contact
section
Contractor Contact
section
Additional Project
Contact information
87
Interconnection Requirements
Long Form (GFIA): Page 10/14 – Describe each of the
Generators (See Instructions).







Part 4 “#” records the number
of each type of Inverter
Part 4A records the complete
Inverter Manufacturer Name
Part 4B records the complete
Inverter model number
Part 4G must show the DC
calculation
Part 4H must show the AC
calculation
Part 4I must accurately report
the operating voltage
Part 4L identifies the service
wiring configuration
88
NEM Interconnection
Agreement

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
Available on sce.com
Requires Customer of Record “Wet”
signature (page 4)
Commercial: Signor must be
“Authorized” to bind Customer to
agreement terms
Submit two originals (Form 16-344)
Required for interconnection
approval
SCE will mail to Customer if not
received with accepted application
packet
Fully executed agreement will be
mailed to Customer upon approval
Not A Rate Change Request Form
(i.e. Domestic to TOU)
89
Solar Site Inspections1
NEM
Interconnection
CSI Rebate
Building & Safety
(Jurisdictional)
SCE Field Engineer
 Contractor Contact
Notified of technical
review
 Compliance with Rule
21 Technical
Requirements / ESR’s
 Contact Reviewing
SCE Engineer to
schedule when site
ready for inspection

Third Party Engineer
 Rebate Specifications
 Inspection Notification
Letter / phone call


Building Inspector
 Building Code / NEC
 Contact B&S to
schedule
 All Installations
1IMPORTANT:
Solar electric generating systems
90
must remain off until SCE
Approves interconnection request – Verbal
(Contactor), Letter (Customer)
Equipment Change – From
“Design” To “Build”


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
NEM Interconnection application request must
match the installed solar equipment
New NEM Interconnection application packet is
required if primary components (modules, inverters)
change midstream
CSI Incentive Claim Form (ICF) does not update
NEM interconnection request
CSI rebate check is issued until all NEM
interconnection discrepancies (i.e. equipment,
capacity) are resolved
91
Critical Areas of Attention


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
NEM Core Documents
Applicant Name
Complete Component Information
CEC AC Nameplate Calculation
Formula:
Total # of Modules X CEC-PTC Module Rating X CEC-Inverter Efficiency Rating (%) = CEC-AC NP (kW)
1000
Example:
30 X 173 W X 96% = 4.98kW = 5.0kW
1000




Rebate Program Name
Long Form >10kW: Page 10
Compatible NEM Meter
Jurisdictional (Building & Safety) Final Inspection
92
Parallel Process Integration
Interconnection
Application
(SCE)
CSI
Application
(SCE)
Jurisdictional Building
Permit
(City/County)
“Timely” Interconnection Approval
and Incentive Payment Payout is
achieved through parallel
integration of Interconnection,
Rebate, and B&S efforts.
93
1) Initiate City / County
Permitting Process
Solar / Electrical Final
Inspection Completed
Intermediate
Process
milestones not
shown
2) Submit CSI Rebate
Application (Rebate
Reservation Process)
$ Rebate Check Issued $
Resubmission: Discrepancies Resolved?
3) Contractor (Designate)
Submits Interconnection
(IC) Application to RAP via:
-Email
-Fax
-US Mail
Start of NEM IC Process
Is the IC
application
complete &
accurate?
Proceed to take
the IC application
through the
remaining NEM
milestones
All Requested
SCE review
approvals and
Agreements
received by NEM
Group
Interconnection
Agreements are
processed
internally
Contractor
Submits B&S
Final Inspection
to NEM Group
Technical Review
Request is
submitted to SCE
Field Engineer
Proceed to take
the IC application
through the
remaining NEM
milestones
Service Planner
review request is
submitted to SCE
Planner
NO
YES
NO
SCE Engineer review
required? DOM>15kW
C&I>10kW
All Battery B/U
NO
“Correction”
Notification sent to
Contractor (email
or fax) detailing all
identified
deficiencies
Is the Customer’s
account Direct
Access (DA)?
YES
YES
Mail
Interconnection
Agreements to
Customer of
Record (COR)
NO
“HOLD”
Notification sent to
Contractor (email,
fax) to advise of
DA hold
NEM notification is
sent to Customer’s
Energy Service
Provider (ESP)
Is Planner review
required? Remodel,
New Construction, TPP
YES
ESP Response
received by SCE:
NEM Supported?
YES
NEM IC Approval Granted
Final Inspection
is verified with
issuing B&S
office
Assign an internal
project ID number:
NM #####
Courtesy Call
Delivered to
Contractor
NEM Approval
Packet mailed to
COR
SCE Contacts
Customer of
Record (COR) to
review options
NO
Renewable Electric Generator Can
be Operated In Parallel w/SCE
NEM Milestones which must be completed
(if applicable) for Interconnection Approval
94
Interconnection Requirements

NEM PROGRAM CONTACT INFORMATION

PRIMARY NET METERING HOTLINE

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NEM Interconnection Support: (626) 302-9680
FAX NUMBER: (626) 571-4272
RESIDENTIAL NEM BILLING: (866) 701-7868
COMMERCIAL NEM BILLING: (866) 701-7869
CSI Rebate Support: (866) 584-7436
MAILING ADDRESS
SCE Customer Solar & Self-Generation
Attn: CSI NEM Program Administrator
Southern California Edison
P.O. Box 800
Rosemead CA 91770-0800


Email to submit NET METERING APPLICATIONS (email confirmation available)
customer.generation@sce.com
NET METERING CONTACTS


Laura-Diane Rudison, Program Administrator (email: rudisold@sce.com)
Melissa Patrick, NEM Interconnection Manager
95
Contact Information
96
SCE CSI Program Information

CSI Support



(866) 584-7436
(626) 302-3967 FAX
CSI Address







(All Programs)
CSIGroup@sce.com
SCE Customer Solar & Self-Generation
Attn: CSI Program Administrator
Southern California Edison
P.O. Box 800
Rosemead CA 91770-0800
Web-site
www.sce.com/
or
www.sce.com/csi
Residential or Commercial
“Rebates & Savings”
“California Solar Initiative” =>
“Handbook & Forms”
“2 step or 3 step”
Choose your step”

To obtain more information go to: www.GoSolarCalifornia.ca.gov

Interconnection


(626) 302-9680
Energy Efficiency Audit help

(800) 362-7413
97
SCE CSI & NEM Program
Acronyms

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AB (as in AB 1407): Assembly Bill
AC: Alternating Current
AMI: Advanced Metering Infrastructure
BIPV: Building Integrated Photovoltaic
B&S: Building and Safety
BTU: British Thermal Units
CA: Customer Account
CCC: Customer Communication Center
CCSE: California Center for Sustainable Energy
CEC: California Energy Commission
CEC-AC: California Energy Commission Alternating
Current, refers to inverter efficiency rating
CPUC: California Public Utilities Commission
CSI: California Solar Initiative
CSLB: Contractors State License Board
DA: Direct Access
DC: Direct Current
DG: Distributed Generation
EPBB: Expected Performance-Based Buydown
ERP: Emerging Renewables Program
ESP: Energy Service Provider
ESCO: Energy Service Company
GFIA: Generating Facility Interconnection Application
IA: Interconnection Agreement
IDR: Interval Data Recorder
IOU: Investor-Owned Utility
KW: Kilowatt
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KWH: Kilowatt-hour
M&E: Measurement and Evaluation
NEM: Net Energy Metering
M&V: Measurement and Verification
California Solar Initiative Program Handbook 74
MW: Megawatt
NABCEP: North American Board of Certified Energy
Practitioners
NRTL: Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory
NSHP: New Solar Homes Partnership
PBI: Performance-Based Incentives
PCC: Point of Common Coupling
PG&E: Pacific Gas and Electric Company
PIER: Public Interest Energy Research
PMRS: Performance Monitoring and Reporting Service
PTC: PVUSA Test Conditions
PV: Photovoltaic
PY: Program Year
SA: Service Account
SB (as in SB 1): Senate Bill
SCE: Southern California Edison Company
SDG&E: San Diego Gas & Electric Company
SGIP: Self Generation Incentive Program
SLD: Single Line Diagram
SOF: Surface Orientation Factor
STC: Standard Test Conditions
UL (as in UL 1703): Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.
98