Residential
Program
Guidelines
Anaheim Solar Rebate Program
Table of Contents
Rebate Application Checklist ........................................................................................................................ 1
Residential Program Guidelines .................................................................................................................... 2
Getting Started.............................................................................................................................................. 2
Energy Efficiency Requirements (Existing Home) ......................................................................................... 3
Energy Efficiency Requirements (Newly Constructed Home) ...................................................................... 3
Finding an Installer ........................................................................................................................................ 3
Rebate Reservation ....................................................................................................................................... 4
Design Requirements .................................................................................................................................... 5
Plan Check/Permit ........................................................................................................................................ 5
Net Metering Agreement.............................................................................................................................. 6
Permission to Operate .................................................................................................................................. 6
Inspection...................................................................................................................................................... 6
Incentive Claim Request ............................................................................................................................... 7
Third Party Verification ................................................................................................................................. 7
For Additional Information ........................................................................................................................... 8
Rebate Application Checklist
Step 1- Reservation for Rebate and System Installation
Reservation Request
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Installer must register for https://anaheimold.powerclerk.com/
Input all required information in PowerClerk under “New Application,” then complete the
following (PDF only):
1. Print PowerClerk Reservation Request Form, have customer and contractor sign, then
upload to PowerClerk.
2. Upload copy of customer signed lease agreement OR purchase agreement
Please note: Power Purchase Agreements are not eligible.
3. Upload copy of initial site plan (include array layout, azimuth, and tilt).
4. Select “Submit Application” in PowerClerk.
System Installation
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1. Schedule mandatory Home Utility Check-Up.
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2. After receiving formal approval letter via email, solar PV design plans may be
submitted to the Building Department for plan review. Once the Building Permit is
issued, project may begin construction.
Step 2- System Approval and Incentive Claim Request
System Approval
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1. Schedule final Building Department and Public Utilities Meter Inspection.
2. Customer signs and returns Net-Energy Metering Agreement.
Incentive Claim Request
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Upload the following documents to PowerClerk (PDF Only):
1. Building Division Inspection Sign Off form showing “Building Final” signature from
inspector for both solar PV system AND (if applicable) the electrical panel upgrade
2. Shade study report showing monthly shading percentages
3. Warranties issued to customer by installer
4. If commercial company is receiving rebate: Copy of Letter Assignment with Payee’s
W-9 Form attached
a. A CA 590 Tax Form is required for payees located outside California
5. For New Construction: Title 24 PERF-1 Form and supporting documents
Updated 09/2015
City of Anaheim, Public Utilities
Page 1 of 9
Residential Program Guidelines
Anaheim Public Utilities (APU) offers financial incentives, in the form of rebates, for those who want to
install solar energy systems on their homes in Anaheim. Funding for this program is limited. A lotterybased system will be used depending on funding availability.
In compliance with State of California Senate Bill 1 requirements, the following program guidelines are
available to assist those installing solar energy systems.
How the program works:
Anaheim Public Utilities has a two-step process for Anaheim customers applying for solar energy
rebates.
Step 1: Before you install your solar energy system, request a rebate reservation via PowerClerk.
Step 2: Begin installation after reservation approval. After final inspections, request the rebate
payment via PowerClerk.
Please familiarize yourself with the information in this handbook and contact the Anaheim Solar Rebate
Program Manager (page 8) if you have any questions.
For our current incentive rates, please visit our website:
anaheim.net/636/Solar-Energy-Rebates-Incentives
Getting Started
Solar Energy technology converts sunlight into electricity that can be used to power your home. Solar
Energy systems are usually mounted on roofs; they are modular, easily expandable, create no noise or
pollution and are reliable energy generators. An added benefit to solar energy systems is that they
require low maintenance and have long service lives. Anaheim homeowners interested in solar may use
this handbook as a guide to successfully manage their solar PV system installation.
PowerClerk Registration:
Please ensure your solar contractor has registered with Anaheim PowerClerk in order apply for the
rebate reservation during the scheduled application windows. If not, please email the following
information to AnaheimSolar@anaheim.net:
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Company name
o Company tax status
o Tax ID number
Contact name
o Phone number
o Address (email and mailing)
Contractor’s license number
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City of Anaheim, Public Utilities
Page 2 of 8
Find Help Here
Schedule Home Utility
Check-Up online or call
(714) 939-9020
Online Home Utility
Check-Up
Installer Database
State of California
License Board
Better Business Bureau
Energy Efficiency Requirement for
Existing Homes
Anaheim’s Solar Rebate Program combines energy efficiency
measures with solar energy in an effort to ensure proper sizing of a
solar energy system. This helps you achieve the maximum benefit
out of your solar energy system, and it contributes to Anaheim’s
energy efficiency goals. For details on State of California
requirements to meet energy efficiency goals, please see Chapter 5
of the CEC Guidelines for California’s Solar Electric Incentive
Programs (Senate Bill 1).
A Home Utility Check-Up is mandatory if you are participating in the
Residential Solar Rebate Program to understand the amount of
energy you use at your home and how you use it. Please refer to the
“Find Help Here” box to review your options
Energy Efficiency Requirement at Newly Constructed Homes
To participate in Anaheim’s Residential Solar Rebate Program, newly constructed residential homes
(single-family, apartments, condos, etc.) must achieve at least a 15% reduction in the combined space
heating, space cooling, lighting, and water heating energy compared to the 2008 Title 24 Standards.
Additionally, each appliance and any equipment provided by the builder must be Energy Star™ labeled if
this designation is applicable for that appliance or equipment.
The Title 24 PERF-1 form and accompanying supporting forms for the newly constructed facility shall be
provided as proof of attainment of 15% or higher achievement level. The PERF-1 form shall be
completed by persons who are Certified Energy Plan Examiners (CEPE) by the California Association of
Building Energy Consultants (CABEC).
For details on meeting the new construction efficiency requirements, please see Chapter 5 of the CEC
Guidelines for California’s Solar Electric Incentive Programs (Senate Bill 1).
Finding an Installer
When you are ready to participate in the Residential Solar Rebate Program, identify a contractor who
will install your solar energy system in compliance with the City of Anaheim’s requirements. We always
recommend obtaining a minimum of three quotes. Your installer must have a current A, B, C-10, or C-46
contractor’s license. We have provided a few helpful links under “Find Help Here” to assist you in finding
a licensed solar energy installer in your area.
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City of Anaheim, Public Utilities
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Rebate Reservation
Once you have accepted a proposal, reserve your rebate online via Anaheim PowerClerk.
Your installer will apply for the reservation on your behalf. Ensure your installer has an Anaheim
PowerClerk account. If not, please refer them to the Anaheim Solar Rebate Program Manager.
Please note:
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All solar energy modules and inverters must be listed on the State of California Energy
Commission list of eligible equipment.
Electronic signatures are permissible on all documents.
Previously installed systems do not qualify for the rebate.
The rebate is only awarded based on the past year’s usage, not on a projected usage.
Host Customer, System Owner, Applicant, and Payee must be properly specified as follows:
1. Host Customer: Anaheim homeowner
2. System Owner: Leasing company or Anaheim homeowner
3. Applicant: The contractor applying on behalf of the customer
4. Payee: The Anaheim homeowner or company that the incentive amount will be paid
to.
a. Please note: If company is listed as ‘Payee,’ the information must match the
company W-9 Form and 590 Form. The payee will be receiving the rebate
payment, so please ensure it is accurate.
To reserve funding, the following support documentation must be uploaded in PowerClerk:
1. Print PowerClerk Reservation Request form (sample), have customer and contractor
sign, then upload to PowerClerk (found under the “Application Review” tab in
PowerClerk)
2. Copy of the lease or purchase agreement signed by customer
a. Please note: Power Purchase Agreements are not eligible for rebates.
3. Initial roof plan that shows the system layout (including equipment information, array
azimuth, and tilt)
When all of the required forms are uploaded, change the status to “Submitted Via Internet.” Anaheim
Public Utilities will send you a confirmation email if your application is approved. The reservation
approval will expire about ten months after the application window closes.
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City of Anaheim, Public Utilities
Page 4 of 8
Design Requirements
When installing a solar energy system in the City of Anaheim, all systems must comply with Building
Department codes and requirements. Design packages should include:
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Site plans, roof plans, 1-line diagram (sized no smaller than 18” x 24”), and all appropriate
equipment data sheets
Compliance with Anaheim’s Interconnection Guidelines
Compliance with Anaheim Building Department Plan Check
Compliance with Anaheim Fire Department’s Specifications and Requirements
Please note:
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All solar energy installations require a meter socket installed after the inverter (please see Net
Metering Agreement section of these guidelines).
Anaheim Public Utilities does not accept ringless sockets or panels
The installer shall install the meter socket no more than 5 feet away from the Anaheim Public
Utilities revenue meter
The meter for this socket will be installed, owned, and operated by Anaheim Public Utilities
Plan Check/Permit
If your main service panel is rated at 200 amps or less:
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Take 3 copies of the solar energy system plans and design
package directly to the Building Department and submit
them for plan check; Building Department plan check takes
approximately 10-15 working days. If your main service
panel is rated at 200 amps or less, an Interconnection
Application is NOT required.
If your main service panel is rated at greater than 200 Amps:
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Take 4 copies of the solar energy system plans and design
package directly to Anaheim Public Utilities Engineering
Division for interconnection approval (one copy of your
plans will remain with Electrical Engineering).
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Utilities plan check takes approximately 5 working days
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After interconnection approval, you will receive
approval on your plan
Submit your plans and design package to the City of Anaheim
Building Department for plan check and issuance of permit.
Updated 09/2015
City of Anaheim, Public Utilities
Find Help Here
Planning Services and
Building Division
(714) 765-5153
200 S Anaheim Blvd, Fl 1
Anaheim, CA 92805
Utilities Electrical
Engineering
(714) 765-4208
201 S Anaheim Blvd, Fl 7
Anaheim, CA 92805
Interconnection
Guidelines
Building Department
Plan Check
Requirements
Page 5 of 8
Net Metering Agreement
An additional benefit of being a solar energy generator is the possibility of generating more electricity
than you need. When that occurs, the electricity you generate flows through the Utility meter onto the
electric grid. The amount of electricity you contribute to the grid is measured every billing period, and at
the end of the billing period you only pay for the net use of electricity at your home.
This process is called “net metering” and in order to receive credit for the electricity your system
generates to the grid, you must enter into a written agreement with the City of Anaheim. Once a permit
has been issued, the City of Anaheim will mail an “Interconnection Agreement for Net Energy Metering”
to you for your signature. Anaheim will not allow you to operate a grid-tied solar energy system without
an approved Interconnection Agreement for Net Energy Metering (please see the link to a sample
agreement and Frequently Answered Questions in the “Find Help Here” box in this section.)
Inspection
Inspection to ensure your solar energy has been installed correctly
and safely is the final stage before your solar system is ready to
operate. The following steps will assist you in getting your system
approved and operating quickly. Also refer to the “Building Division
Inspection Record” that you received with your permit as a guide.
1. Call the Building Department at (714) 765-4626 to
schedule final electrical inspection. The Electrical Inspector
will sign the Inspection Record under “Electrical Final” and
“Building Final.” The Electrical Inspector will notify
Anaheim Public Utilities to install your new meters.
2. Call Public Utilities Meter Shop to schedule a meter
inspection at (714) 765-6858
3. Once Anaheim Public Utilities receives notice that all
releases and requirements are met, a new bi-directional
meter will be installed on the applicable service panel, and
a power production meter will be installed at the new
meter socket within 5 working days.
Find Help Here
Electrical/Building
Department Final
(714) 765-4626
Meter Shop
(714) 765-6858
Interconnection
Agreement for Net
Energy Metering
(Sample)
FAQs for Net Metering
Permission to Operate
The City of Anaheim does not issue Permission to Operate letters. After all releases and requirements
are met, solar meters are set within 5 working days. Please note: Panel upgrades, home
undergrounding, or DB cable replacements may take additional time due to scheduling with Utilities
Field Crews. The customer has permission to operate as soon as the solar meters are set.
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City of Anaheim, Public Utilities
Page 6 of 8
Incentive Claim Request
After your solar energy system is approved and operational, you
are eligible to collect your rebate payment. Before uploading the
documents, please update the “Component Description” in
PowerClerk to match the actual installed system.
Find Help Here
Letter of Assignment
Online Incentive Claim Request
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1. Building Division Inspection Sign-Off Form
 Showing “Building Final” signature from inspector for both solar PV system
AND (if applicable) the electrical panel upgrade
2. Shade Study Report
 One report for each array (combined into one PDF file)
 Showing monthly shading percentages (Note: 100% = no shading)
 Include tilt and azimuth
3. Warranties
 Must have a minimum of 10 year warranty
4. Letter of Assignment (if applicable)
 If customer assigns rebate to commercial company
 Commercial company must include W-9 Form and/or 590 Form (if outside of
California)
 Payee name must match W-9 Form and 590 Form
5. For New Construction (if applicable): Title 24 PERF-1 form and support documents
When all of the required forms are uploaded, change the status to “Incentive Claim Request Submitted.”
Your incentive claim documents will be reviewed and your incentive check will be processed
approximately 3 to 4 weeks after submission.
Third Party Verifications
California State law requires that third party inspections be conducted to ensure rebated systems are
accurately depicted in their applications. Applications will be randomly selected and sent to a third party
company. The third party will call the selected applicants and schedule an inspection. APU does not
participate in the scheduling or the inspection. Once APU receives verification from the third party, the
incentive checks will be processed.
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City of Anaheim, Public Utilities
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For Additional Information
Please contact the Anaheim Solar Rebate Program Manager during regular business hours:
(714) 765-4182
AnaheimSolar@anaheim.net
201 S. Anaheim Boulevard, Suite 801
Anaheim, California 92805
Updated 09/2015
City of Anaheim, Public Utilities
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