S O L A R * R E WA R D S ®
2015 TRAINING
December 2015
WELCOME to the
Solar*Rewards 2015 Training
Goal: To provide installers and developers
with the information and education
necessary to complete Xcel Energy’s
Solar*Rewards/ Non Solar*Rewards
applications in a timely manner with little to
no errors or delays.
Achieving the above Goal will aid in
meeting or exceeding our mutual
customer’s expectations, in terms of
interconnection timelines, resulting in
an overall increase in customer
satisfaction
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INTRODUCTIONS/TEAM
• Solar DG Roof Top Team
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Manager Customer Choice- Kerry Klemm (MN)
Program Manager - Lyndsay McDonald (CO)
Marketing Assistant - Sheena Poskie (CO)
Marketing Assistant - Elizabeth Klinger (CO)
Marketing Assistant -Rod O'Connell (CO)
Marketing Assistant- Alejandra Marquez (MN)
• Internal Team Players
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Customer Service /Energy Expert s
Builders Call Line
Design
Metering and Area Engineering
Field Metering
Billing
• External Industry Team Players
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Installer
Developers
Local inspectors
Home builders
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ICE BREAKER/EXERCISE
• Getting to know you:
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Your Name?
Company you work for?
Years in Solar?
If I wasn’t working in Solar I would be…
• 2 Part Question:
Part 1 - If you could change anything in regards to the Solar*Rewards Program
/Non Program DG interconnection process (big or small) what would it be?
Part 2- If you were in charge of implementing the change briefly describe how
you go about the implementation?
“Doing nothing is a great way to change nothing, so we have to DO
something” – Kid President
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W H AT ’ S N E W ?
SOLAR*REWARDS TRAINING:
WHAT'S NEW?
Change in Process for 2016
 Starting in January 2016, we will no longer run a queue for incoming applications for
the Small program.
 When capacity has been fully reserved for the respective month (2MW)/quarter
(3MW) the program(s) will close and reopen the following month/quarter.
 All other applicants will be notified via e-mail within 24 hours of the programs closing
and will be able to resubmit the application(s) during the next release.
 If there is any remaining unreserved capacity we will add it to the following
month’s/quarter’s release.
 This aligns the program process with the Medium program and will help prevent
some of the confusion caused by the queue, as well as ensure we can consistently
offer the program throughout the entire year.
2016 Small & Medium Program Schedule
Solar*Rewards Program
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Total MW
Offering*
Released Schedule
SMALL (.5-25kW)
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2MW per month
MEDIUM (25.01-500kW)
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3 MW per quarter (Jan., April, July and Oct.)
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SOLAR*REWARDS TRAINING: WHAT'S
NEW?
2 Notable Tariff Changes that Occurred in 2015
1.
PV Production Tariff Charges
– Effective May 18, 2015, owners of on-site
photovoltaic (PV) systems receiving service
under Schedule PV whose generation facilities
were interconnected after March, 21, 2015 are
being billed each month for Production Meter
charges.
– This charge offsets the extra cost of providing
and reading the additional meter needed for
Solar*Rewards participants. You can find more
details and view the rate schedule on page 157
of the Electric Rate Book.
– Customers will see this charge on their bills
under the “Electricity Service Details,” as a line
item under “Electricity Charges”.
– We appreciate your efforts to help customers
understand this monthly metering charge as they
consider the financial benefits of participating in
Solar*Rewards.
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SOLAR*REWARDS TRAINING: WHAT'S
NEW?
2 Notable Tariff Changes that Occurred in 2015 (continued)
2. Revision to Schedule PV
Applicability (Sheet 93) Effective as of 9/5/2015
***If the proposed interconnection
exceeds twenty kilowatts (20 kW),
the Company on a case by case
basis may evaluate and determine
that the small generating facility may
nevertheless be interconnected
consistent with safety, reliability, and
power quality standards.
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SOLAR*REWARDS TRAINING:
WHAT'S NEW?
EXCITING NEWS!
• Credit Card Payments for Application Fees
Coming in 2017!!!
• Xcel Energy has an Order from the MN PUC to
start accepting online payment for S*R deposits
in MN no later than 1/1/17.
• We will be implementing this requirement for all
jurisdictions including CO.
• More details and training if necessary will ne
provided as we approach the to-be-determined
launch date.
• Non-Solar*Rewards Applications in
Salesforce by early Q1 – 2016
 The process will be very much the same as
Solar*Rewards with a few exceptions
 +/- 10% changes do not apply, only compliance
with the 120% rule will be required
 Application Deposit Fee is not required
 There is no required timeline to complete the
applications (365 days for Solar*Rewards)
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SOLAR*REWARDS TRAINING:
WHAT'S NEW? (CONTINUED)
• Online Training: Introducing Brainshark
(Live, early January 2016)
– Brainshark is an online learning platform
which enables training content to be
accessible, on demand from any device.
What to early January 2016:
– A similar iteration of this PowerPoint
presentation with live audio and video
– Imbedded Quiz to test your knowledge
and comprehension of Solar*Rewards
and Non-Solar*Rewards Program
Operations, Rules and Requirements
etc.
– Relevant Sample Line Diagram and Site
Plans, SGIA, FAQs, Solar Contracts,
just to name a few, will be provided in a
centralized location
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A P P L I C AT I O N P R O C E S S
& TIPS FOR SUCCESS
WHAT CAN I LEARN FROM THIS
TRAINING?
• New installers: Familiarize with the basics of the Solar*Rewards
application process and find answers to common questions
• Current installers: Continue your education and learn about best
practices.
• Customers: Learn more about the Solar*Rewards application process
and find answers to common questions.
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Application Process Overview
1. Application Process
How to start and complete an application.
2. New Construction
Steps to take when a PV System is being installed on a new building
that is under construction.
3. Assignment of Contract
Process when a house with solar is sold, and changes owners.
4. Best Practices
Insight from experienced Solar*Rewards installer.
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A P P L I C AT I O N P R O C E S S
Starting an Application*
Application Website
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Step 1: Start
• Xcel Energy permanent electric
account number
• Xcel Energy permanent electric
premise number
• Address for PV installation
• New Construction, Rental
Property, Existing PV System,
Electric Vehicles
Customer Service: 1-800-895-4999
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Account Numbers
“How do I enter the customer’s account number? I’m entering the
10-digit number and it’s not working.”
• Remove the numbers before and after the dashes in the account
number (eg: 53-12345-7)
• Only enter the number in between the dashes.
• We advise always having a copy of the customers bill on hand when
applying for a Solar*Rewards Application
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Program Type
“I started an application as a Third-Party Developer Owned but it
should be Customer Owned, what do I do?”
• A Customer-Owned system is owned entirely by the customer.
• A Third-Party Owned system is owned by a third party developer, in
most cases a customer has entered into a lease agreement with the
developer to rent out the system.
• If the system was registered incorrectly on the application, please
notify the Solar*Rewards team as soon as possible at
SolarProgram@xcelenergy.com.
• If an incentive has been set prior to the mistake being caught for
Small program applications, the application will be canceled and a
new application will need to be re-submitted in it’s place since the
incorrect REC incentive has been assigned.
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Special Circumstances
• Please make sure you are selecting a box if a special circumstance exists.
• Checking the applied box(es) will trigger certain events to occur
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Step 2: Contacts
• Information must match the
Customer’s Xcel Energy
account as it is seen on the
customer’s bill.
• Make sure the customer
name that is populated is
correct (if it’s not you may
have a Rental Property)
• Call customer service at 1800-895-4999 if account
information needs to be
changed.
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Rental Properties
“How do I enter customer information if a tenant is living in
the customer’s home?”
• The account number and premise number you enter could potentially
list a tenant in the customer field of the application. If the customer
name is not the same please email Solar*Rewards at
SolarProgram@xcelenergy.com
• For Rental properties, a tenant will be required to sign a tenant release
form upon approval of the application.
• The tenant release form can be found on our website, or you can find it
in the Appendix of this presentation. Complete the form and send it to
SolarProgram@xcelenergy.com
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Step 3: System Details
• Add array(s) and
inverter(s) information
• Add estimated project
cost
• System size cannot
change by more than +/10% after the initial
application has been
submitted for review and
an incentive has been
set.
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Array(s) and Inverter(s)
“I can’t find the array and inverter I want to use when I try to
enter my system details. Can I still use them?”
• We accept all UL certified equipment listed on the Go Solar
California website: gosolarcalifornia.ca.gov
• If you’d like to use equipment not currently listed in Salesforce,
please send a screenshot of the listing on Go Solar California to
SolarProgram@xcelenergy.com, and we will add the equipment.
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120% Rule (Requirement)
“The application says I am failing the 120% Rule. What do I do?”
• PV solar systems can produce up to 120% of the customer’s average
annual energy usage. This is a state statue set forth by the state of
Colorado which Solar*Rewards Participants and Non-Solar*Rewards
Participants are required to adhere to.
• By looking at the customer’s energy bills over the past year, you can
estimate the system size necessary for the premise.
• If the system size meets this requirement, but you are still failing the
120% Rule, contact us at SolarProgram@xcelenergy.com and we will
provide feedback.
– We have noticed some installers only attain one or two copies of the
customers usage/bill, resulting in a 120% Rule failure. This creates further
delays in the overall application timeline, and in most cases could have
been prevented had the appropriate account history been attained.
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Pre-Existing PV Systems
“A Solar*Rewards customer wants to add an additional PV system
to their already existing system. Do I need to disclose the preexisting system on the application or in plan documentation?”
• The “Existing PV System” box must be checked when starting an
application for the new PV system when there is a pre-existing
system.
• The addition cannot exceed 120% of the customer’s annual usage.
• The pre-existing system details must be included in the new
application.
• A second production meter will be installed.
• If the combined kW are greater than 10kW, an SGIA will be required
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Electric Vehicles
“How will the energy usage be calculated if the customer has an
electric vehicle?”
• Less than 4 months of consumption history with EV: +250 kWh
(3,000 kWh total) per month to consumption history when
calculating the 120% Rule.
• At least 4 months of consumption history with EV: No additions
made when calculating 120% Rule.
• Must submit copy of vehicle registration showing the registration
address, which corresponds with the install address, as well as
confirmation of the EV purchase date.
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Proof of Square Footage
“Do I need to upload Proof of Square Footage?”
• Proof of Square Footage is required for New Construction
• If the customer is planning on remodeling or making an addition to
the home, please provide us with the Proof of Square Footage for
the addition.
• Proof of Square Footage is required for all premises with less than 4
months of electric usage history for the current customer.
• If the current customer has 4 months of electric usage or more,
Proof of Square Footage is not required and the available usage
needs to be used to determine system size.
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System Size Changes, +/- 10%
“I need to change my system size. Is this allowed?”
• Before an incentive is set by the Solar*Rewards Program, you may change
the system size by any percentage as long as you are able to pass the
120% rule.
• After an incentive has been set, system size can only change by +/-10%.
• If you need to change system size after receiving an incentive, contact the
Solar*Rewards team at SolarProgram@xcelenergy.com and we will make
the required changes to the application
– In addition you will also be required to submit a new Line Diagram and Site
Plan reflecting the change and re-submit the new engineering documents.
• System changes outside the defined bounds of +/-10% are not
allowed.
– Failing to comply with this rule may result in application cancelation
– The previous REC incentive applied to the original application will not
be transferred to the new application
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Step 4: Documents &
Payments
• Mail Application Deposit Form and check to the following address:
– Xcel Energy Solar*Rewards, PO Box 59, Minneapolis, MN 55440-0059
• Application Deposit must be postmarked within 7 business days of application
submission otherwise the application will be canceled
• Once the we have record of the payment, the application will be reviewed by
Solar*Rewards team (this includes evaluating the 120% rule if there is a fail)
• Once an Incentive price is set you will receive a notification via email.
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Confirmation Email
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Incentives and Queues
“How are incentives set?” “Will I be put in a queue if I do not
receive an incentive?”
• Incentives are set in the order we
receive the submission by Opportunity
ID (OID) in ascending order
• We will not set an applications
incentive until an application deposit
has been received
• There is no program queue for the
Small and Medium Program going
forward into 2016 as mentioned from
previous slides. We find it creates this
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Study Fee, Site Plan, Line Diagram
• Mail in your Interconnection Study Fee Form and Study Fee check
(this check can also be sent with the Application Deposit but it must be
a separate check)
• Upload a Site Plan and Line Diagram (requirements in Contents
section)
• Upload SGIA, Proof of Square Footage, Ternate Release Form, EV
Vehicle Registration if necessary
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Study Fee, Site Plan, Line Diagram
• Note: A Study Fee check may be submitted at the same time as
the Application Deposit, but it must be sent as a separate check.
Only an Application Deposit is necessary when applying for an
incentive.
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Systems over 10kW
“What additional documentation should I submit for systems
over 10kW?”
• All systems over 10kW require a $1,000 Study Fee
• All systems over 10kW require a Small Generation Interconnection
Agreement Form (SGIA)
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Step 5: Engineering Review
• If all the information is correct then click “Submit for Approval” at the
bottom of the screen to submit the application to our engineers for
review.
• Must be reflective of the end product – changes are not prohibited
during engineering review.
• If a rejection occurs, the installer will receive an email with further
instructions. (Refer to Handout Timelines)
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Step 6: Final Information
• Upload NABCEP form, Proof of Insurance, Final Electric Inspection
• Fill in Final Application Details
• If accurate and ready to be submitted, click “Retrieve Documents”
button.
• Once “Retrieve Documents” has been selected, no changes can be
made to the application.
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Restricted Meter Access
“If the customer has restricted access to the meters, what do I do?”
• Restricted Access may occur when a customer has dogs in their
backyard, or a locked gate prohibiting entrance to the yard.
• If Restricted Access exists, check the “Restricted Access to Meter Area”
• Add a note on the Application Summary page detailing the restricted
access.
• Email a member of the Solar*Rewards team if an appointment for meter
installation will need to be made. We will then reach out to the customer
and the metering department for scheduling
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Final Electrical Inspection
“What does a Final Electrical Inspection need to include?”
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The premise address
The name of the inspection agency (i.e.: City of Denver)
The type of inspection (Final Electrical)
The outcome of the inspection (Pass/Fail)
The date of the inspection
The inspector’s name and signature
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Sertifi e-Documents
• Unless the application is for a Rental Property the customer
name and email address must match the name on the monthly
electric bill for Xcel Energy service
• Installers cannot add additional signers
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Deadline Extensions
“I can’t finish the application within the year deadline. Can I get an
extension?”
• Extensions are granted under special
circumstances
• In order to request an extension request you
will be required to fill out an extension request
form
• Email extension requests to
SolarProgram@XcelEnergy.com
• To qualify for an extension, the following must
be true…
– The application must be within 60 calendar
days of the expiration date
– The request is made at least 2 weeks prior to
the projects expiration date (close date)
– The application must received an approval from
Engineering Review
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M E T E R I N S TA L L AT I O N
Installation Time Frame
• Once the solar meter order has
been placed, meters will be
installed approximatley15
Business Days.
• If customer has restricted
access to their meters (locked
gate, dogs) and you did not
previously check the “Restricted
Access” box, please email us
immediately.
• Permission to Operate (PTO)
email will be sent to the
customer after meters have
been installed. This is only true
for customers going through the
Solar*Rewards program until
we automate the nonSolar*Rewards applications in
Q1 2016.
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Application Deposit Refund
• If application is completed within the 1-year
deadline, the Application Deposit will be
refunded to the payee.
• We have begun consolidating the Deposit
refunds into monthly checks with itemized
statements for some installers. This service is
available to all installers/developers upon
request
Benefits:
1)
2)
3)
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Reduce Waste – Win-Win!
Reduce Operation Costs
Reduce Admin Costs
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Assignment of Contract
“The homeowners are selling their house, but their 20-year contract
is not up. What should they do?
• The Solar*Rewards contract must be
assigned to the new homeowner. This
is referred to as the Assignment of
Contract or AOC Process
• The new homeowner and the
previous homeowner will both work
together with the help of the
solarprogram@xcelenergy.com to
sign the required documents and
complete the AOC process
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NEW CONSTRUCTION
New Construction
If a home is currently being constructed, you may apply to
Solar*Rewards if:
• A permanent Xcel Energy electric account exists.
• Permanent premise and account numbers exist.
• Note: A Solar*Rewards application cannot be started with
temporary account numbers. Please contact the Colorado Builders
Call Line (1-800-628-2121) to set up permanent account and
premise numbers
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Builder’s Call Line
To create a permanent premise and account for a
new home, please contact the Builder’s Call Line:
Builder’s Call Line
1-800-628-2121
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Builder’s Name on Account
“We have permanent account and premise numbers, but they are
under the builder’s name. Can I start a Solar*Rewards application?”
• Yes, you may start a
Solar*Rewards application under
the building or construction
company’s name, as long as the
premise has permanent account
and premise numbers.
• After the application has been
completed and the new customer’s
name is on the account, an
Assignment of Contract will need to
be executed (see next section).
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ASSIGNMENT OF
C O N T R A C T E D U C AT I O N
Assignment of Contract
“I entered into a 20 year contract with Xcel Energy through the
Solar*Rewards Program, but now I am moving to a new location, what
should I do?”
• The customer will need to begin the Assignment of Contract process to
transfer the Solar*Rewards Contract over to the new owner.
• If the new owner does not agree to sign the Assignment of Contract, they
will be in default of the original agreement with Xcel Energy and their
may be consequences for breaking the terms.
• Link to the Assignment of Contract page:
http://www.xcelenergy.com/Energy_Solutions/Residential_Solutions/Rene
wable_Energy_Solutions/SolarRewards_Assignment_of_Contract_Proce
ss
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BEST PRACTICES
Industry Insight: Buglet Solar
Introduction:
Whitney Painter is co-owner of
Buglet Solar Electric Installation,
based in Golden since 2006. Her
husband and business partner
named the company after her
childhood nickname--Buglet. She
is here today to talk a bit about
industry best practices.
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COLORADO COMMUNITY
GARDENS
SOLAR REWARD COMMUNITY
RELATIONSHIP FLOW
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BILL CREDIT TIMING FOR PARTIAL
MONTHS
First month –
No Bill Credit for
Entire Month
Final month –
Bill Credit for
Entire Month
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“GLAD YOU ASKED”
“GLAD YOU ASKED” ABOUT THE
INTERCONNECTION PROCESS OUTSIDE OF THE
SOLAR*REWARDS PROGRAM
• Updated Process • <Need to insert content here>
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“GLAD YOU ASKED” ABOUT THE
INTERCONNECTION PROCESS OUTSIDE OF THE
SOLAR*REWARDS PROGRAM
• Program Licenses
– Installers and developers may submit
applications with up to 10 licenses for the
January 4, 2016 release. Please note this
number includes pre-existing licenses.
Companies functioning as both the developer
and installer are considered a single entity,
and may submit using up to 10 licenses total.
– The number allowed may change in the future
and there may be associated costs for these
licenses.
License sharing is PROHIBITED
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“GLAD YOU ASKED” ABOUT THE
REQUIREMENT FOR PRODUCTION METERS
• Production Meter Requirement
– We need to understand the production behind
the meter because we have to plan for
reserves and it is necessary to also
understand the production on our system now
that we are starting to see two-way flows.
• Safety
• Reliability
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PA N E L D I S C U S S I O N
CONGRATULATIONS!
Thank you for taking the join us for the
2015 Solar*Rewards Installer/Developer.
Still have questions? We are here to help!
Solar Program Contact:
E-mail-SolarProgram@xcelenergy.com
Phone-303-571-7652
Program Manager Contact:
Lyndsay A. McDonald
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