Page 184 - Alternative Energy Systems in Building Design

160 CALIFORNIA SOLAR INITIATIVE PROGRAM

TABLE 4.4 CSI PBI AND EPBB TARGETED ENERGY PAYMENT AMOUNTS

EPBB PAYMENT/W PBI PAYMENT/W
TRIGGER
STEP ALLOTTED RES. COMM. GOV. RES. COMM. GOV.

1 50 MW N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
2 70 MW $2.5 $2.5 $3.25 $0.39 $0.39 $0.50
3 100 MW $2.2 $2.2 $2.95 $0.34 $0.34 $0.46
4 130 MW $1.9 $1.9 $2.65 $0.26 $0.26 $0.37
5 160 MW $1.55 $1.55 $2.30 $0.22 $0.22 $0.32
6 190 MW $1.10 $1.10 $1.85 $0.15 $0.15 $0.26
7 215 MW $0.65 $0.65 $1.40 $0.09 $0.09 $0.19
8 250 MW $0.35 $0.65 $1.10 $0.05 $0.05 $0.15
9 285 MW $0.25 $0.25 $0.9 $0.03 $0.03 $0.12
10 350 MW $0.20 $0.20 $0.70 $0.03 $0.03 $0.10

conditions, tilt angle, and all the factors that were discussed in preceding chapters. On
the other hand, PBIs are based strictly on predetermined flat-rate-per-kilowatthour
output payments over a 5-year period. Incentive payment levels have been devised to
be reduced automatically over the duration of the program in 10 steps that are directly
proportional to the megawatt volume reservation (Table 4.4).
As seen from this incentive-distribution table, the rebate payments diminish as the
targeted solar power program reaches its 3000-MW energy output. The main reasoning
behind the downscaling of the incentive is the presumption that solar power manufac-
turers, within the next decade, will be in a position to produce larger quantities and
more efficient, less expensive PV modules. As a result of the economies of scale, the
state will no longer be required to extend special incentives to promote the PV industry
with public funds.

Expected Performance–Based

Buydown (EPBB)

As mentioned earlier, EPBB is a one-time upfront incentive that is based on the esti-
mated or predicated future performance of PV-powered cogeneration. This program is
targeted to minimize program administration costs for relatively small systems that do
not exceed 100 kWh. As a rule, factors that affect the computation of estimated power
performance are relatively simple and take into consideration such things as panel count,