Page 185 - Alternative Energy Systems in Building Design

HOST CUSTOMER 161

PV module certified specifications, location of the solar platform, insolation, PV panel
orientation, tilt angle, and shading losses. All these are entered into a predetermined
equation that results in the buydown incentive rate.
The EPBB applies to all new projects other than systems that have building-integrated
PVs (BIPVs). The EPBB one-time incentive payment calculation is based on the
following formula:

EPBB incentive payment = incentive rate × system rating (kW) × design factor

System rating (kW) = number of PV modules × CEC photovoltaic module test
standard (PTC) value × CEC inverter listed efficiency
(divided by 1000 for kilowatt conversion)

Special design requirements are as follows:

■ All PV modules must be oriented between 180 and 270 degrees.
■ The optimal tilt for each compass direction should be in the range of 180 and 270
degrees for optimized summer power output efficiency.
■ The system must take into account derating factors associated with weather and
shading analysis.
■ The system must be in an optimal reference and location.
■ PV tilt must correspond to the local latitude.

Performance-Based Incentive (PBI)

As of January 1, 2007, this incentive applied to solar power system installations that
delivered or exceeded 100 kW. As of January 1, 2008, the base power output reference
was reduced to 50 kW, and by January 1, 2010, the incentive will be reduced to 30 kW.
Each PBI payment is limited to a duration of 5 years following completion of the system
acceptance test. Also included in the plan are custom-made BIPV systems.

Host Customer

All beneficiaries of the CSI are referred to as host customers and include not only the
electric utility customers but also retail electric distribution organizations such as
PG&E, SCE, and SDG&E. Under the rules of the CSI, all entities who apply for an
incentive are referred to as applicants, hosts, or system owners.
In general, host customers must have an outstanding account with a utility provider
at a location of solar power cogeneration. In other words, the project in California
must be located within the service territory of one of the three listed program
administrators.