Page 253 - Solar Power in Building Design The Engineer's Complete Design Resource

INSURANCE 223

Energy Efficiency Audit

Recent rules enacted in January 2007 require that all existing residential and com-
mercial customers when applying for a CSI rebate will be obligated to provide a cer-
tified energy efficiency audit for their existing building. The audit certification along
with the solar PV rebate application forms must be provided to the program adminis-
trator for evaluation purposes.
An energy audit could be conducted either by calling an auditor or accessing a spe-
cial Web page provided by each administrative entity. In some instances, energy audits
could be waved if the applicants can provide a copy of an audit conducted in the past
3 years or provide proof of a California Title 24 Energy Certificate of Compliance,
which is usually calculated by mechanical engineers. Projects that have a national
LEED certification are also exempt from an energy audit.

Warranty and Performance
Permanency Requirements

As mentioned previously, all major system components are required to have a minimum
of 10 years of warranty by manufacturers and installers alike. All equipment including PV
modules and inverters in the event of malfunction are required to be replaced at no cost
to the client. System power output performance must include 15 percent power output
degradation from the original rated projected performance for a period of 10 years.
To be eligible for CSI rebates, all solar power system installations must be perma-
nently attached or secured to their platforms. PV modules supported by quick discon-
nect means or installed on wheeled platforms or trailers are not considered as legitimate
stationary installations.
During the course of project installation, the owner or designated representative
must maintain continuous communication with the program administrator and provide
all required information regarding equipment specifications, warranties, the platform
configuration, all design revisions and system modifications, updated construction
schedules, and construction status on a regular basis.
In the event the location of PV panels are changed and panels are removed or relo-
cated within the same project perimeters or service territory, the owner must inform
the CSI administrator and establish a revised PBI payment period.

Insurance

At present the owner or the host customer of a system rated 30 kW or above and
receiving CSI is required to carry a minimum level of general liability insurance.
Installers also must carry worker’s compensation and business auto insurance coverage.