Page 254 - Solar Power in Building Design The Engineer's Complete Design Resource

224 CALIFORNIA SOLAR INITIATIVE PROGRAM

Since U.S. government entities are self-insured, the program administrators will only
require a proof of coverage.

Grid Interconnection and

Metering Requirements

The main criterion for grid system integration is that the solar power cogeneration sys-
tem must be permanently connected to the main electrical service network. As such,
portable power generators are not considered eligible. In order to receive the incentive
payment, the administrator must receive proof of grid interconnection. In order to
receive additional incentives, customers whose power demands coincide with
California’s peak electricity demand become eligible to apply for time-of-use (TOU)
tariffs that could increase their energy payback.
All meters installed must be physically located to allow the administrator’s author-
ized agents to have easy access for test or inspection.

Inspection

All systems rated from 30 to 100 kW that have not adopted the PBI will be inspected
by specially designated inspectors. In order to receive the incentive payment, the
inspectors must verify the system operational performance, installation conformance
to the application, eligibility criteria, and grid interconnection.
System owners who have opted for the Expected Performance-Based Buydown
(EPBB) incentive must install the PV panels in the proper orientation and produce
power that is reflected in the incentive application.
In the event of inspection failure, the owner will be advised by the administrator
about shortcomings regarding material or compliance which must be mitigated within
60 days. Failure to correct the problem could result in cancellation of the application
and a strike against the installer, applicant, seller, or any party deemed responsible.
Entities identified as responsible for mitigating the problem that fail to do so after three
attempts will be disqualified from participating in CSI programs for a period of 1 year.

CSI Incentive Limitations

A prerequisite for processing a CSI program application is that the project’s total
installed out-of-pocket expenses by the owner do not exceed the eligible costs. For this
reason the owner or the applicant must prepare a detailed project cost breakdown that
highlights only the relative embedded cost of the solar power system. A worksheet
designed for this purpose is available on the CSI Web page.
It is important to note that clients are not permitted to receive incentives under other
sources. In the event a project may be qualified to receive an additional incentive from