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California Solar Initiative Introduction Workshop

California Solar Initiative Introduction Workshop. The slides for today’s presentation can be downloaded/printed at www.pge.com/solareducation. Content. Introduction Overview of Energy Efficiency and Climate Smart Overview of California Solar Initiative (CSI) EPBB Calculator

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California Solar Initiative Introduction Workshop

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  1. California Solar Initiative Introduction Workshop The slides for today’s presentation can be downloaded/printed at www.pge.com/solareducation

  2. Content • Introduction • Overview of Energy Efficiency and Climate Smart • Overview of California Solar Initiative (CSI) • EPBB Calculator • CSI Application Process • CSI Field Inspections • CSI Metering and Monitoring • Other Solar Electric Generating Technologies • Generation Interconnection Services (GIS) • Billing and Rates • Appendix • Other Solar Incentive Programs • Other Renewables Programs • Q&A Session

  3. Ground Rules • Act in a safe manner and follow all safety guidelines • Respect the presenter and fellow participants by limiting side conversations • Do not interrupt the person talking, there is only one speaker at a time • Ask only relevant questions or wait until the breaks if not related to the topic • Silence cell phones or step out to make/take a call

  4. Objective The purpose of this workshop is to provide a thorough understanding of the California Solar Initiative and its requirements. We will take you step by step through the application process and also give an overview of several related programs and services PG&E offers. **Please note: This is not an instructional class on how to install solar** If you are interested in learning to install solar or getting into the solar industry, please visit the following websites for information: Interstate Renewable Energy Council-Renewable Energy Training Catalog: • http://irecusa.org/trainingCatalog/ The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP): • http://www.nabcep.org/certificates/entry-level-certificate-program/for-students Grid Alternative (non-profit providing hands-on training for volunteers) • www.gridalternatives.org Also check with local community colleges and universities

  5. About PG&E What we do: Deliver safe, reliable, and environmentally responsible gas and electricity to approximately 15 million Californians

  6. PG&E is creating clean energy at our own facilities PG&E Service Center is sending energy back to the grid!

  7. PG&E’s Integrated Approach Energy Efficiency & Conservation Reduce Energy Use Neutralize Energy Use Renewable Power Supply Solar & Wind Climate Smart

  8. Overview of Energy Efficiency and Climate Smart

  9. Before installing solar… Start with Energy Efficiency and Demand Management • It is more cost effective to make your home more energy efficient before installing solar • Educate yourself and your customers • Analyze current energy usage • Learn what to do by completing an audit • Explore rate options and other PG&E programs • Encourage Customers to Take Action to be Efficient • Saves energy and money in 2 ways • Less usage = smaller energy bills • Reduced load = smaller solar system = lower cost

  10. Residential

  11. PG&E Offers a Variety of Rebates • Available on electric and gas residential single family homes and multifamily properties: • High-Efficiency Clothes Washers • ENERGY STAR Dishwashers • ENERGY STAR Room Air Conditioner • Electric Storage Water Heaters • Natural Gas Storage Water Heater • Attic and Wall Insulation • Cool Roof – Low/Steep Slope • Whole House Fan • 92% & 94% AFUE Central Natural Gas Furnace • Variable Speed Motor (VSM) Air Handler System • Variable and 2-Speed Swimming Pool Pump and Motor • And more

  12. Retailer/Manufacturer Offered Rebates • Appliance Recycling • Free pick-up of older, working refrigerators • They use up to up to three times as much energy as newer ones and add as much as $250 to your annual energy bill • 98% of the fridge is recycled • Air Duct Testing and Sealing • Lighting • Instant rebates on different products (discount included in price): • Compact Fluorescent Lamps (including spiral as well as selected covered reflector lamps and dimmables) • Fluorescent Interior Hardwired Fixtures • Fluorescent Exterior Hardwired Fixtures (such as selected covered reflector lamps) • Fluorescent Torchieres

  13. Business

  14. Energy Efficiency Rebates • PG&E offers a variety of rebates on gas and electric products for businesses: • Agricultural Products • Appliances and General Improvement • Food Service • Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) • Lighting • Refrigeration • Boilers and Water Heating • Business Computing

  15. (Non-Residential Retrofit - NRR) • Incentives for the installation of high-efficiency equipment or systems • Customized rebates that are calculated based on actual reduction in energy usage Non-Residential New Construction • The program offers owners and their design teams analysis and resources to aid with energy-efficient facility design (10-15% above Title 24) of new non-residential facilities, expansions, or any added load • Offers Energy-Efficiency Design Assistance at no cost

  16. Retrocommissioning (RCx) • Systematic process for identifying less-than-optimal performance in an existing facility’s equipment and control systems • Focuses on making necessary repairs or enhancements to existing equipment and systems to save energy and cost • Can reduce energy costs by 5-15% • PG&E provides incentives, engineering resources • Building owners must agree to implement measures within 12 months

  17. Demand Response Programs • Programs that offer incentives for businesses who reduce their energy load during peak demand Demand Response vs. Energy Efficiency 24‑hour demand profile period for an office building

  18. Example of Demand Response Program PeakChoiceTM • PeakChoice allows customers to create a semi-customized program by selecting options from a list of features Reduction Amount & Commitment LevelHow many kW you can reduce Making a best effort to reduce vs. committing to reduce Event DurationNumber of hours you have to reduce for each event Event Notification Lead Time Minimum notice you need before you reduce energy Event WindowWhat time of day an event can occur Maximum Number of EventsNumber of events you will participate in Number of Consecutive Event DaysNumber of consecutive event-days you can participate in

  19. Energy efficiency programs have helped keep per capita electricity consumption in California flat since 1976 PG&E’s programs alone have avoided the release of over 135 million tons of CO2 into the atmosphere over the same period 14,000 12,000 10,000 KWh/person 8,000 6,000 4,000 2,000 - 2000 1995 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 US CA Western Europe 30+ Years of Energy Efficiency Success Courtesy Art Rosenfeld, California Energy Commission Note: 2005 – 2008 are forecast data.

  20. ClimateSmart • The energy you use emits greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), into the atmosphere. • ClimateSmart is a voluntary program that enables customers to reduce their impact on climate change. • Customers can pay a separate amount on their monthly energy bill • PG&E will invest 100% of the payment in independently verified greenhouse gas emission reduction projects in California

  21. ClimateSmart • These projects absorb or reduce over time an equal amount of CO2 from the atmosphere, balancing out the climate impact of your energy use. • Conserving and restoring forests • Capturing methane gas from dairy farms and landfills • Many more proposed Example of Projects: Forestry Dairy Methane Capture * Landfill Methane Capture ** • Carbon sequestration • Habitat preservation • Watershed protection • CA is losing 40,000acres of forestland annually • Reduce impact of methane • Of 1900 dairies in CA, unless than 24 capture methane • Reduce impact of methane * Pending CPUC approval. ** Requesting CPUC approval.

  22. ClimateSmart Enrollment is easy and voluntary; customers can choose to enroll their electric or gas or both accounts Cost/Rates • Based on actual usage (how many kWh and/or therms are used) • Electric: $0.00254 per kWh • Gas: $0.06528 per therm • Less than $5 per month for a typical residential home • Contributions are tax deductible Visit the PG&E website to enroll or for more information • www.joinclimatesmart.com

  23. Resources For more info and other programs, contact PG&E’s Energy Efficiency Lines Residential: Smarter Energy Line www.pge.com/myhome/saveenergymoney or 1-800-933-9555 Small/Medium Commercial: Business Customer Center www.pge.com/mybusiness/energysavingsrebates or 1-800-468-4743 Large Commercial: Contact your assigned PG&E Account Manger or Representative

  24. BONUS:What are the three parts of PG&E’s Integrated Approach?

  25. Overview of the California Solar Initiative (CSI)

  26. SB 1 CPUC (CA Public Utilities Commission) CEC (California Energy Commission) Retrofit ResidentialRetrofit CommercialCommercial New Construction Retrofit Low Income Residential New Construction 1. California Solar Initiative (CSI) Low Income Solar (LISP) 4. New Solar Homes Partnership (NSHP) 2. Multi-family 3. Single Family Program Administrators Program Administrators Grid Alternatives PG&E SCE PG&E SCE BVES CCSE SDG&E

  27. What is CSI? • The California Solar Initiative provides a financial incentive for the installation of solar on a home or business. • CSI incentives vary by incentive type, customer segment and system size. • Incentive amounts gradually reduce over time. • First funding is reserved, then once installation is complete, the incentive payment is made.

  28. CSI Eligibility • Project site must be in service area receiving retail electric service from Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), Southern California Edison (SCE) or San Diego Gas & Electric (administered by CCSE)* • CSI incentive rate determined by customer’s utility rate schedule • Retrofit Residential Projects (Single Family & Multifamily homes)** • Retrofit and New Construction Non-Residential Projects (Commercial, Industrial, Agricultural and Government) • Must use new and eligible equipment approved on CEC list • Note: Effective July 1, 2009 there is a new list for eligible PV modules based on testing standards • New panels can be added to an existing inverter, if that inverter was previously rebated through the CSI (or program under SB1). • Minimum System Size of 1 kW • Maximum System Size of 5 MW • Incentives will be capped to the First MW *Municipal electric utility customers, please check with your provider for any solar incentives or CSI updates. ** New construction residential projects are eligible under the New Solar Homes Partnership Program

  29. CSI Eligibility • Installation contractors must have valid A, B, C-10 or C-46 license and be listed with the California Energy Commission, unless it is a self-installation • Can be verified by contacting the California State License Board at www.cslb.ca.gov or 1-800-321-2752. • System production must serve onsite electric load • For system 5kW or greater: Estimated production from EPBB calculator must be < previous 12 month usage history (kWh) • If system cannot be justified by historical usage, one of the following documentation must be provided: 1. Square Footage (only system size of 5-9.9 kW), will be used to calculate allowable size (2 watts x square feet = maximum CEC-AC system size) 2. Comprehensive list of new and/or old appliances/equipment, wattage and expected usage or hours of operation 3. Other: engineering calculations, Title 24 (no older than 3 years), or building simulation reports such as eQuest, EnergyPro, etc

  30. CSI Eligibility • Energy Efficiency Requirements • Energy Audit must be completed • All Customers must sign a Disclosure Agreement* • Acknowledgement that usage history/building information, energy efficiency measures and recommendations have been provided. • Benchmarking (only for Non-Res over 100,000 sq/ft, EPBB only)* • Comparison of energy consumption of a similar building to determine a rating/performance score • If customer’s rating is less than 75, retrocommissioning must be completed. • Customers required to sign Commitment Agreement • Commits customer to perform retrocommissioning and complete improvements identified in assessment • Improvements must be completed before a project is paid • Non-Residential New Construction must be 15% above current Title 24 Standards* *Effective July 1, 2009

  31. CSI Incentive Structure There are two types of Incentives: Expected Performance-Based Buydown (EPBB) • EPBB is a one time, up-front payment based on an estimate of the system's future performance Or… Performance-Based Incentives (PBI)* • PBI are monthly payments for 5 years based on actual performance of the system as measured by a separate performance meter *Any system larger than 50 kW are required to select for the PBI Incentive **Effective January 1, 2010 any system larger than 30kW are required to select the PBI Incentive

  32. CSI Incentive Rates Incentive structure: • 10 step program with a predetermined number of MegaWatts dedicated to each Step Level • Rebates automatically decline based upon reservations approval • Higher rebates for non-taxable entities (Government/Non Profit) Res Non Res

  33. Trigger Trackerwww.csi-trigger.com 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8* 9* *To determine approximate MW left in step, subtract column 9 from column 8

  34. Solar to Date • PG&E territory represents more grid-tied solar systems than any other utility in the United States • CSI Program success… • Approximately 18,500 Applications Received • Over 12,500 Projects Completed totaling over $275 Million in incentives paid • Continuous improvements made to streamline process and to make PowerClerk user friendly • Reduced paperwork by more than 50% • Working towards going paperless in the future

  35. BONUS:What is the maximum and minimum system size to be eligible for a CSI incentive?

  36. EPBB Calculator

  37. EPBB Calculator • Online tool that estimates the expected production of the system and is used to determine the CSI incentive amount • Takes into consideration equipment, location, orientation, tilt, shading effects and standoff height • Measures the proposed system against an optimal system • Derates the proposed system by a certain percentage (0-100%), referred to as the Design Factor, for any factors affecting the expected performance.

  38. Filling Out the EPBB Calculator • Required Field Measurements • Standoff Height • Shading • Tilt • True Azimuth

  39. Standoff Height • Standoff Height - perpendicular distance from roof to the bottom of the module frame • If not parallel to roof, use average height as shown below (6”+3”)/2=4.5” Mounting Method Choices: 0” >0” to 1” >1” to 3” >3” to 6” >6” 6” (SMAX) Frame (SMIN) 3” Please note: If the Mounting Method is not selected on the EPBB Calculator, it will automatically default to greater than 6” which can result in an incorrect design factor

  40. Minimal Shading and Solar Access Obstructions such as trees, chimneys or nearby buildings can cast shadows on PV systems, which can reduce the system’s sun access thereby reducing the amount of electricity the system will generate. You must indicate on the EPBB Calculator whether there is shading that will have an impact or not. B Option 1: Minimal Shading • Minimal Shading-requires at least a 2:1 distance to height ratio of any object within the orientation of sun to the panels. A A > (2 X B) For example, if line B is 13 feet, then line A has to be 26 feet or more

  41. 10 Feet 40 Feet Minimally Shaded? YES Object Height is 10 feet above the array. Object Distance is 40 feet from the array. 2 x Height (above the modules) = 2 x 10 feet = 20 feet 2 x Height < Distance = Minimal Shading Is 20 feet < 40 feet? Is this Minimal Shading? NO SHADE IMPACT REQUIRED

  42. 15 Feet 25 Feet Minimally Shaded? NO SHADE IMPACT REQUIRED Object Height is 15 feet above the array. Object Distance is 25 feet from the array. 2 x Height (above the modules) = 2 x 15 feet = 30 feet 2 x Height < Distance = Minimal Shading Is 30 feet < 25 feet? Is this Minimal Shading?

  43. If Not Minimal Shading… Option 2: Not Minimal Shading, Enter Solar Access Values • If a system does not satisfy the minimal shading requirement, a shading analysis needs to be performed to generate monthly solar access values. • Solar access can be measured with tools such as the Solar Pathfinder or Solmetric SunEye (available at Pacific Energy Center to loan, visit www.pge.com/myhome/edusafety/workshopstraining/pec/toolbox/tll/) • Measurements should be take at every major corner, but should not be more than 40 feet apart.

  44. Sample Reading

  45. Shade Impact Comparison: EPBB vs PBI PBI • Incentive based on actual kWh generation • Since entire year’s system availability affects kWh generation, all shade including winter shade affects incentive EPBB • Only summer months (May-October) solar access affects incentive • Winter shade has no impact on incentive

  46. Tilt • Tilt - Angle at which the modules are mounted relative to 0º (flat horizontal surface) • Modules that are installed on a flat roof will have a 0º tilt Frame Ex. 30º tilt angleº

  47. What is True Azimuth? True Azimuth – the angle, usually measured in degrees(°), between a reference point (True North Point 0°) and the direction of interest (direction panels are facing) • The magnetic azimuth is measured using a compass, which does not represent the true north point because of the Earth’s magnetic fields • Therefore, the magnetic azimuth must be corrected by adding (in Western U.S.) the magnetic declination of a specific location to give true azimuth Magnetic Declination Magnetic North on a Compass

  48. Magnetic Declination Correction • Look up magnetic declination for specific location at: (http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/geomagmodels/Declination.jsp) • Enter in zip code, and it will calculate the magnetic declination for that location. For example: If you are in San Francisco and your compass shows you a reading of 180°, you would look up the zip code (e.g. 94105) and add the given correction for magnetic declination of 14° to get a true azimuth of 194° On EPBB Calculator, enter the azimuth as 194°

  49. Tips for Determining Azimuth • Try to stay 10-15 ft away from metal, motors, rooftop package units or magnets • Store compasses away from cell phones and magnets • Do not place compass directly on module or racking in case there are any magnetic fields present • Check reading against tools like GoogleEarth. There is no azimuth function, but it can be used to provide sanity check for azimuth.

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