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DIY Install - Rebates and Incentives

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  • DIY Install - Rebates and Incentives

    I'm thinking about doing the install myself. None of the physical install work scares me and I will not have any problems with it. My question is where it ties in with the various incentives. Between the Federal Tax Credit of 30%, GoSolar SF, and California Solar Initiative, there's a lot of rebate dollars out there. The ultimate question, is will any of it be available if I install the system on my own?

  • #2
    IF your local AHJ allows it yes. At least as far as the feds go. but you will have to buy UL listed equipment.
    Don't know about California rebates you could check WWW.dsireusa.org for more information. They will at least have contact info for the various rebate authorities.
    NABCEP certified Technical Sales Professional

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    • #3
      Originally posted by Naptown View Post
      IF your local AHJ allows it yes. At least as far as the feds go. but you will have to buy UL listed equipment.
      Don't know about California rebates you could check WWW.dsireusa.org for more information. They will at least have contact info for the various rebate authorities.
      From that site, specifically at http://www.dsireusa.org/incentives/i...id=1&ee=0&re=0

      Systems must be installed by appropriately licensed California solar contractors or self-installed by the system owner.
      You just cannot use a non-solar-licensed contractor if you do not do it yourself. Possibly a protection against scam installers?
      SunnyBoy 3000 US, 18 BP Solar 175B panels.

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      • #4
        Originally posted by Naptown View Post
        IF your local AHJ allows it yes. At least as far as the feds go. but you will have to buy UL listed equipment.
        Don't know about California rebates you could check WWW.dsireusa.org for more information. They will at least have contact info for the various rebate authorities.
        According to Solar Town: http://www.solartown.com/learning/so...installations/
        DIY-Friendly
        ...California...
        States in this category offer financial aid for people who wish to install a solar energy system themselves. Our friends in California may have some of the best solar energy policies available to them. The state rebate program allows self-installation of your residential solar system, and there are local incentives that include waivers for building permit fees and expedited licensing that can reduce the project timeline by a week.
        Although this is a two and half year old article, I'm hoping it has not changed.


        California Solar Initiative states:
        Installation Requirements: Systems must be installed by appropriately licensed California solar contractors or self-installed by the system owner. Installer certification by NABCEP is encouraged.

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        • #5
          I just submitted the paperwork to start the California rebate process, as a self installer.

          The rebate depends on your utility company. http://www.csi-trigger.com/

          Should be either $0.25/W for SCE customers, $0.20/W for PGE or CCSE. Zero likely if you have a different POCO.

          When applying you enter all the details of your system, and it calculates expected output and your rebate.

          You register and apply at powerclerk, after you have purchased the panels/inverter. You will have to upload several pdf documents including purchase invoice, a signed registration form, and a pdf of an online energy audit form from your POCOs website.

          https://csi.powerclerk.com/CSILogin.aspx

          CA rebate is relatively small. My 1410Wp system will cost me around $3750 total. Federal rebate is 30% or $1125, my California rebate will be around $239.

          --
          SharpT

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          • #6
            CA rebate Agreement of Solar System Purchase and Installation

            Originally posted by SharpT View Post
            I just submitted the paperwork to start the California rebate process, as a self installer.
            SharpT-

            I notice you DIY'd your solar setup in California and got the rebate. I am planning to do this myself (hopefully there is still $$ for rebates!)

            I'm curious about how to get the CA rebate through Powerclerk. Specifically, the required form "Copy of Executed Agreement of Solar System Purchase and Installation".

            Did you simply write an agreement with yourself? If so, would you mind sharing your template?

            Thank you!

            -Halogen25

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            • #7
              Yes DIY are eligible for the CA Rebates. Just did my paperwork filling this week for the CA Rebate as well. Yes a do it yourself install is OK with them. It's the Utility and Permit dept you have to satisfy. SDG&E rate is also $.20 watt. For your "Copy of executed agreement of solar system purchase and install" you just need to send copies of the material purchase invoices proving that you did purchase the materials for install. On the fill-out form there should also be a place to enter for the permit and design fees. I think these amounts are to only justify the Rebate not a percentage cost credit like for the Fed Tax Credit. Example : My system size is 8.84kw DC / 7.6kw AC. Total cost out of pocket $19,343. My CA rebate will be $1,482.00 which works out to about 7.6% plus the 30% from the Fed. Not to bad. Would of still done the system even if no rebates it would just take longer to give me a ROI.

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