Residential Program Guidelines. Anaheim Solar Rebate Program

Residential Program Guidelines Anaheim Solar Rebate Program Table of Contents Rebate Application Checklist ............................................
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Residential Program Guidelines Anaheim Solar Rebate Program

Table of Contents Rebate Application Checklist ........................................................................................................................ 1 Residential Program Guidelines .................................................................................................................... 2 Getting Started.............................................................................................................................................. 2 Energy Efficiency Requirements (Existing Home) ......................................................................................... 3 Energy Efficiency Requirements (Newly Constructed Home) ...................................................................... 3 Finding an Installer ........................................................................................................................................ 3 Rebate Reservation ....................................................................................................................................... 4 Design Requirements .................................................................................................................................... 5 Plan Check/Permit ........................................................................................................................................ 5 Net Metering Agreement.............................................................................................................................. 6 Permission to Operate .................................................................................................................................. 6 Inspection...................................................................................................................................................... 6 Incentive Claim Request ............................................................................................................................... 7 Third Party Verification ................................................................................................................................. 7 For Additional Information ........................................................................................................................... 8

Rebate Application Checklist Step 1- Reservation for Rebate and System Installation Reservation Request



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Installer must register for https://anaheimold.powerclerk.com/ Input all required information in PowerClerk under “New Application,” then complete the following (PDF only): 1. Print PowerClerk Reservation Request Form, have customer and contractor sign, then upload to PowerClerk. 2. Upload copy of customer signed lease agreement OR purchase agreement Please note: Power Purchase Agreements are not eligible. 3. Upload copy of initial site plan (include array layout, azimuth, and tilt). 4. Select “Submit Application” in PowerClerk.

System Installation



1. Schedule mandatory Home Utility Check-Up.



2. After receiving formal approval letter via email, solar PV design plans may be submitted to the Building Department for plan review. Once the Building Permit is issued, project may begin construction.

Step 2- System Approval and Incentive Claim Request System Approval

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1. Schedule final Building Department and Public Utilities Meter Inspection. 2. Customer signs and returns Net-Energy Metering Agreement.

Incentive Claim Request

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Upload the following documents to PowerClerk (PDF Only): 1. Building Division Inspection Sign Off form showing “Building Final” signature from inspector for both solar PV system AND (if applicable) the electrical panel upgrade 2. Shade study report showing monthly shading percentages 3. Warranties issued to customer by installer 4. If commercial company is receiving rebate: Copy of Letter Assignment with Payee’s W-9 Form attached a. A CA 590 Tax Form is required for payees located outside California 5. For New Construction: Title 24 PERF-1 Form and supporting documents

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Residential Program Guidelines Anaheim Public Utilities (APU) offers financial incentives, in the form of rebates, for those who want to install solar energy systems on their homes in Anaheim. Funding for this program is limited. A lotterybased system will be used depending on funding availability. In compliance with State of California Senate Bill 1 requirements, the following program guidelines are available to assist those installing solar energy systems. How the program works: Anaheim Public Utilities has a two-step process for Anaheim customers applying for solar energy rebates. Step 1: Before you install your solar energy system, request a rebate reservation via PowerClerk. Step 2: Begin installation after reservation approval. After final inspections, request the rebate payment via PowerClerk. Please familiarize yourself with the information in this handbook and contact the Anaheim Solar Rebate Program Manager (page 8) if you have any questions. For our current incentive rates, please visit our website: anaheim.net/636/Solar-Energy-Rebates-Incentives

Getting Started Solar Energy technology converts sunlight into electricity that can be used to power your home. Solar Energy systems are usually mounted on roofs; they are modular, easily expandable, create no noise or pollution and are reliable energy generators. An added benefit to solar energy systems is that they require low maintenance and have long service lives. Anaheim homeowners interested in solar may use this handbook as a guide to successfully manage their solar PV system installation. PowerClerk Registration: Please ensure your solar contractor has registered with Anaheim PowerClerk in order apply for the rebate reservation during the scheduled application windows. If not, please email the following information to [email protected]: 





Company name o Company tax status o Tax ID number Contact name o Phone number o Address (email and mailing) Contractor’s license number

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Find Help Here Schedule Home Utility Check-Up online or call (714) 939-9020 Online Home Utility Check-Up Installer Database State of California License Board Better Business Bureau

Energy Efficiency Requirement for Existing Homes Anaheim’s Solar Rebate Program combines energy efficiency measures with solar energy in an effort to ensure proper sizing of a solar energy system. This helps you achieve the maximum benefit out of your solar energy system, and it contributes to Anaheim’s energy efficiency goals. For details on State of California requirements to meet energy efficiency goals, please see Chapter 5 of the CEC Guidelines for California’s Solar Electric Incentive Programs (Senate Bill 1). A Home Utility Check-Up is mandatory if you are participating in the Residential Solar Rebate Program to understand the amount of energy you use at your home and how you use it. Please refer to the “Find Help Here” box to review your options

Energy Efficiency Requirement at Newly Constructed Homes To participate in Anaheim’s Residential Solar Rebate Program, newly constructed residential homes (single-family, apartments, condos, etc.) must achieve at least a 15% reduction in the combined space heating, space cooling, lighting, and water heating energy compared to the 2008 Title 24 Standards. Additionally, each appliance and any equipment provided by the builder must be Energy Star™ labeled if this designation is applicable for that appliance or equipment. The Title 24 PERF-1 form and accompanying supporting forms for the newly constructed facility shall be provided as proof of attainment of 15% or higher achievement level. The PERF-1 form shall be completed by persons who are Certified Energy Plan Examiners (CEPE) by the California Association of Building Energy Consultants (CABEC). For details on meeting the new construction efficiency requirements, please see Chapter 5 of the CEC Guidelines for California’s Solar Electric Incentive Programs (Senate Bill 1).

Finding an Installer When you are ready to participate in the Residential Solar Rebate Program, identify a contractor who will install your solar energy system in compliance with the City of Anaheim’s requirements. We always recommend obtaining a minimum of three quotes. Your installer must have a current A, B, C-10, or C-46 contractor’s license. We have provided a few helpful links under “Find Help Here” to assist you in finding a licensed solar energy installer in your area.

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Rebate Reservation Once you have accepted a proposal, reserve your rebate online via Anaheim PowerClerk. Your installer will apply for the reservation on your behalf. Ensure your installer has an Anaheim PowerClerk account. If not, please refer them to the Anaheim Solar Rebate Program Manager. Please note:    

All solar energy modules and inverters must be listed on the State of California Energy Commission list of eligible equipment. Electronic signatures are permissible on all documents. Previously installed systems do not qualify for the rebate. The rebate is only awarded based on the past year’s usage, not on a projected usage.

Host Customer, System Owner, Applicant, and Payee must be properly specified as follows: 1. Host Customer: Anaheim homeowner 2. System Owner: Leasing company or Anaheim homeowner 3. Applicant: The contractor applying on behalf of the customer 4. Payee: The Anaheim homeowner or company that the incentive amount will be paid to. a. Please note: If company is listed as ‘Payee,’ the information must match the company W-9 Form and 590 Form. The payee will be receiving the rebate payment, so please ensure it is accurate. To reserve funding, the following support documentation must be uploaded in PowerClerk: 1. Print PowerClerk Reservation Request form (sample), have customer and contractor sign, then upload to PowerClerk (found under the “Application Review” tab in PowerClerk) 2. Copy of the lease or purchase agreement signed by customer a. Please note: Power Purchase Agreements are not eligible for rebates. 3. Initial roof plan that shows the system layout (including equipment information, array azimuth, and tilt) When all of the required forms are uploaded, change the status to “Submitted Via Internet.” Anaheim Public Utilities will send you a confirmation email if your application is approved. The reservation approval will expire about ten months after the application window closes.

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Design Requirements When installing a solar energy system in the City of Anaheim, all systems must comply with Building Department codes and requirements. Design packages should include:    

Site plans, roof plans, 1-line diagram (sized no smaller than 18” x 24”), and all appropriate equipment data sheets Compliance with Anaheim’s Interconnection Guidelines Compliance with Anaheim Building Department Plan Check Compliance with Anaheim Fire Department’s Specifications and Requirements

Please note:    

All solar energy installations require a meter socket installed after the inverter (please see Net Metering Agreement section of these guidelines). Anaheim Public Utilities does not accept ringless sockets or panels The installer shall install the meter socket no more than 5 feet away from the Anaheim Public Utilities revenue meter The meter for this socket will be installed, owned, and operated by Anaheim Public Utilities

Plan Check/Permit If your main service panel is rated at 200 amps or less: 

Take 3 copies of the solar energy system plans and design package directly to the Building Department and submit them for plan check; Building Department plan check takes approximately 10-15 working days. If your main service panel is rated at 200 amps or less, an Interconnection Application is NOT required.

If your main service panel is rated at greater than 200 Amps: 

Take 4 copies of the solar energy system plans and design package directly to Anaheim Public Utilities Engineering Division for interconnection approval (one copy of your plans will remain with Electrical Engineering).  Utilities plan check takes approximately 5 working days  After interconnection approval, you will receive approval on your plan

Submit your plans and design package to the City of Anaheim Building Department for plan check and issuance of permit.

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Find Help Here Planning Services and Building Division (714) 765-5153 200 S Anaheim Blvd, Fl 1 Anaheim, CA 92805 Utilities Electrical Engineering (714) 765-4208 201 S Anaheim Blvd, Fl 7 Anaheim, CA 92805 Interconnection Guidelines Building Department Plan Check Requirements

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Net Metering Agreement An additional benefit of being a solar energy generator is the possibility of generating more electricity than you need. When that occurs, the electricity you generate flows through the Utility meter onto the electric grid. The amount of electricity you contribute to the grid is measured every billing period, and at the end of the billing period you only pay for the net use of electricity at your home. This process is called “net metering” and in order to receive credit for the electricity your system generates to the grid, you must enter into a written agreement with the City of Anaheim. Once a permit has been issued, the City of Anaheim will mail an “Interconnection Agreement for Net Energy Metering” to you for your signature. Anaheim will not allow you to operate a grid-tied solar energy system without an approved Interconnection Agreement for Net Energy Metering (please see the link to a sample agreement and Frequently Answered Questions in the “Find Help Here” box in this section.)

Inspection Inspection to ensure your solar energy has been installed correctly and safely is the final stage before your solar system is ready to operate. The following steps will assist you in getting your system approved and operating quickly. Also refer to the “Building Division Inspection Record” that you received with your permit as a guide. 1. Call the Building Department at (714) 765-4626 to schedule final electrical inspection. The Electrical Inspector will sign the Inspection Record under “Electrical Final” and “Building Final.” The Electrical Inspector will notify Anaheim Public Utilities to install your new meters. 2. Call Public Utilities Meter Shop to schedule a meter inspection at (714) 765-6858 3. Once Anaheim Public Utilities receives notice that all releases and requirements are met, a new bi-directional meter will be installed on the applicable service panel, and a power production meter will be installed at the new meter socket within 5 working days.

Find Help Here Electrical/Building Department Final (714) 765-4626 Meter Shop (714) 765-6858 Interconnection Agreement for Net Energy Metering (Sample) FAQs for Net Metering

Permission to Operate The City of Anaheim does not issue Permission to Operate letters. After all releases and requirements are met, solar meters are set within 5 working days. Please note: Panel upgrades, home undergrounding, or DB cable replacements may take additional time due to scheduling with Utilities Field Crews. The customer has permission to operate as soon as the solar meters are set.

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Incentive Claim Request After your solar energy system is approved and operational, you are eligible to collect your rebate payment. Before uploading the documents, please update the “Component Description” in PowerClerk to match the actual installed system.

Find Help Here Letter of Assignment

Online Incentive Claim Request











1. Building Division Inspection Sign-Off Form  Showing “Building Final” signature from inspector for both solar PV system AND (if applicable) the electrical panel upgrade 2. Shade Study Report  One report for each array (combined into one PDF file)  Showing monthly shading percentages (Note: 100% = no shading)  Include tilt and azimuth 3. Warranties  Must have a minimum of 10 year warranty 4. Letter of Assignment (if applicable)  If customer assigns rebate to commercial company  Commercial company must include W-9 Form and/or 590 Form (if outside of California)  Payee name must match W-9 Form and 590 Form 5. For New Construction (if applicable): Title 24 PERF-1 form and support documents

When all of the required forms are uploaded, change the status to “Incentive Claim Request Submitted.” Your incentive claim documents will be reviewed and your incentive check will be processed approximately 3 to 4 weeks after submission.

Third Party Verifications California State law requires that third party inspections be conducted to ensure rebated systems are accurately depicted in their applications. Applications will be randomly selected and sent to a third party company. The third party will call the selected applicants and schedule an inspection. APU does not participate in the scheduling or the inspection. Once APU receives verification from the third party, the incentive checks will be processed.

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For Additional Information Please contact the Anaheim Solar Rebate Program Manager during regular business hours: (714) 765-4182 [email protected] 201 S. Anaheim Boulevard, Suite 801 Anaheim, California 92805

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