SGIP—Frequently Asked Questions

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Incentive Information

• What is the average $/watt of a project?
  The $/watt for every project varies with technology, system size, and system configuration. Updated statistics for each technology and to specific projects that have been completed or are in progress are listed on the Available Funding and Program Statistics page.

• How do I qualify for the higher incentive rate as a Renewable Fuel Cell?
  Customers must demonstrate that 75% of a project’s fuel source comes from a non-fossil fuel other than those defied as conventional in Section 2805 of the Public Utilities code that can be categorized as one of the following: wind, gas from biogas, digester gas, and landfill gas. The Renewable Fuel Project may not use more than 25 percent fossil fuel annually. In addition, application documentation must be submitted to demonstrate availability.

• How do other incentives, grants, or donations affect my incentives for this project?
  Customers are encouraged to pursue all available financial sources to make their project a reality. Different types of funding sources may affect the incentive paid out on a given project depending on the funding source (See Section 3.3.2 in the current SGIP Handbook).

• How will the Self-Generation Incentive Program’s rebates be paid?
  Upon final approval of the incentive claim form documentation and completed field verification visit, PG&E will issue the incentive in the form of a check in approximately 30 days. Projects over 30 kW will receive 50% of the full incentive at this time, and the remaining 50% over 3 years in the form of a Performance Based Incentive (PBI).

• Are SGIP incentives taxable?
  Regrettably, PG&E does not provide tax advice to customers. Please consult your tax advisor for more information.

Program Information and Eligibility

• Who administers the Self-Generation Incentive Program?
  Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), Southern California Edison (SCE), the Southern California Gas Company (SoCal Gas), and the California Center for Sustainable Energy (CCSE*) administer this program throughout their respective service territories.
  
  *CCSE is the Program Administer for SDG&E customers.

• Is there a limit to the number of systems I may install under the Self-Generation Incentive Program?
  Yes. A customer may receive payment up to a maximum of 3 MW of installed self-generation per Site, but may install up to 5 MW per Site.

• I’m a customer who takes gas service from PG&E, but my electric provider is a municipality. Am I eligible to qualify for this program?
  Yes. A customer who takes gas retail level service from PG&E at the facility, but electric service from a municipality may participate in the Self-Generation Incentive Program, subject to certain restrictions.

• I am currently participating in an interruptible program. Am I still eligible for the Self-Generation Incentive Program if I choose to install on-site generation?
  Yes, as long as the portion of load that is committed to such a program (an interruptible program, curtailable rate schedule, or any other state-agency sponsored interruptible, curtailable, or demand responsiveness program) is not displaced by self-generation receiving incentives through SGIP.

• Am I eligible for the Self Generation Incentive program if I also plan on selling energy to PG&E?
  Yes, customers who qualify may participate in wholesale or retail sales of generated electricity. For the purposes of SGIP, customers are allowed to size their generating system up to 125% of annual consumption at the site; however, the SGIP incentivized capacity will be based on 100% of the annual consumption at the site.

• Are government agency's facilities eligible under the Self-Generation Incentive Program?
  Government agencies that are distribution customers of Pacific Gas and Electric Company are eligible, with the same restrictions and limitations on the size of systems and payments per year as other customers.

Application Information

• How do I apply and what are the steps I need to take?
  Interested customers are encouraged to visit PG&E’s SGIP website to view and download copies of the current program handbook, application process overview, and program application forms. Please review these materials carefully for both customer eligibility and technology eligibility requirements to ensure a successful application.

• Is there an application fee for this program?
  Yes, the application fee is 1% of the requested incentive amount and must be paid before a reservation is issued.

• If I interconnected my system before receiving a reservation, will I qualify for incentives?
  Projects are eligible for incentives if the Host Customer or System Owner has not yet received authorization from the serving Electric Utility to operate the Project in parallel with the grid or if the system was authorized for interconnection within the 12-months prior to the submittal of the reservation application.
  

• May I apply for a SGIP reservation online?
  Yes, emailing your Reservation Request Form (along with required documentation) to selfgen@pge.com. Application fees should follow via mail:
  
  Mailing Address:
  Self-Generation Incentive Program
  PO Box 7433
  San Francisco, CA 94120
  
  Overnight Mailing Address:
  245 Market Street
  Mail Code N7R
  San Francisco, CA 94105-1797

Selecting an Installer

• Where do I go to get help with making system equipment specification and buying decisions?
  Pacific Gas and Electric Company does not recommend nor endorse any particular equipment nor installers. There are, however, outside consultants and contractors available to assist customers evaluate whether or not on-site generation is right for them.

Interconnection & Metering

• When should I submit my interconnection application?
  Applicants are encouraged to submit their interconnection application as soon as they receive their Conditional Reservation Notice from their Program Administrator. Please note that the project must be interconnected to the PG&E grid and the customer must receive a “Permission to Operate” Letter, prior to payment approval.

• Am I eligible to participate in the Net Energy Metering (NEM) Program as well as the Self Generation Incentive Program?
  Yes, PG&E offers Net Energy Metering for wind and fuel cell technologies. Please visit: http://www.pge.com/b2b/newgenerator/netenergymetering/index.shtml for additional information on how to apply for NEM.

• Do I have any obligations after the self-generation equipment installation and incentive payment?
  Yes, all systems are required to operate under a 10 year warranty, and projects over 30 kW receive a Performance Based Incentive (PBI) of 50% of the eligible incentive amount for meeting performance requirements over the first 5 years of operation. Customer is also responsible for data metering and monitoring (to be communicated via an approved Performance Data Provider (PDP)) for both PBI & Measurement & Evaluation.

Classes

• Are there currently classes offered on the Self Generation Incentive Program?
  Yes, PG&E host webinars throughout the year. Please visit the solar education website for future classes or previous presentation webinars.

What’s New

• How do I get information or updates from the Self-Generation Incentive Program?
  Applicants and customers may visit the SGIP website at any time to get program updates and information.

Contact Us

E-mail
selfgen@pge.com

Phone
Self Generation Incentive Program (rebate application questions)
415-973-6436

Generation Interconnection Services (interconnection questions)
415-972-5676

Mailing Address
PG&E Solar and Customer Generation – SGIP
PO BOX 7433
San Francisco, CA 94120-7433

Street Address (for overnight deliveries)
PG&E Solar and Customer Generation - SGIP
245 Market Street MC N7R
San Francisco, CA 94105-1797