The California Solar Initiative

Solar energy is one of our most abundant renewable resources. The California Solar Initiative is moving the state toward using more solar energy and helping to lower the cost of solar systems for consumers.

The California Solar Initiative is part of the statewide effort to install 3,000 megawatts of new, grid-connected solar systems by 2016. The CPUC-directed program provides $1.167 billion in rebates and cash incentives on solar systems to customers of Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Southern California Edison, and San Diego Gas and Electric Company. These incentives, combined with federal tax incentives, significantly lower the total cost of a solar system.

Recent News

July 2008 Program Forum

July 2008 CSI Progress Report

April 2008 CSI Progress Report

April 1, 2008: CSI Research Development and Deployment Program Issues Request for Proposals for RD&D Program Manager

March 13, 2008: New Docket Number for CSI Proceeding

This website provides programmatic updates and procedural information pertaining to the solar policy development process at the CPUC, as well as information about the rulemaking (R.08-03-008) that serves as the forum for California Solar Initiative program rules.

For one-stop consumer information on all of California's solar rebates and incentives, please visit Go Solar California!
Learn more about the California Solar Initiative’s history, goals, and program resources.
For other Distributed Generation programs, visit the Self Generation Incentive Program and the Feed-In Tariff Program.
For more information on how to participate in the Distributed Generation and California Solar Initiative policy and program development proceedings, learn how to become a party and participate.
Online Incentive Application Tool - Powerclerk
Program Handbook Revised January 2008
- February 2008 Update
Expected Performance-Based Buydown Incentive Calculator
PBI calculation methodology
Rate impacts from CSI

The California Solar Initiative includes several program components, including:

California Solar Initiative Documents and Resources:

Last Modified: 8/28/2008