Bill Savings Requirements And Verification Examples
An extremely important aspect of consumer protection in low-income solar programs is ensuring customers are receiving tangible economic benefits from the outset. This also helps ensure that low-income customers are motivated to participate getting large-scale participation for this customer segment typically requires a higher level of financial savings. Many, but not all, successful low-income solar programs have built in minimum savings requirements and mechanisms for enforcement. Below are a few program examples.
California Single Family Affordable Solar Housing Program
California Solar on Multifamily Affordable Housing Program
In December 2017, California issued a Decision Adopting Implementation Framework for Assembly Bill 693 and Creating the Solar on Multifamily Affordable Housing Program .3 Consistent with AB 693, the new SOMAH program will provide incentives for the installation of solar distributed generation projects sited on existing multifamily affordable housing. The Decision doesnt have a mandatory bill reduction percentage, but the Decision does have a requirement that tenants receive 100% of the economic benefits of the virtual net metering credits allocated to them:
District of Columbia Solar for All
Colorado Low-Income Community Shared Solar Demonstration Project
Colorado Low-Income Rooftop Solar Pilot
Illinois Solar for All Program
Annual Customer Payment ÷ 1st Year Net Metering Value < 0.5
1
What You Need To Know
The California Public Utilities Commissions new Solar Consumer Protection Guide will help ensure youre more confident and informed prior to purchasing solar. Beginning September 30, 2020 all solar customers will need to sign the Guide before purchasing a system. The signature is simply to confirm youve been given the document, have had an opportunity to review and are comfortable with the content.
Solar CCS Complete Confidence Guarantee
Workforce Standards And Credentialing
Product and workforce standards and credentials are used as a consumer protection strategy across many industries globally. In addition to DPV system and component safety standards that states can elect to adopt, state and local governments can also implement workforce standard and credentialing practices to foster safer and more transparent residential solar markets. Consumers that use businesses with credentialed workers can be sure that the workers have the competencies to perform quality work using industry best practices for safety and cost-effectiveness.
Also Check: How To Choose Solar Inverter
Page 2 Of Cpucs Consumer Protection Guide
The second page outlines common false claims you might hear from solar installers. For example, it warns customers about solar installers that claim you will have no electric bills after getting solar.
In fact, most electric bills have standard fees and service charges that are unable to be offset by your solar system. If you find that your solar installer doesnt fully explain something like this, they might not be reputable.
What About Online Bidding Services
You may have come across online services, like EnergySage, that help consumers solicit solar bids for little time and no cost. In the case of EnergySage, users provide information about their home and energy bill through a website. EnergySage will send that information to installers in your area, and then send you back bids from interested installers for you to follow up with at your discretion.
We have not vetted any of these similar services in-depth. We can say that EnergySage is a reputable organization, and could be one way to drum up several installers for your consideration. Even if you use a service like this, we strongly recommend following the other recommendations in this article to ensure you hire the best possible installer.
Don’t Miss: Can You Make Money On Solar Panels
Guidelines And Standardized Contracts
Developing clear guidelines for DPV installers and third-party system owners is another important element of a robust consumer protection strategy. Additionally, guidelines or standardized contract templates can help consumers understand contract terms and can create a more competitive market by helping consumers accurately compare offers.
Save $500 Off Rooftop Solar And Lower Your Bill
SCE does not endorse or recommend any solar contractor. SCE partners with GRID Alternatives to promote the Disadvantaged Communities – Single-family Solar Homes program . If you receive any claim by any other entity or contractor of an affiliation or partnership with SCE, please report to us by visiting and using one of the contact options.
You May Like: Solar Panels For Home Reviews
California Solar Consumer Protection Guide
This customer-facing Guidebook provides a comprehensive explanation of the process for potential solar customers to consider when they explore installing solar on their home. The Guidebook includes approaches to help customers identify whether solar power is a viable option, how to obtain competitive bids, pros and cons of owning vs leasing, permit and inspection requirements, and how to communicate with the utility. It also includes information about special financing for low income customers. The Guidebook can be very helpful to utility customers and enable them to make more informed choices about solar power, and can be customized with the utilitys logo upon request. The Solar Consumer Protection Guidebook was developed in partnership by the Southern California Public Power Authority, California Municipal Utilities Association and Northern California Power Association as an aid to customers who are evaluating solar power options.
Getting Started With The Solar Consumer Protection Guide
Interconnection applications with solar contracts signed May 1, 2022 or later must include Version 3 of the guide, whether signed electronically or on paper.
California Solar Consumer Informational Guide
Version 3 of the Solar Consumer Protection Guide contains a reference to the CPUCs public list of non-compliant solar providers . Please note that the CPUC has not yet published this list.
Version 3 of the Solar Consumer Protection Guide contains a reference to standardized inputs and assumptions for bill savings estimates . Please note that the CPUC and CSLB have not yet published an updated Solar Energy System Disclosure Document containing these inputs and assumptions.
Solar Power Guide Audio Walkthrough
Audio recording of the guide available by phone toll-free at: 855-955-1535
Audio recording of the guide available below:
Recommended Reading: How Much Does Solar Cost In Arizona
Calssas Top 10 Consumer Protection Rules For Contractors
The California Public Utilities Commission Has Released New Guidelines In The California Solar Protection Guide That Will Protect Homeowners Going Solar The Cpuc Will Now Require All Solar Companies To Upload A Copy Of The Guide To The Utility Signed By The Consumer Coming September 30th 2019
Solar has not only been recognized as a positive renewable energy alternative for over a decade but has become a more inviting substitute because of the tax incentive as well as the overall declining cost with improving technology. Yet, even with the promise of savings, we have watched potential customers get turned off by the notorious doorknockers and telemarketers giving solar a tainted reputation.
When the solar industry took off, there was more than a few fly by night companies who saw the booming industry as an opportunity to make money. Without long-term goals and lack of sustainable practices, these companies left the solar industry almost as soon as they entered leaving clients with broken promises of free solar, outrageous leases beyond their means and with no one to call.
With this said, we are excited to share that the California Public Utilities Commission has released new guidelines in the California Solar Protection Guide that will protect homeowners going solar. The CPUC will now require all solar companies to upload a copy of the guide to the utility signed by the consumer coming September 30th, 2019.
What is the California Solar Protection Guide?
Be Wary of Unethical Business Practices
To clarify, SCE does not have a contracted solar company that theyre sending out to go door to door. This was simply a sales tactic that used Edisona name that all Coachella Valley residents recognize, in order to gain her attention.
How does Hot Purple measure up?
Read Also: Which Way Do You Face Solar Panels
What Is Californias Solar Consumer Protection Guide
Californias utility regulator has introduced a new guide to protect consumers from unscrupulous solar vendors. We explain what the guide says and how it will help California solar energy consumers.
As of September 30, 2019, California solar installers are required to provide customers with the California Public Utility Commissions Solar Consumer Protection Guide a 23-page document with essential information about solar installations.
The protection guide was set in motion by , a decision that requires the CPUCs Energy Division to develop an information packet for solar energy customers. From there, the CPUC determined that the packet must be accessible to residents of all social and economic backgrounds who are interested in learning more about consumer solar power.
The guides ultimate goal is to help consumers make an informed decision when it comes to installing solar on their home.
The Key Changes In The New Version
Consumers must sign the new guide electronically or by hand . The salesperson must disclose the language used in the sales presentation and provide license information from the California State Licensing Board, including their Home Improvement Sales Registration Number. You have rights, and you should know them.
The CPUC California Public Utilities Commission recommends reading the guide 48 hours before signing any contracts. They want you to have ample time to read it so it can help you make a sound decision.
Read Also: How To Open A Sole Proprietorship Bank Account
How Will Changes To Net Metering Affect Existing And New Solar Systems
Net metering allows solar users to get credit from their utility for the extra energy they send back to the grid. The utility gives a credit to the solar user for that extra energy.
The amount of the credit depends on when a solar user got their system. Existing solar users are typically on either “NEM-1” or “NEM-2”.
The CPUC is currently developing NEM-3. and expects to issue a decision in November 2021. After the decision is final, there will likely be an implementation period of several months.
The California Public Utilities Commission has already decided that customers who install solar under NEM-1 or NEM-2 will not be subject to the changes in NEM-3 for the first 20 years of system operation. To qualify for NEM-2, the customer must submit an initial interconnection application before the November 2021 decision. The full 20-year NEM-2 term may also apply to customers that submit applications between the decision and the implementation date several months later.
Should I Get A Home Battery
Tip #33 In the Combining Solar with Storage, When you install battery storage with your solar system, you can store excess solar electricity produced by your panels for use in the evening when the sun goes down. The software that comes with battery storage automatically determines whether to store the extra energy or export it to the grid to maximize cost savings. Battery storage can also provide limited back-up power.
Read Also: How Much Do Residential Solar Panels Cost
Total Cost Of A Home Solar System
Tip #34 In the section The Solar Energy System Disclosure Document, This one-page document from the Contractors State License Board shows you the total costs for the proposed solar energy system. It also has information about your three-day right to cancel a contract. A Solar Provider is required to fill out this document. It may be placed as the cover page to the contract. See a blank version at www.cslb.ca.gov/contractors/SolarSheet.aspx. .
Requirement Of A Solar Contracthttps: //wwwbakerhomeenergycom/residential
Tip #35 Under the Contract section, By law, any contract for solar installation must include: Contractor information, including business address and license numbers Description of the project, including equipment installed and materials used Contract price, plus finance charge and/or down payment if applicable Approximate start and end date of the contract term Notice of a 3-day right to cancel the contract .
Read Also: Wiring Solar Panels In Series
California Solar Consumer Protection Guide Overview & Faq
Power your home with solar. Check out the California Solar Consumer Protection Guide for the latest solar energy information & installation requirements.
The California Public Utilities Commission presents the California Solar Consumer Protection Guide. The CPUC recommends that solar providers give out this guide during their first contact with potential customers.
Solar providers submitting applications to interconnect residential solar customers in the service areas of Pacific Gas and Electric Company , Southern California Edison , San Diego Gas & Electric , Bear Valley Electric Service , and PacifiCorp are required to collect customer initials and a signature on the California Solar Consumer Protection Guide.
Consumer Protection For Community Solar: A Guide For States
Diana Chace & Nate Hausman | CESA
CESA has released a new guidebook for state regulators on developing consumer protection measures for community solar. This guide discusses consumer protection issues that may arise in community solar projects for residential consumers, and the role states can play in ensuring appropriate consumer protections.
Webinar: Consumer Protections for Community Solar Watch it here
This report and webinar were produced through CESAs Sustainable Solar Education Project, which provides information and educational resources to help states and municipalities ensure that distributed solar electricity remains consumer friendly and benefits low- and moderate-income households. This project is funded through the U.S. Department of Energy SunShot Initiatives Solar Training and Education for Professionals program.
Recommended Reading: How To File For Sole Custody In Michigan
Existing Consumer Protection Landscape
- Federal Trade Commission Regulations The Federal Trade Commission Bureau of Consumer Protection is charged with investigating and stopping Unfair, Deceptive, or Abusive Acts or Practices. The agency regulates all advertising and telemarketing within the U.S., which also extends to how solar developers advertise their systems.
- Safety StandardsCodes such as the National Electric Code, International Residential Code, International Fire Code, PV System Provisions, and Interconnection Standards provide a base level of safety to consumers. These codes minimize the technical risks of participating in the DPV market.
Do I Have To Switch To Tou
Tip #31 Under NEM and Your Electricity Bill, PG& E, SCE, and SDG& E solar customers are required to go on a time-of-use rate. A TOU rate will charge different prices for electricity depending upon the time of day. Prices are typically higher between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m., called peak hours, and lower the rest of the day and at night during off peak hours. .
Don’t Miss: Should I Do Solar Panels
Picking Your Solar Installer
Before you sign a contract, be sure to ask the right questions. The guide has a thorough list of questions for you to choose from. Company background, design, and warranties are a few of the important topics.
Check out our post on picking the best solar company for more information about choosing the right solar contractor.
How Long Does Solar Installation Take
Tip #12 Be aware how long the process takes. It typically takes 1 to 3 months after you sign a contract for the solar system to be installed at your home. After the solar system is installed, it typically takes 2-3 weeks to receive approval from your electricity provider to turn your system on. It could take longer depending on your circumstances. .
Read Also: Solar Panel Battery Bank Cost
Great News: California Solar Customers Have A New Consumer Protection Program The California Solar Consumer Protection Guide
We believe in residential solar as a great way to create renewable energy, take more control over your energy use, and to save money on your electric bill. We also take great pride in the high quality of our solar system designs, our installation work, and the components that we select for each project. Our company philosophy is called The Baker Way, and it ensures we operate with the highest level of integrity and honesty and deliver top quality in everything we provide.
Unfortunately, as in any industry, there are companies that do not operate at the highest levels of ethics or with the proper emphasis on quality. Because of this, we are excited that the California Public Utilities Commission has a new safeguard for customers with the California Solar Consumer Protection Guide. Beginning on September 30, 2019, all solar sales in California will require that this document be read, initialed, and signed as part of that sale process.
