Commercial Utility Grid Tie Systems are similar to Residential Interface Systems but
must meet stricter structural, safety and fire codes that might include:
- Access to PV DC Disconnects for fire fighters and police, including notification,
installation of locks and providing keys.
- Preventive measures such as fencing to
safeguard the general public.
- 1-2 hour fire sub-sheathing.
- Handicap access to breakers, disconnects
and other components.
- Schedule 80 PVC Conduits in exposed
locations.
- Re-roofing and Insulation above existing building codes to reduce power usage.
- Commercial buildings generally have higher California Energy Efficiency requirements than residential structures.
Financial Incentives
For information on the California's Solar Incentive Program go to the California Solar Initiative Website. Currently there are tremendous savings to be had with installation of a grid tie interface solar electric system for businesses. These include:
- A CPUC rebate of $1.90 per rated watt for systems under 100kW. This is a one time, upfront incentive based on expected system performance based on equipment ratings and installation factors such as
location, tilt and shading. This Expected Performance Based Buydown (EPBB) is administered
by your Electric Service Provider and is monitored by a meter to adjust the Rebate amount. You also
get credit on the power you send back to the grid
with Net Metering
which allows you to sell power back to your Electric Service Provider with a number of options. However, you won't be paid as much as they charge you per kWh, and currently you will only get credit up to the kWh you use.
- A CPUC monthly payment for power actually produced on systems more than 100kW. This is called a Performance Based Incentive (PBI) and is paid by the Utility Company. It currently is set at $0.26 per kWh produced, including what you use yourself,
and lasts 5 years from the day your system is approved. All PBI Systems and EPBB Systems over 10kW must install a performance meter, at owner's expense, and pay for 5 years of Perfomance Monitoring and Recording from a PMRS provider.
EPBB requires only 2 years monitoring and if the System is less than 10kW the Inverter Meter can be used instead.
As mW trigger points are passed both EPBB and PBI incentives will be reduced for new Systems. Small Systems can opt for the PBI method if they wish.
- A 30% Federal Income Tax Credit on the total installed cost of the system. This can be taken over 2 years. The costs relating only to components and installation of a Utility Backup System are excluded. This credit reduces to 10% in 2008,
so pay as much as possible in 2007.
- Accelerated 5 year depreciation on 85%
of the System's Installed Cost.
- Property Tax Exemption on the new construction until 2009.
These incentives, plus tax savings and credit for power sent to the grid will pay back your total investment in 5-7 years.
The California Solar Initiative started
Jan 1, 2007. Utilities will add a small fee
on customer's bills to pay for these rebates.
For more information call (707) 462-2427 or E-mail Collins By Design
Cal Contractors Lic #B557124 |
