Renewable Solar Energy in California

California's Solar Initiative offers cash back to home and business owners.

California is one of the primary consumers of renewable energy, including solar, wind, biomass and geothermal energy. In 2007, 11.8 percent of all of California's electricity came from its various renewable sources. California Renewable Energy program is managed by California Energy Commission.

California Solar Initiative

In 2006, under the California Energy Commission, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) created the California Solar Initiative (CSI). The California Solar Initiative is a solar rebate program for businesses and home owners that install solar energy-generating products on their premises. The initiative works for all consumers of the Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), the San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) and the Southern California Edison (SCE).

New Solar Homes Partnership

Another part of the California Solar Initiative is the New Solar Homes Partnership (NSHP). NSHP offers financial incentives to home builders for construction of solar-friendly homes. A solar home utilizes photovoltaic (PV) modules to generate electricity from the sun. A solar home offers its owners clean, renewable energy; utility bill savings; and protection against any rise in electricity costs for the future.

Budget

The California Solar Initiative's budget from 2007 to 2016 is $2.167 billion. The initiative plans to install 1,940 megawatts (MW) of new solar-generation capacity. The initiative is funded by electric ratepayers.

References

• The California Energy Commission: California's Renewable Energy Programs
• Go Solar California: California Solar Initiative
• Go Solar California: New Solar Homes Partnership