The proposal is an 11-year incentive program to install solar PV on one million private and public buildings. If approved next month and implemented next year, the California Solar Initiative would be the nation’s largest investment in solar energy.
The California Energy Commission Emerging Renewables Program will also provide incentives for residential and small commercial solar projects through 2006. After 2006, the CEC could provide incentives to promising non-solar technologies, or the CEC could close down the ERP entirely.
The target for installed capacity would be 3,000 MW of PV, with program funding coming from $350 million in existing funds and a surcharge of one-eighth of a cent per kWh on residential monthly electric bills. Consumer rebates would start at $2.80 per watt and decline 10% per year to $0.25 per watt by 2016.
The proposal will be subject to a 30-day period of public comment before a final ruling is made by the CPUC.
