Fillable Interconnection and Co-Metering Agreement (City of Azusa)

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Interconnection and Co-Metering Agreement (City of Azusa)

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Last Update: August 1, 2020
City of Azusa Light & Water Department
Interconnection and Co-Metering Agreement
For Generating Facility of Greater Than 10 kW and Not More Than 1.0 MW
This Interconnection and Metering Agreement for Solar or Wind Turbine Electric Facilities
("Agreement") is made and entered into by and between
____________________________________________ (“Customer”), whose mailing address is
____________________________________________ and the City of Azusa, a municipal
corporation acting by and through its Azusa Light & Water Department (“Azusa”), sometimes
also referred to herein jointly as “Parties" or individually as "Party.”
1. APPLICABILITY
This Agreement is applicable only to customers who satisfy all requirements of the
definition of an Eligible Customer-Generator as set forth in Section 2827(b) (4) of the
California Public Utilities Code on the effective date of this Agreement. Customer
represents that customer is an Eligible Customer-Generator.
2. DESCRIPTION OF CUSTOMER'S SOLAR OR WIND ELECTRIC GENERATING
FACILITY
2.1 Customer elects to interconnect and operate a generating facility capable of generating
electricity from solar or wind turbine electric generating facility, or hybrid system of both,
located on Customer’s owned, leased or rented premises within Azusa’s service area
(“Generating Facility”) in parallel with Azusa’s electric grid. Customer represents that the
Generating Facility is intended primarily to offset part or all of the Customer's own
electrical requirements.
2.2 Generating Facility Identification Number (If known): ____________________________
2.3 Customer Meter Number: ____________________________
2.4 Customer Service Account Number: ____________________________
2.5 Otherwise Applicable Rate Schedule: ____________________________
2.6 Generating Facility Location: ____________________________
2.7 Generating Facility Technology (Solar or Wind): ____________________________
2.8 Generating Facility Nameplate Rating (kW): ____________________________
2.9 Estimated monthly energy production of
Generating Facility (kWh): ____________________________
2.10 Estimated date when Generating Facility will be
ready to commence parallel operation with
Azusa’s electric system: _____________________________
Last Update: August 1, 2020
3. INTERCONNECTION, DESIGN AND CUSTOMER REQUIREMENTS
3.1 Customer shall deliver the available energy to Azusa at the Required Meter (as defined in
Subsection 4.1 below) located on the Customer's premises.
3.2 Customer shall be responsible for the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of
the Generating Facility and shall obtain and maintain any required governmental
authorizations and permits.
3.3 Customer shall conform to all applicable solar or wind electrical generating system safety
and performance standards established by the National Electrical Code (“NEC”), the
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (“IEEE”), and accredited, nationally
recognized testing laboratories such as Underwriters Laboratories, applicable building
codes, and to all applicable Azusa’s Electric Service Requirements (Regulation 21), as
may be amended from time to time.
3.4 Customer shall not commence parallel operation of the Generating Facility until Customer
receives written approval from Azusa’s Authorized Representative. Azusa’s Authorized
Representative shall consider such written approval upon Azusa's receipt of a copy of the
final inspection or approval of the Generating Facility that has been issued by the
governmental authority having jurisdiction to inspect and approve the installation. Such
approval shall not be unreasonably withheld.
3.5 Azusa shall have the right to have its representatives present at the final inspection made
by the governmental authority having jurisdiction to inspect and approve the installation
of the Generating Facility. Customer shall notify Azusa in accordance with the terms of
Section 12, herein, at least five days prior to such inspection.
3.6 Customer shall not add generation capacity in excess of the Nameplate Rating set forth in
Section 2.8 of this Agreement, or otherwise modify the Generating Facility without the
prior written permission of Azusa.
3.7 Customer shall install a visible disconnect switch for the Generating Facility. The
disconnect switch shall be lockable in the open position and directly accessible to Azusa
employees at all times. Disconnect shall be installed in close proximity to, or no more than
eight (8’) feet from the utility’s electric meter.
3.8 The Customer’s inverter shall have the following minimum specifications for parallel
operation with Azusa Light & Water:
(a) Inverter output shall automatically disconnect from Azusa Light & Water
source upon loss of Azusa Light & Water voltage and not reconnect until
Azusa Light & Water voltage has been restored by Azusa. [CEC 690-61].
(b) Inverter shall meet the applicable requirements of IEEE 929,
“Recommended Practice for Utility Interface of Photovoltaic (PV)
Systems,” IEEE 519, “Recommended Practices and Requirements for
Harmonic Control in Electrical
3.9 If Energy Storage is incorporated into the Generating Facility the Customer will be
required to comply with the following minimum specifications and requirements for
operation:
(a) Energy Storage device shall not export power to Azusa, either directly or
via full/partial displacement of behind the meter renewable generation.
(b) Energy Storage device shall be capable of automatically disconnecting
from the Azusa source upon loss of Azusa voltage and the Energy Storage
device shall not reconnect until Azusa voltage has been restored by Azusa.
CEC 690-61].
3.10 Any Customer who super imposes a current of any frequency upon any part of their
electrical system, other than the current supplied by Azusa shall, at their expense, prevent
the transmission of such current beyond their electrical system.
4. METER REQUIREMENTS
4.1 In accordance with Azusa’s Rules and Regulations for Electrical Service, Azusa shall
own, operate and maintain on Customer’s premises a single meter capable of registering
the flow of electricity in two directions (“Required Meter”). In addition, the meter shall
be capable of recording time-of-use information for all customers.
4.2 If the existing electrical meter of Customer is not capable of measuring the flow of
electricity in two directions (or supplying time-of-use information for commercial
customers), Customer shall be responsible for all expenses involved in Azusa’s purchase
and installation of such, Required Meter.
4.3 The customer must provide a production meter socket at a location and of a type specified
by the utility and the utility shall have the right to install a renewable energy production
meter.
5. DISCONNECTION, INTERRUPTION OR REDUCTION OF DELIVERIES
5.1 Azusa shall not be obligated to accept or pay for, and may require Customer to curtail,
interrupt or reduce, deliveries of available energy from its Generating Facility:
Last Update: August 1, 2020
Last Update: August 1, 2020
(a) Whenever Azusa deems it necessary in its sole judgment, to construct,
install, maintain, repair, replace, remove, investigate, or inspect any of its
equipment or any part of its electric system; or
(b) Whenever Azusa determines in its sole judgment, that curtailment,
interruption, or reduction of Customer’s electrical generation is otherwise
necessary due to emergencies, forced outages, force majeure, or
compliance with prudent electrical practices.
5.2 Whenever reasonably possible, Azusa shall give Customer reasonable notice of the
possibility that curtailment, interruption or reduction of such deliveries may be required.
5.3 Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, if at any time Azusa determines
that either (a) the Generating Facility or its operation may endanger the health, safety or
welfare of Azusa personnel, any person or the public, or (b) the continued operation of the
Generating Facility may endanger the integrity of Azusa’s electric system, any property or
the environment, Azusa shall have the right to enter onto Customer’s premises and
disconnect Customer’s Generating Facility from Azusa’s system. Customer’s Generating
Facility shall remain disconnected until such time as Azusa is satisfied that the
condition(s) referenced in (a) and (b) of this Subsection 5.3 have been corrected.
5.4 Azusa may refuse or discontinue service to a Customer if any part of the Customer’s
wiring or other electrical equipment or the use thereof shall be determined by Azusa to be
unsafe or in violation of applicable laws, ordinances, rules or regulations, or if any
condition existing upon the Customer’s premises shall be determined, in the discretion of
Azusa, to endanger service facilities of Azusa. Service shall not be restored unless or until
the Customer’s wiring or equipment is placed in a safe condition or the violation is
otherwise remedied, as determined in the discretion of Azusa.
5.5 Azusa will not provide service to Customer equipment which is deemed by Azusa to be
operated in a manner which will be detrimental to the service of or its other customers. In
that case, Azusa may discontinue electric service to the Customer if the Customer fails to
discontinue such operation after having been given notice by Azusa to cease such
operation.
6. ACCESS TO PREMISES
Azusa may enter Customer’s premises at all reasonable hours without notice to Customer
for the following purposes:
(a) To inspect Customer’s protective devices and read or test meter(s); and
(b) To disconnect the Generating Facility and/or service to Customer,
whenever in Azusa’s sole opinion, a hazardous condition exists and such
immediate action is necessary to protect persons, Azusa’s facilities, or
Last Update: August 1, 2020
property of others from damage or interference caused by the Generating
Facility, or the absence or failure of properly operating protective devices.
7. PERMITS AND MAINTENANCE
Customer shall, at its sole cost and expense, (a) maintain the Generating Facility and
interconnection facilities in a safe and prudent manner and in conformance with all
applicable laws and regulations including, but not limited to Section 3, and (b) obtain any
governmental authorizations and permits required for the construction and operation of the
Generating Facility and interconnection facilities and performance of this Agreement.
Customer shall reimburse Azusa for any and all losses, damages, claims, penalties, or
liability it incurs as a result of Customer's failure to obtain or maintain any governmental
authorizations and permits required for construction and operation of Customer's
Generating Facility and performance of this Agreement.
8. INDEMINTY AND LIABILITY
8.1 Each Party as indemnitor shall defend, hold harmless, and indemnify the other Party and
the directors, officers, employees, and agents of the other Party against and from any and
all loss, liability, damage, claim, cost, charge, demand, or expense (including any direct,
indirect or consequential loss, liability, damage, claim, cost, charge, demand, or expense,
including attorneys’ fees) for injury or death to persons, including employees of either
Party, and damage to property, including property of either Party, arising out of or in
connection with (a) the engineering, design, construction, maintenance, repair, operation,
supervision, inspection, testing, protection or ownership of the indemnitor’s facilities, or
(b) the making of replacements, additions, betterments to, or reconstruction of the
indemnitor’s facilities. This indemnity shall apply notwithstanding the active or passive
negligence of the indemnitee. However, neither Party shall be indemnified hereunder for
its loss, liability, damage, claim, cost, charge, demand, or expense resulting from its sole
negligence or willful misconduct.
8.2 The indemnitor shall, on the other Party’s request, defend any suit asserting a claim
covered by this indemnity and shall pay for all costs, including reasonable attorney fees
that may be incurred by the other Party in enforcing this indemnity.
8.3 The provisions of this Section shall not be construed to relieve any insurer of its
obligations to pay any insurance claims in accordance with the provisions of any valid
insurance policy.
8.4 Except as otherwise provided in Section 8.1, neither Party shall be liable to the other Party
for consequential damages incurred by that Party.
8.5 Nothing in this Agreement shall create any duty to, any standard of care with reference to,
or any liability to any person who is not a Party to it.
Last Update: August 1, 2020
8.6 Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 8.1, Customer shall be responsible for
protecting its Generating Facility from damage by reason of the electrical disturbances or
faults caused by the operation, faulty operation, or non-operation of Azusa’s facilities and
Azusa shall not be liable for any such damage so caused.
9. RATES AND BILLING
9.1 All credits for Co-Energy Metering energy are subject to Azusa’s Rules and Regulations,
as amended from time to time. The provisions of Azusa’s Schedule CEM, “Co-Energy
Metering” shall be applicable. Any changes in Azusa’s rate schedule’s which would act to
modify this Agreement shall automatically be incorporated herein without the need for a
formal amendment.
9.2 Azusa shall provide Customer with Co-Energy Metering metered information on a
monthly basis and/or as provided for under the Rules and Regulations.
9.3 All customers will be assessed the appropriate monthly non-bypassable charges as
required or otherwise allowed by law.
10. GOVERNING LAW, VENUE
This Agreement shall be interpreted under, governed by, and construed in accordance with
the laws of the State of California as if executed and to be performed wholly within the
State of California, without regard to conflicts of law rules thereof. Any action at law or
equity brought by either Party for the purpose of enforcing a right or rights provided in
this Agreement shall be brought only in a court of proper jurisdiction in the County of Los
Angeles, State of California, and the Parties hereby waive all other provisions of law
providing for a change of venue in such proceedings to any other county. In event of a
conflict between this contract and applicable provisions of state law, the latter shall apply.
11. MODIFICATIONS, WAIVER, INTERPRETATION
11.1 No amendment or modification to this Agreement shall be effective unless in a writing
duly executed by both Parties. The failure of any Party at any time or times to require
performance of any provision hereof shall in no manner affect the right at a later time to
enforce the same. No waiver by any Party of the breach of any term or covenant contained
in this Agreement, whether by conduct or otherwise, shall be deemed to be construed as a
further or continuing waiver of any such breach or a waiver of the breach of any other
term or covenant unless such waiver is in writing.
11.2 This Agreement shall supersede any existing agreement with Azusa under which
Customer is currently operating the Generating Facility identified in Section 2, herein, and
any such agreement shall be deemed terminated as of the effective date of this Agreement.
Last Update: August 1, 2020
11.3 This Agreement constitutes the final, complete and exclusive statement of the terms of the
agreement between the Parties pertaining to the subject matter of this Agreement, and
supersedes all prior and contemporaneous understandings or agreements of the Parties.
Neither Party has been induced to enter into this Agreement by, and neither party is
relying on, any representation or warranty outside those expressly set forth in this
Agreement.
11.4 Except as expressly modified herein, Azusa’s Rules and Regulations for Electrical Service
as adopted from time to time by Azusa shall continue to be applicable to Azusa’s
provision of electrical service to Customer and performance of this Agreement.
12. NOTICES
12.1 Any notice required under this Agreement shall be in writing and mailed at any United
States Post Office with postage prepaid and addressed to the Party, or personally delivered
to the Party, at the address below. Changes in such designation may be made by notice
similarly given. All written notices shall be directed as follows:
Azusa:
Azusa Light & Water Dept.
Attn: Key Accounts Manager
729 N. Azusa Ave.
Azusa, CA 91702-9500
Customer:
To the mailing address listed on page 1 of this Agreement.
12.2 Customer's notices to Azusa pursuant to this Section shall refer to the Generating Facility
Identification Number that is set forth in Section 2.2.
12.3 In the event of an emergency, Customer shall immediately notify Azusa Light & Water at
its 24-hour emergencies number, 626-812-5225, of any emergency situation related to the
Generating Facility.
13. TERM AND TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT
13.1 This Agreement shall become effective on the date this Agreement is duly executed by
both Parties as set forth in Section 16 below, and shall continue in full force and effect
until terminated as provided herein.
13.2 This Agreement shall terminate on the earliest to occur of:
13.2.1 The thirtieth day after Customer gives Azusa prior written notice of termination
with or without cause in accordance with Section 12;
Last Update: August 1, 2020
13.2.2 The date both Parties agree in writing to terminate this Agreement;
13.2.3 The first day after Azusa gives Customer written notice of termination for cause, provided
that Azusa shall first have given Customer written notice of Customer’s breach of this
Agreement and within thirty days of Azusa’s sending notice of such breach, Customer
fails to cure such breach or, if such breach requires more than thirty days to cure,
Customer fails to promptly commence cure of such breach and diligently prosecute such
cure to completion;
13.2.4 The date Azusa is no longer the electric supplier to Customer’s premises; or
13.2.5 The date changes to Customer’s electric load, or other circumstances, cause Customer to
no longer satisfy all requirements of the definition of an Eligible Customer-Generator, as
set forth in Section 2827(b) (4) of the California Public Utilities Code on the effective date
of this Agreement.
13.3 Early termination of this agreement may result in the Customer being required to
reimburse Azusa Light & Water for all or part of the incentive received.
13.4 After termination of this Agreement, any electric service provided by Azusa to Customer
shall be pursuant to and in accordance with Customer’s Rate Schedule.
14. AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE
Azusa’s Authorized Representative is the Director of Utilities for Azusa Light & Water, or
his designee. Azusa may change its Authorized Representative by giving Customer notice
pursuant to Section 12.
15. ASSIGNMENT PROHIBITED
Customer understands and agrees that this Agreement is personal to Customer and that
Customer shall not assign or transfer in any way all or any portion of this Agreement to
any other person or entity of any kind. Any attempt by Customer to assign or transfer in
any way all or any portion of this Agreement shall be void ab initio.
16. SIGNATURES
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have caused three originals of this
Agreement to be executed by their duly authorized representatives on the dates set forth
below. This Agreement is effective as of the latter of the two dates set forth below.
Last Update: August 1, 2020
Customer Azusa Light & Water
By:_____________________ By:________________________
Name:___________________ Name: _____________________
Title:____________________ Title: Director of Utilities______
Date:____________________ Date:_______________________
SUBMITTALS REQUIRED:
1. Building Permit
2. Electric Single Line Diagram
3. Electric Load Schedule
4. Site Plan
5. Solar or Wind Generating System Electric Specifications
6. Solar or Wind Electrical Generating System Certification
7. Battery/Energy Storage System Specifications
page 1 of 25
Customer Initial Here_____________(1/4)
SOLAR CONSUMER
PROTECTION GUIDE
CALIFORNIA
TAKE YOUR TIME.
WATCH OUT FOR FALSE CLAIMS!
In many areas of California, you cannot connect a residential solar system to the electric grid until you read, initial, and sign
this document. (e requirement to sign this document does not apply to solar systems that are part of new home construction or
multi-family buildings, and it does not apply to solar thermal systems.)
PUTTING SOLAR ON YOUR HOME IS AN IMPORTANT FINANCIAL DECISION.
DON’T SIGN A CONTRACT UNTIL YOU READ THIS DOCUMENT!
2020
MAKE SURE THE SOLAR PROVIDER HAS A VALID CONTRACTOR LICENSE.
Azusa Light & Water
729 N. Azusa Avenue
Azusa, CA 91702
www.azusalw.com
(626) 812-5225
Follow the Solar Process Flow Chart for your system (Appendix A or B) for specic department contacts.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: e City of Azusa and Azusa Light & Water do not endorse, nor have any partnerships or
aliations with, any specic solar installation company.
City of Azusa
213 E. Foothill Boulevard
Azusa, CA 91702
www.AzusaCA.gov
(626) 812-5200
page 2 of 25
Customer Initial Here_____________(2/4)
MAKE SURE TO READ AT LEAST
THE NEXT 3 PAGES
Solar energy is rarely free. An honest company will
be upfront about all the costs you will pay over time.
• There is one exception: a few government-
funded solar programs offer free or low-cost
solar to low-income households. Go directly
to page 6 to see what government-approved
organizations run these programs.
An honest salesperson would never rush you to sign
anything without giving you time to review what you
are signing.
• California law requires that a salesperson show
you the contract terms before you sign.
Aer going solar, you will typically pay a small
electricity bill every month and a larger electricity bill
at the end of the 12-month cycle, depending on the
utility billing rate. See page 17 for an example.
• Customers who take out a solar loan or sign a lease
or power purchase agreement will also receive a
monthly bill from a loan company or solar provider.
• If you use PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy)
nancing, you will also make a payment once or
twice a year with your property taxes or monthly
with your mortgage payment.
TRUE
TRUE
TRUE
Most solar providers are honest and fair. However, there are still some false claims you need to watch out for. Do not do
business with a salesperson that makes one of these false claims.
False claims to
watch out for
The Truth
You can get free solar
energy at no cost to
you.
You will never pay an
electricity bill ever
again aer a solar
system is installed.
Time is running out
and you must quickly
sign an electronic tablet
to get solar.
If you are considering signing a contract for a
residential solar system.
FALSE
FALSE
FALSE
page 3 of 25
Customer Initial Here_____________(3/4)
Know Your Rights
YOU HAVE THE RIGHT...
YOU HAVE THE RIGHT...
YOU HAVE THE RIGHT...
YOU HAVE THE RIGHT...
to a copy of a solar contract
and nancing agreement in
the language in which the
salesperson spoke to you.
to a Solar Disclosure
Document from your
solar provider.
to a 3-day cancellation period
after signing a contract.
to read this entire 23-page
guide before signing a
contract.
If a solar provider comes to your home to sell you solar panels and
speaks to you in a language other than English (such as Spanish),
you have the right to a copy of the contract in that language.
Do not feel pressured to read this guide while the
salesperson waits. Ask them to come back at a later date to
allow you time to read it.
If you are a public utility customer, a solar provider must
give you the time to read and sign this guide before you sign
a contract for solar. If they do not allow you to read this
document, they should not be allowed to interconnect your
solar system to the electric grid.
You have at least three business days to cancel your contract
for any reason. You may cancel the contract by emailing,
mailing, faxing, or delivering a notice to your solar provider by
midnight of the third business day aer you received a signed,
dated copy of the contract. Note that dierent rules may apply
for contracts negotiated by a company’s place of business.
If your solar provider refuses to cancel the contract, report
them to the Contractors State License Board at
800-321-CSLB(2751) or www.cslb.ca.gov/consumers.
By law, a solar provider must provide you with a completed
Solar Energy System Disclosure Document created by the
Contractors State License Board (CSLB). is one page
document shows you the total costs for the solar energy
system. A blank version of this document is available at
www.cslb.ca.gov/contractors/SolarSheet.aspx.
Ask your solar provider, lender, or PACE administrator to show you where in the
contract it describes what happens when you sell your home.
For other important questions to ask a solar provider before you sign a contract,
go to page 10 of this guide.
page 4 of 25
Customer Initial Here_____________(4/4)
Before You Sign a Contract
Ask a Solar Provider These Initial Questions
What is your Contractors State License Board (CSLB)
license number?
What is the total cost of the solar energy system?
If I sell my home, what are my options and what do I
need to do?
Ask for a proof of the license. en check the license to make sure it is valid by going to
www.cslb.ca.gov/consumers or calling 800-321-CSLB (2752).
• e license must be active and in classication A (General Engineering
Contractor), c-46 (Solar Contractor), C-10 (Electrical Contractor), or B
(General Building Contractor) in order to be valid.
• CSLB License Number is: _________________
If your solar provider does not have a valid contractor license, do not sign a contract
with them and report them to the CSLB.
If you are considering a solar loan, lease, or power purchase agreement, also ask:
• Is there a down payment?
• How much will I pay per month? When will these payments increase and
by how much?
If you are considering PACE nancing, also ask:
• How much will I pay once or twice a year with my property taxes or
monthly with my mortgage?
Ok, I read these 3 pages. Now What?
• For a step-by-step guide for how to go solar, proceed to the next page. is is
recommended, even if you’ve already started the solar process!
• If you are getting ready to sign a contract, skip to the “Before You Sign” checklist, on
page 22 of this guide.
Make sure
to get 3 bids from
dierent solar providers
before you sign a contract.
See page 9 of this guide
for more details.
?
?
?
page 5 of 25
STEP 1: Is Solar a Good Fit for Me?
ROAD MAP FOR SOLAR AT YOUR HOME
Is Solar a
Good Fit for
Me?
Find
Qualied Solar
Provider
Learn About
Electricity Bill
Savings
“Before You Sign”
Checklist
Understand
Roles & Solar
Process
Compare
Financing
Options
Carefully
Read All
Paperwork
Sign This
Guide
Solar photo-voltaic panels can capture sunlight on your roof or property and convert it into electricity.
is electricity powers the needs of your home, such as lights, electric vehicles, and appliances.
Before you consider getting solar at your home, ask yourself:
Do I qualify for low-income solar programs?
Am I a good candidate for rooftop solar?
Have I made my home energy efcient rst?
If you think you might qualify for a low-income solar program, go directly to the next page
(page 6).
• Does my roof receive a good amount of sunlight or is it mostly shaded? What direction
does the roof face? Roofs that are mostly shaded or face due north are not good
candidates for solar. If you plan to replace your roof soon, you should replace it before
installing a rooop solar system.
• If your roof is heavily shaded or isn’t in great condition, or if you are a renter,
community solar programs could be a good t for your. With community solar, you
receive 50-100 percent of your electricity from solar projects located across California.
Community solar programs vary and may increase your electricity bill or provide an
electricity bill savings. Contact your electricity provider for more information.
Making your home energy ecient before going solar can decrease your overall energy
use and reduce the size of the solar system you need, potentially saving you thousands of
dollars. Call your electricity provider or check their website for energy eciency tips and
advice on how to get an in-person home energy assessment.
1
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
?
?
?
page 6 of 25
Low-Income Solar Programs
GRID ALTERNATIVES AND DAC PROGRAM
GRID Alternatives, a non-prot organization, oers assistance for certain income-
qualied solar programs in some local jurisdictions and Disadvantaged Communities.
Contact GRID Alternatives by visiting www.gridalternatives.org/qualify or by
calling 1-866-921-4696.
COMMUNITY SOLAR PROGRAMS
Community Solar Programs allow qualifying households to subscribe to a utility-owned solar project. ese
programs vary with each public utility so check with your electric provider to get more information regarding a
community solar program.
If you are a public utility customer, call your electricity provider or check their website to see if any
low-income solar options are available to you.
i
*A DAC is a neighborhood vulnerable to multiple sources of pollution. To nd out if you live
in a qualied DAC, check out the map at: https://oehha.ca.go/caleniroscreen/sb535.
Connect With Your Local Utility...
page 7 of 25
STEP 2: Understand Roles and Solar Process
Solar Providers
Installers
Salespeople
Solar providers are the companies that
sell you solar and send installers to
your home. Sometimes they provide
nancing. ey must be licensed. See
page 4.
Installers are sent by Solar Providers to
your home to check roof, ground and
electric conditions and to install the
solar system. ey must be licensed like
a Solar Provider. See page 4.
Salespeople work for Solar Providers
and may call you or knock on your
door. ey must be registered, with
some limited exceptions. Ask for their
“Home Improvement Salesperson
(HIS) registration” and check it at 800-
321-CSLB (2752) or www.cslb.ca.gov.
Lenders
PACE Administrators
Electricity Providers
Manufacturers
City/Utility Inspectors
PACE administrators manage PACE nancing programs. ey must be licensed. Check their license at https://docqnet.
dbo.ca.gov/licensesearch.
Electricity providers interconnect your solar system to the electric grid and send you electricity bills that may include solar
bill credits.
Manufacturers are the companies who make solar equipment. ey provide most solar warranties for purchased systems.
City/utility inspectors come to your home to make sure the system is up to code to ensure your health and safety.
Lenders provide you with nancing if you have a solar loan or PACE nancing.
Solar
Providers
PACE
Administrator
City or
Country
Inspectors
Installers
Lenders
Salespeople
Electricity
Providers
Manufacturers
Residential
Solar
2
page 8 of 25
Overview of a Typical Rooftop Solar Process
BEFORE YOU SIGN A CONTRACT
AFTER YOU SIGN A CONTRACT
*IF YOU USE PACE FINANCING,
you will not receive a bill from a Lender or
Solar Provider (the last step above). Instead
your payments will be due once or twice a
year with your property taxes or monthly
with your mortgage payment.
You ..................
You ..................
You ..................
You ..................
Solar Provider...
Lender..............
You ..................
You ..................
You ................................
You ..................
You ..................
Installer .........................
Installer .........................
Solar Provider ................
Solar Provider ................
Solar Provider ................
City/Utility Inspector ....
Electricity Provider ........
Lender/Solar Provider ...
get a home energy assessment to make your home more energy ecient (see page 5)
look at low-income solar programs to see if you qualify (see page 6)
research Solar Providers and compare at least 3 bids(see page 9)
provides you with solar contract, Solar Disclosure Document, and this Solar Consumer Guide
qualify for nancing (if needed)
writes up nancing agreement (if needed)
review solar contract, Solar Disclosure Document, and any nancing agreement (see page 19)
go through checklist on page 22 of this Solar Consumer Guide
sign this Solar Consumer Guide, solar contract, and nancing agreement
performs a home site visit to conrm assumptions and check roof, ground, and
electric conditions
nalizes system design and applies for building permit with city or country agency
inspects system for building permit compliance
submits application to electricity provider to interconnect solar system to grid
submits city/county inspection approval to electricity provider
turn on system aer receiving written approval from electricity provider
sends you rst bill for solar system or solar energy*
sends you your rst electricity bill with solar/net energy metering credits (see page 17)
It typically takes 1 to 3 months aer you sign a
contract for the solar system to be installed at your
home.
Aer 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.
decide if rooop solar is a good t for you (see page 5)
installs the solar system (only aer receiving city/county permit)
page 9 of 25
STEP 3: Find a Qualied Solar Provider
First, make sure Solar Providers you consider have a valid license from the CSLB. It is illegal for Solar
Providers and their Installers to conduct business without a license.
• Go to the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) website at www.cslb.ca.gov/consumers or call
800-321-CLSB (2752) to see if the Solar Provider and Installer licenses are active and valid. e
licenses must be in the classications: C-46 (Solar Contractor), C-10 (Electrical Contractor), B
(General Building Contractor), or A (General Engineering Contractor).
Find out how long the company has been in business and how many installations they have done.
Check out trusted customer review websites online. Since some websites may not be neutral, check a few
dierent websites to make sure reviews are consistent.
It’s a good sign if companies employ installers certied by the North American Board of Certied Energy
Practitioners (NABCEP), a high standard in the industry.
Aer you narrow down the list of Solar Providers, separately ask each of them for a bid or price quote.
• Note that the best option for you is not necessarily the cheapest bid. A very low bid may indicate that
a Solar Provider is trying to cut corners.
Don’t hesitate to ask Solar Providers a lot of questions up front. A qualied company will be happy to answer
all of them. A sample list of questions in on the next page.
Find Solar Providers that Serve Your Neighborhood
Narrow Down the List to Qualied Solar Providers
Get Bids From At Least 3 Qualied Solar Providers and Ask Questions
FIND PROVIDER
NARROW DOWNGET BIDS
3
Go to www.cslb.ca.gov, a government website, and click on the “Find My Licensed Contractor” search on
the right-hand side of the page. Enter your city and one of the following license classications: C-46 (Solar
Contractor), C-10 (Electrical Contractor), or B (General Building Contractor).
Go to www.CaliforniaDGStats.ca.gov, a government-funded website, to enter your zip code and see a list
of Solar Providers and recent installation costs. Note that these costs are not veried by the government.
Go to www.energysage.com to research and shop for solar, nancing, and energy eciency options.
Ask friends and neighbors who had solar installed at least a year ago if they recommended a Solar Provider
and why.
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page 10 of 25
Questions to Ask a Solar Provider
Before You Sign a Contract
What is your company’s contractor license number from the Contractors State License
Board (CSLB)? What is your Installer’s contractor license number?
Is my roof a good candidate for solar? Why?
Will I be able to monitor the performance of the system once it’s installed? If so, how?
Does my roof need to be replaced before installing solar panels?
• If yes, how much will that cost, who will do it, what is their license number, and is
there a roof warranty?
What steps will you take to ensure my roof won’t leak?
Roughly how much will it cost to remove and re-install the panels if I need to replace my
roof in the future, including inspection fees?
Will you subcontract with another company to install the solar system? If so, what is
their CSLB contractor license number?
How long have you been in business and how many systems have you installed?
Can you provide me with three customer references to call or visit? ese customers
should have solar installed for at least a year.
Are there warranties for the panels and inverters?
• If yes, how long do they last and who do I contact to replace these components?
• If equipment such as the inverter fails aer the warranty period, how much will
it cost to replace?
Are there warranties for labor/construction?
Are repairs and maintenance included in the contract? If yes, who should I contact
for repairs?
Does the solar provider oer a minimum energy guarantee (common with leases and
power purchase agreements)?
• If yes, how will I be paid if the system does not produce as much energy as
promised in the contract?
COMPANY BACKGROUND
DESIGN & ROOF
WARRANTIES & PERFORMANCE OF SOLAR SYSTEM
Why did you choose this specic design and size for the solar system you are
recommending to me?
• Note that a system sized to cover all of your electricity needs isn’t necessarily
the best investment. Typically, a system is sized to around 80-85 percent of your
electricity use from the previous year.
information on false claims.
page 11 of 25
Is there an insurance policy that comes with the solar system, or do I need to take out
additional homeowner’s insurance? Note that this is especially important if you live in
re-prone areas.
Explain to me why an electricity bill savings estimate is not a guarantee.
What electricity rate do you recommend I switch to for solar, and why?
When do you propose to start and nish installing solar on my roof ?
Does my electricity provider oer special rates for solar customers?
What situations would allow me to be released from a contract?
Will a solar system make it more dicult for me to sell my home or renance?
Even though I will continue to pay electricity bills aer going solar, I can receive solar bill
credits on my electricity bill. How does that work?
Is there an option to pay my electricity bills monthly instead of annually, so the costs are
more even throughout the year? How do I sign up?
How long will I be on that rate, and how can I compare or change rates on my electricity
provider’s website?
Aer installation is complete, roughly how long will it take for my electricity provider to
send me written approval to turn my system on?
What are my obligations in the contract if my solar system stops working due to a disaster
like an earthquake or a re?
Who has the right to claim the environmental benets of the power generated by my
system? (See “Getting Environmental Credit for Going Green” on page 18).
For leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and PACE nanced systems:
• What happens if the home buyer doesn’t want the solar system or doesn’t qualify
to take on my lease, PPA, or PACE nanced system?
• Are there fees if I need to terminate the contract early to sell my house?
• Are there fees for transferring the lease PPA, or PACE nancing to a new
homeowner?
ELECTRICITY BILL SAVINGS ESTIMATE (see page 17)
IMPACTS ON FUTURE SALE OF YOUR HOME
TIMELINE (see page 8)
Do you want to know questions to ask about loans or nancing?
Keep reading because those are in the next sections!
NOVEMBER
14
Most
Common
Solar Financing
Options
Purchase
(Cash or Loan)
PACE
Financing
Lease
Power
Purchase
Agreement
(PPA)
page 12 of 25
STEP 4: Compare Your Financing Options
Side-By-Side Quick Financial Comparison
Purchase with Cash
or Loan
• Typically greater return on investment.
• If you use a loan, little or no upfront
costs.
• May increase value of home.
• You can directly receive tax credits and
deductions. Consult tax professional
to see if you qualify.
• You are typically responsible for
repairs and maintenance. is
may involve contacting dierent
manufacturers, who could go out
of business during the 10-20 year
component life cycles.
• Some solar loans place a lien on your
property. In those cases, if you do
not make your payments, this could
result in foreclosure or make it more
dicult to sell your home or renance
your mortgage.
PROS CONS
4
page 13 of 25
A Closer Look at Purchase
(with cash or loan)
PURCHASE
You can purchase a solar system from a Solar Provider or Manufacturer with a solar loan or cash. In
this approach, you own the installed system. Types of loans include:
• Secured loans: these require an asset that will serve as collateral for the loan - oen that
asset is your solar system.
• Unsecured loans: these do not require any collateral, similar to a credit card.
A secured loan is oen preferred because it typically has lower interest rates.
Many Solar Providers work with lenders that oer solar loans, but you should check with banks and
credit unions as well. Compare oers to make sure you are being oered a reasonable interest rate.
PROS CONS
PACE Financing
Lease and PPA
• Little or no upfront costs.
• May have a longer repayment period than
typical home improvement loan, which
may be preferable.
• You may be able to receive tax credits and
deductions. Consult tax professional to
see if you qualify.
• PACE nancing results in rst-priority
lien on your property. Your bank
may require you to pay o the PACE
assessment prior to renancing.
• If you do not make your PACE payments,
this could result in foreclosure or make
it more dicult to sell your home or
renance your mortgage.
• You are typically responsible for repairs
and maintenance. is may involve
contacting dierent manufacturers, who
could go out of business during the 10-20
year component life cycles.
• Little or no upfront costs.
• Solar Provider is responsible for
all monitoring, maintenance, and
repairs.
• Minimum energy production oen
guaranteed.
• Selling home may be more complicated
than with a purchase system. Options
typically are: the new owner must agree
to take on the lease/agreement, you
continue making payments, or you buy
out the lease/agreement, which could be
thousands of dollars.
• Solar Provider could go out of business
during the contract period.
page 14 of 25
A Closer Look at PACE
(Property Assessed Clean Energy)
PURCHASE
PACE
(Property Assessed Clean Energy)
If you install and own a solar system by the end of 2020, there is supposed to be a 26 percent federal
tax credit available (also referred to as the “ITC”). e federal tax credit is expected to drop to 22
percent for systems installed in 2021, and then drop to 0 percent for systems installed aer 2021. If
you have questions about the ITC please contact the Internal Revenue Service at
https://www.irs.gov/ or any other questions, including whether a loan is tax deductible, please
speak to a Certied Public Accountant (CPA) for personal tax advice.
Unless you purchase a maintenance plan or your system comes with one, you will be responsible
for any maintenance and repairs. Make sure you save the equipment warranties, particularly for the
inverter, which may need to be replaced sooner than other equipment. If you sell your home, look
for real estate agents and appraisers with experience selling homes with solar. You may include the
system in the house sale just like any other major home component.
PACE is a nancing option that is available in some areas of California. In a PACE nancing
arrangement, a PACE Program Administrator nances the upfront costs of a solar system, which
you then pay through an assessment on your property tax bill. With PACE nancing, you own the
solar system.
PACE nancing lasts for a xed term, typically around 10-30 years, and it is attached to your house.
If you sell your house before you have fully paid the PACE assessment, a buyer may require you to
pay o the assessment, which will be what is remaining in the balance, which could be thousands of
dollars. Some mortgage lenders will not loan money to buyers to purchase properties with PACE
liens unless the full assessment is paid.
Unlike Leases and Power Purchase Agreements that require monthly payments, PACE assessments
are typically due once or twice a year, in larger lump sums, with your property taxes. Given this
unique arrangement, it’s important to understand how much you will owe and when, so that you
can set aside enough money throughout the year to cover the amount.
If your house is mortgaged and you typically pay your taxes with an escrow or impound account,
your mortgage company may increase the amount you pay monthly to (continued on next page)
What is the total cost of the loan over the entire course of the contract?
How much will I pay up front, how much over time, and for how long?
What is my interest rate? What is my annual percentage rate (“APR”)?
Who do I contact if I have questions about my loan payments?
Will a solar loan make it more dicult for me to sell or renance my home? Will I need
to buyout my loan? Who do I contact?
Questions to Ask a Lender About the
Purchase of a Solar System with a Loan:
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page 15 of 25
A Closer Look at Lease and PPA
(Power Purchase Agreement)
PACE (cont.)
LEASE AND
POWER PURCHASE AGREEMENT
cover the anticipated increase to your property tax bill. Discuss how PACE will aect your monthly
mortgage payment before you sign an agreement.
Be aware that if you fail to make your PACE payments included with your property taxes or
mortgage, your home could be put in foreclosure.
With a Lease, the Solar Provider owns the system on your property and “rents“ it to you for a set
period of time. A Solar Provider will install the solar system on your home, and you will make
scheduled monthly payments in exchange for all the electricity the system produces. A typical Lease
contract period is 20-25 years.
In a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), the Solar Provider owns the system on your property and
sells you the electricity it generates. PPAs are similar to Leases, except that instead of making a xed
monthly payment for the system, you typically pay for all the power the solar system generates (a
xed per-kilowatt-hour rate). e contract will specify the kilowatt-hour rate you pay in the rst
year and every year aer that. is rate should generally be lower than your current electricity rate.
A typical PPA contract period is 20-25 years.
• If you sell your house before the Lease or PPA contract is over, you will have to pay the Solar
Provider the remainder of the value of the Lease or PPA or transfer the contract to the new
property owner. Make sure you understand the specic contract terms, since buying out a
Lease or PPA can cost thousands of dollars.
• Payments for Leases or PPAs will typically increase by a specied amount every year based
on an “escalation clause” or “escalator.” Escalators are typically in the range of a 1 percent to
3 percent increase above the rate you paid in the previous year. Be cautious of entering into a
contract with an escalator higher than that.
• ere may be dierent ways to arrange Leases and PPAs, such as paying more up front to
reduce your monthly payments.
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Questions to Ask a PACE Program Administrator
About a PACE Financed System:
What is the total cost of the nancing over the entire course of the contract?
How much will I owe for PACE nancing when I pay my mortgage or property taxes?
Who do I contact if I have problems making my PACE payments?
How many times a year will I owe this PACE payment?
What happens if I want to sell or renance my home? Will selling or renancing be more
dicult with PACE? Is there anything I have to do with the mortgage company?
What are the penalties for failing to pay the assessment on time?
page 16 of 25
STEP 5: Learn About Electricity Bill Savings
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Questions to Ask a Lender or Solar
Provider About a Lease or PPA
What is the total cost of the solar system or solar energy over the entire course of the
contract?
How much will I pay up front, how much over time, and for how long?
Will my payments increase over time? How much will they increase, and how
frequently?
Is there an option to make a down payment to reduce my monthly payments (for a Lease)
or kilowatt-hour rate (for a PPA)?
What happens if I wish to end the Lease or PPA early?
If I end my agreement early, will I owe a balloon payment and/or an early termination fee?
If so, how much will I owe?
Will a Lease or PPA make it more dicult for me to sell or renance my home?
Electricity Bill Savings Estimates Do Not Guarantee Savings
An electricity bill savings estimate is an educated guess about how much you could save with rooop solar. Here are
some reasons why it’s possible that your savings could be lower than the estimate:
Electricity bill savings estimates
are based on several uncertain
factors, such as your future energy
use. For example, if your family
grows, you buy an electric vehicle,
or you decide to turn up your air
conditioning in the summer, your
energy use will go up along with
your electricity bill.
Electricity prices and rates can
change over time. Your electricity
provider may require you to switch
to a dierent rate in the future,
which could change how much
you save.
If you sell your home, you could
incur additional costs. For
example, if a buyer doesn’t want to
take on a Lease or Power Purchase
Agreement, you might have to buy
out the contract, which could be
thousands of dollars.
Before you sign a contract, ask yourself: if the savings end up being lower than the estimated monthly or yearly
savings, does getting rooop solar still make sense to me?
5
$
$600
$400
$200
$560
Settlement, or “True Up,”
Electricity Bill. It could occur
page 17 of 25
Since the sun isn’t always shining, solar customers also rely on electricity from their electricity provider.
Aer your solar system is interconnected to the grid, your monthly electricity bill will summarize how much
electricity you took in or “consumed,” from your electricity provider, and how much electricity your solar
system sent to the grid or “exported.”
If you took in more than you sent out to the grid in any given month, you will see an overall charge on your bill.
If you sent out more than you took in, you will see an overall credit. Typically, you will be able to carry forward
credits to the next month’s bill, and electricity usage charges will not be due until the end of a 12-month period.
Some utilities have a monthly ‘true-up’ and do not allow credits to be carried to the next month. Note that
many electricity providers require solar customers to pay a monthly minimum bill each month just like other
customers. is minimum bill may change over time.
Some utility solar customers are required to go on a time-of-use (TOU) rate. A TOU rate will change dierent
prices for electricity depending up on the time of day. Prices are typically higher between 4p.m. and 9p.m.,
called “peak” hours, and lower the rest of the day and at night during “o peak” hours.
Typically, at the end of a 12-month period, you will receive a Settlement bill, also called a “True Up” bill, that
settles all the credits and charges. Even though going solar can reduce your electricity costs, most customers
still owe some money to their electricity provider at the end of the 12 months. See graphic below that shows an
example of an electricity bill over a 12-month cycle for a solar customer.
Some electricity providers give you the option to
pay your bills monthly instead of annually. If you
choose the monthly option, your payments will
be more evenly distributed over the course of the
12 months, and you will not have to worry about
paying a potentially large bill once a year. Be clear
with your Solar Provider if you want the monthly
option, and double-check with your electricity
provider that the correct option was chosen.
ough it’s rare, if you sent out more electricity
than you took in over the course of the 12-month
period, you are typically eligible to be paid “net
surplus compensation,” which is around 2 to 3 cents
per kilowatt-hour. Because the compensation rate is
(continued on next page)
ere is a special arrangement with your electricity provider that is called Net Energy Metering (NEM). NEM allows
you to get a nancial credit on your electricity bill when your solar system sends electricity back to the grid aer rst
powering the electricity needs at your house. is credit is sometimes equal to the retail rate of energy and sometimes
equal to the wholesale rate, depending upon the utility.
HOW ELECTRICITY BILL SAVINGS WORK
NEM and Your Electricity Bill
12 Month Settlement Bill
EXAMPLE OF A SETTLEMENT, OR (“TRUE UP”)
ELECTRICITY BILL
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec
$10 $10 $10 $10 $10 $10 $10 $10 $10 $10 $10
page 18 of 25
12 Month Settlement Bill (cont.)
lower than the retail rate, it is generally not in your nancial interest to install a solar system that produces more
energy than you would use over the course of a year.
Currently, public utility customers are guaranteed NEM for up to 20 years from the time their solar system starts
operating. Your electricity rate, however, is subject to change. Contact your local utility for more information.
When a residential solar system produces electricity, the system
is eligible to receive Renewable Energy Certicates, or
“RECs,” which are certicates that represent the renewable
energy that is generated. If you purchase a solar system, you
own the rights to these RECs and can make the claim that
you’re producing clean energy and avoiding emissions of
greenhouse gases by going solar. However, if you enter
a Lease or PPA, the contract may state that the Solar
Provider or someone else owns the RECs. If you do not
own the RECs, they can be sold without your knowledge
to other customers who use them to make environmental
claims or comply with clean energy requirements. And with
PACE nancing, a local jurisdiction may own the RECs. If
owning the RECs is important to you, ask your solar provider
who will own the RECs, and check the contract ne print.
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. e soware 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.
e state-funded Self-Generation Incentive Program
(SGIP) provides nancial incentive to install storage. See
www.cpuc.ca.gov/sgip for details on the SGIP program.
Getting Environmental Credit for Going Green
Combining Solar with Storage
page 19 of 25
STEP6: Carefully Read All Paperwork
THE SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM DISCLOSURE DOCUMENT
CONTRACT
FINANCIAL PAPERWORK
is 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 ll 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.
• e solar contract is the legally binding document between you and the Solar Provider. Make
sure to read it carefully.
• Make sure everything you were promised is written in the contract. For example, many answers
to the questions on pages 10 and 11 of this guide should be referenced in the contract.
• 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 nance 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 (with limited exceptions)
• Ask the Solar Provider what situations would allow you to be released from the contract. For
example, if your Solar Provider discovers a site visit that your roof is shaded in a way that wasn’t
expected, that could cancel the contract.
• If you are purchasing a system with a solar loan, you will be asked to sign a separate nancing
agreement. e Lender will provide you with this separate agreement.
• If you are purchasing a system with PACE nancing, you must sign: (1) a Financing Application
and, (2) a Financing Agreement.
• Before you sign the Financing Application, read it carefully to make sure all the
information is correct, including your contact information, your income, and the cost of
the solar energy system.
• e separate Financing Agreement may be provided by the Solar Provider, the PACE
administrator, or a nancing institution.
• Make sure everything you were promised is written into any nancial agreements. For example,
many answers to the questions on pages 14-16 of this guide should be referenced in the contract.
6
page 20 of 25
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
i
• Grid Alternatives and DAC Program:
866-921-4696 and www.gridalternatives.org/qualify
• CSLB 24-Hour Licensing and Consumer Information:
800-321-CSLB (2752)
• Check a Contractor License or Home Improvement Salesperson Registration:
http://www.cslb.ca.gov/OnlineServices/CheckLicenseII/CheckLicense.aspx
• CSLB Solar Smart:
www.cslb.ca.gov/Consumers/Solar_Smart
• CSLB Solar Energy System Disclosure Document:
www.cslb.ca.gov/contractors/SolarSheet.aspx
Low-Income Solar Programs
Contractors State License Board (CSLB)
Department of Business of Oversight (DBO)
Solar Financing Guides
• PACE Administrator License Check:
https://docqnet.dbo.ca.gov/
• Filing a Complaint against PACE provider:
www.dbo.ca.gov
• CESA Homeowner’s Guide to Solar Financing: search here:
http://cesa.org/resource-library
• CESA/George Washington University Rooop Solar Financing 101:
http://cesa.org/projects/sustainable-solar/videos
Other Solar Guides
• Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) Residential Consumer
Guide to Solar Power:
http://www.seia.org/research-resources/residential-consumer-guide-solar-power
• Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) Be Solar Smart
Consumer Checklist:
https://irecusa.org/consumer-protection/consumer-checklist/
• CESA/George Washington University Choosing a Solar Installer:
http://cesa.org/projects/sustainable-solar/videos
• EnergySage Solar 101:
http://www.energysage.com/solar/101
page 21 of 25
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES (cont.)
i
AZUSA LIGHT & WATER
CITY OF AZUSA
Residential System 10 kW or Less
Commercial/Residential System >10 kW and <1.0 MW
• Solar PV System Installation Procedures
https://www.ci.azusa.ca.us/565/Solar-PV-System-Installation-Procedures
• Building Division
https://www.ci.azusa.ca.us/110/Building-Division
• Planning Division
https://www.ci.azusa.ca.us/138/Planning-Division
• Solar Process Flow Chart for Residential System 10 kW or Less
https://www.ci.azusa.ca.us/DocumentCenter/View/34943/Solar-Process-Flow-
Chart---Residential-10-KW-or-less?bidId=
• Interconnection and Net Metering Agreement for generating facility of 10 kW or
less
https://www.ci.azusa.ca.us/DocumentCenter/View/27228/Solar-Net-Metering-
Interconnection-Agreement-7-3-19?bidId=
• Schedule NGP
https://www.ci.azusa.ca.us/1061/Schedule-NGP
• Solar Process Flow Chart for Commercial Systems or Residential System Greater
than 10 kW and less than 1.0 MW
https://www.ci.azusa.ca.us/DocumentCenter/View/27228/Solar-Net-Metering-
Interconnection-Agreement-7-3-19?bidId=
• Interconnection and Co-Energy Metering Agreement for generating facility of
greater than 10 kW and less than 1.0 MW
https://www.ci.azusa.ca.us/DocumentCenter/View/27227/Co-Energy-Metering-
Interconnection-Agreement-7-3-19?bidId=
• Schedule CEM – Co-Energy Metering
https://www.ci.azusa.ca.us/1301/Schedule-CEM
• Schedule TOU – Time-of-Use
https://www.ci.azusa.ca.us/575/Schedule-TOU
page 22 of 25
STEP 7: “Before You Sign” Checklist
Before you sign any documents, make sure you have completed these items!
Remember, take your time and don’t feel pressured to sign a contract. If you feel you
need more time to think about your decision or to do more research, do not sign
anything until you do.
Check to see if you qualify for a low-income solar program, which has strong protections for
consumers. See page 6.
Consider making your home more energy ecient before getting solar. is could save you
money. See page 5.
Get at least 3 bids for solar at your home. See page 9.
Understand what happens aer you sign a contract for solar. See page 8.
Check to make sure the Solar Provider’s license is current and valid with the
Contractors State License Board. See page 4.
Carefully read all the documents that the Solar Provider is asking you to sign. ese usually
include: 1) Solar Energy System Disclosure Document, 2) Contract, and 3) Financial
Paperwork. See page 19.
Read the critical information about electricity bill savings estimate on page 16 and 17.
Ask the Solar Provider the contract questions on page 4, 10, and 11 so you understand the
terms of the solar contract.
Save copies of all the documents you sign. e information will be useful if you sell your
home, need to replace your roof, or have any repair or maintenance issues.
If you are nancing your system, ask the lender, Solar Provider, or PACE Program
Administrator the nance questions on page 14, 15, and 16, so you understand the terms of
your nancing arrangement.
Ask the Solar Provider for 3 customer references and call or visit them.
7
.
page 23 of 25
STEP 8: Sign This Guide
Have you read at least the rst 4 pages of this guide?
e rst 4 pages of the California Solar Consumer Protection Program contain important information on
false claims to watch out for and your rights.
It recommends that you take 48 hours to read and understand this entire guide before you sign.
**Do not feel pressured to read the complete document while the salesperson waits.
Ask them to come back at a later date to allow you time to read it.**
I read and initialed the rst 4 pages of California’s Solar Consumer Protection Guide. e Solar Provider gave
me the time to read the entire 23-page guide.
I have not yet entered into a contract for solar with the Solar Provider signing below.
Customer Printed Name Customer Signature Date
e customer initialed the rst 4 pages of the guide.
e customer signed above before entering into a contract for the purchase, lease, power purchase agreement,
or PACE nancing of a solar system or solar energy with the company named below.
CUSTOMER
SOLAR PROVIDER*
Company Name Company Email Company Phone
Company Representative Name/Title Company Representative Signature Date
8
Phone: (626) 812-5234
Address: 213 E Foothill Blvd
Azusa, CA 91702
Contact: Summer Huval
Steps: 5, 6A
AZUSA BUILDING AND SAFETY
page 24 of 25
1
2
3
4
5
6
Appendix A.
Submit Net Energy Metering (NEM) Agreement and Solar Consumer Protection Guide
Customer/Contractor is required to submit three (3) original signed copies of the NEM Interconnection Agreement and the Solar
Consumer Protection Guide to the Azusa Light & Water (ALW) Customer Service Department. e Agreement and Guide can be
found on the web at http://www.ci.azusa.ca.us/DocumentCenter/View/27228. Upon submission, ALW provides a Release Form to the
Customer/Contractor.
Turn in Release Forms
Customer/Contractor provides the signed Release Form when submitting plans to Building and Safety Department. Building and Safety
will not issue permits without the Release Form.
Request Meter Spot
If a panel upgrade is needed, Customer/Contractor will need to call ALW Customer Service at (626) 812-5225 to request a meter spot
appointment.
Receive Meter Spot Paperwork
ALW Electric Crew determines the location of panel upgrade and provides a copy of the paperwork showing the approved location to
the Customer/Contractor.
Obtain Building and Safety Permits
Submit two (2) sets of plans to Building Division for review and approval. Customer/Contractor is required to adhere to all
requirements made by Building Division separately. Upon approval, permits will be issued.
Final Inspections
Aer the PV system is installed, nal inspections by Building & Safety Divisions and ALW are required as follows:
A. Building and Safety Division conducts a nal Building inspection and if approved, will release to ALW.
B. ALW will conduct a nal Utility inspection prior to installing Solar NEM meter and energizing it. If the PV installation does
not meet all specied requirements listed in the Interconnection Agreement, ALW will notify Building & Safety Division of
deciencies. ALW will not install /activate the new Solar NEM Meter until all corrections are made. Aer nal inspections by
Building and Safety Division and ALW are passed, ALW will install and energize the Solar NEM meter.
Contractor is not permitted to install his/her own meter in the Production Meter Socket, even for testing purposes. ALW reserves the
right to remove any meter not owned by ALW om the Production meter socket for this violation.
Note: ALW does not issue Permission to Operate Letters and Power Purchase Agreements (PPA).
Updated: 08/01/2020
Solar Process Flow Chart
FOR RESIDENTIAL SOLAR SYSTEMS 10 KW OR LESS
For inquiring on status updates, please check with the following departments:
Phone: (626) 812-5225
Address: 729 N Azusa Ave
Azusa, CA 91702
Contact: Tomas Rivera
Steps: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6B
AZUSA LIGHT & WATER
e Solar Provider signed above conrms
reading and following this ow chart
page 25 of 25
Solar Process Flow Chart
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
FOR COMMERCIAL SYSTEMS AND RESIDENTIAL SYSTEMS GREATER THAN 10 KW
Appendix B.
Submit Co-Energy Metering (CEM) Agreement and Solar Consumer Protection Guide
Customer/Contractor is required to submit three (3) original signed copies of the CEM Interconnection Agreement and the Solar
Consumer Protection Guide to the Azusa Light & Water (ALW) Customer Service Department. e Agreement and Guide can be
found on the web at (http://www.ci.azusa.ca.us/DocumentCenter/View/27227). Upon submission, ALW provides a Release Form to
the Customer/Contractor.
Turn in Release Forms
Customer/Contractor provides the signed Release Form when submitting plans to Building and Safety Department. Building and Safety
will not issue permits without the Release Form.
Contact ALW Electrical Engineer for Meter Spot and Approval of Plans
Meter Spot:
• Commercial/Industrial Customers: not required
• Residential customers with system more than 10 kW: Contact Customer Service at (626) 812-5225 to request a meter spot
appointment.
Plans:
• Residential customers: Plans should follow the Electric Standard ED-25 guidelines found at http://www.ci.azusa.ca.us/
DocumentCenter/View/24453.
• Commercial or Industrial Customers: Contractor must submit three (3) sets of plans to the Electrical Engineer located on the
2nd oor at 729 N. Azusa Avenue, Azusa CA 91702 for review and approval. ALW Engineer will notify Customer/Contractor
the status of plans. If plans are approved, Customer/Contractor is responsible for pickup aer being notied. If the plans require
additional corrections, Contractor is required to revise and resubmit for approval.
Receive Meter Spot Paperwork (Meter Spot is required for residential service only)
ALW Electric Crew determines the location of panel upgrade and provides Customer/Contractor paperwork showing the approved
location.
Azusa Economic/CommunityDevelopment
Submit three (3) sets of the plans to Planning Division for approval. Sta keeps one (1) set and sends the Customer/Contractor to
Building Division with two (2) sets of plans for plan check review. Please contact Building Department for associated fees. Plans can
change based on the property/plans/paperwork inspection and would need to resubmit.
Obtain Building and Safety Permits
Upon plan approval, the Customer/Contractor obtains necessary permits from the Building and Safety Division in order to proceed
with the PV installation.
Final Inspection
Aer the PV system is installed, nal inspections by Building & Safety Divisions and ALW are required as follows:
A. Building and Safety Division conducts a nal Building inspection and if approved, will release to ALW.
B. ALW will conduct a nal Utility inspection prior to installing Solar TOU meter and energizing it. If the PV installation does
not meet all specied requirements listed in the Interconnection Agreement, ALW will notify Building & Safety Division of
deciencies. ALW will not install /activate the new Solar TOU Meter until all corrections are made. Aer nal inspections by
Building and Safety Division and ALW are passed, ALW will install and energize the Solar TOU meter.
Contractor is not permitted to install his/her own meter in the Production Meter Socket, even for testing purposes. ALW reserves the
right to remove any meter not owned by ALW om the Production meter socket for this violation.
Note: ALW does not issue Permission to Operate Letters and Power Purchase Agreements (PPA).
For inquiring on status updates, please check with the following departments:
Phone: (626) 812-5225
Address: 729 N Azusa Ave
Azusa, CA 91702
Contact: Tomas Rivera
Steps: 1, 2, 3, 4, 7B
Phone: (626) 812-5289
Address: 213 E Foothill Blvd
Azusa, CA 91702
Steps: 5
Phone: (626) 812-5234
Address: 213 E Foothill Blvd
Azusa, CA 91702
Contact: Summer Huval
Steps: 6, 7A
AZUSA LIGHT & WATER
AZUSA PLANNING DIVISION AZUSA BUILDING AND SAFETY
Updated: 08/01/2020
e Solar Provider signed above conrms
reading and following this ow chart
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Interconnection and Co-Metering Agreement (City of Azusa)

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Completed 15 January 2021

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