GoSolarSF Incentive

The GoSolarSF budget for fiscal year 2011-2012 reached capacity in March, 2012. $2 million will be available for the program on July 2, 2012. GoSolarSF is not currently accepting new incentive applications. Please check back in June for updates on incentive levels and program details.

To encourage more installations of solar power in San Francisco, the City is offering incentives to San Francisco residents and businesses to install solar power on their properties. One solar incentive is available per electric meter for business, residential and non-profit non-residential incentive applications. For non-profit residential incentive applicants, one solar incentive is available per service site.

GoSolarSF Application Process

The solar incentive program consists of a two-step process:

STEP 1 - Reserving an Incentive

RESIDENTIAL applicants submit:

• The GoSolarSF application, including required original signatures.
• Copy of completed California Solar Initiative application. 
• Copy of California Solar Initiative reservation letter. 

• Include a copy of two recent PG&E bills showing the CARE discount, with at least one month’s time between them, for example, bills from January and March.

If applying for the low income incentive, select one:

• Include a copy of two recent PG&E bills showing the CARE discount, with at least one month’s time between them, for example, bills from January and March.
• Include a copy of the Incentive Reservation from the Single-family Affordable Solar Homes (SASH) Program.
• Include the supplemental low income application found here. 
• Mail supplemental low income application directly to the MOH at: Mayor's Office of Housing, 1 South Van Ness Avenue, 5th floor, San Francisco, CA 94103

If applying for the residential incentive for a rented property include a signed tenant consent form. 

BUSINESS and NON-PROFIT applicants:

There are 2 parts to Step 1 for these applications.

a) Submit: The GoSolarSF application, including required original signatures.

b) For Business and Non-Profit applicants not applying to the CSI program or if the project is on the CSI waitlist, the GoSolarSF office will conduct the entire evaluation of the project.  The applicant will be required to provide the information listed below, which is normally provided to PG&E as part of the CSI process.  The applicant will receive an electronic response to an application with a detailed version of this list and a request to submit all documents electronically.

• Copy of signed contract from solar installer
• Twelve-month history of electrical load
• Electrical system sizing documentation
• Solar system expected performance documentation
• Energy Efficiency Audit  and Energy Efficiency Disclosure Form
• Electrical 1-line diagram
• Project Cost

If applying for the non-profit, multi-unit residential incentive:

• Copy of the recorded Regulatory Agreement or recorded Declaration of Restrictions. 

After reviewing and approving the application, we send a reservation letter confirming that funds are being reserved for nine months and identifying for the applicant additional documents that must be submitted after the project is completed to receive payment.

• GoSolarSF Program Agreement
  • Program Agreement for systems less than 30 kW
  • Program Agreement for systems greater than 30 kW
  • Program Agreement for residential systems (less than 30 kW) on rented properties
  • Insurance waiver request letter example
• Copy of current property insurance policy declaration that includes the City and County of San Francisco as an additional insured. For systems 30kW or less, the program agreements contain simplified insurance requirements. If the applicant is unable to include the City as an additional insured, a copy of the insurance policy is required along with a waiver request letter from the system owner and host customer. See a sample letter here.
• W-9 tax form signed by designated payee
• Copy of CSI Permission to Operate letter or Approval of Incentive Payment letter
• If applicable, a signed Payment Designated form. Submit only if changing the designated payee from the payee on the original application.

Once the applicant completes the payment request package and we receive and process it, the Controller’s Office will issue the incentive check to the designated payee.

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

In order to qualify for a GoSolarSF incentive, the applicant must contract with an installer who participates in the City's Workforce Development Program.

• Certified Installer List
• Information for Installers

SF HOME IMPROVEMENT & PERFORMANCE INCENTIVES

To determine your home's energy efficiency needs please see the Home Improvement & Performance Program. There you will learn how to obtain an energy assessment of your home and what measures to consider for improving energy efficiency. This will be helpful in deciding whether you need a solar installation. Up to $9,000 in funding is available for homeowners implementing such improvements.