Energy Efficiency - Solar Schools

These 20 kW may be installed as one system or as many systems on different schools within the district.

1. Public schools (kindergarten - 12th grade) in California.
   
   
2. The school's electric service must be provided by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), Southern California Edison Company (SCE), or San Diego Gas & Electric Company (SDG&E).
   
   
3. Schools must have already installed high efficiency fluorescent lighting (T8 lamps and electronic ballasts) in at least 80 percent of the classrooms, or have implemented other energy efficiency measures of equivalent or greater energy savings.
   
   
4. A curriculum tie-in plan to educate students about the photovoltaic system must be incorporated at the school site where the PV system is installed. This curriculum must meet the guidelines established by the California Department of Education.

1. Only PV systems meeting the requirements of the California Energy Commission's Buydown Program are eligible.
   
   
2. Systems must meet the California Division of State Architect guidelines for solar system installations, including structural support.

To reserve a rebate, schools or school districts must follow these steps:

1. Get the Emerging Renewable Resources Account Guidebook, which contains forms you will need, by selecting "Forms and Documents" on the "Buydown Program" website. Submit a Solar Schools Program Preliminary Reservation Request Form (CEC-1890-C-1c) with the following supporting documentation:
   
   
   • School Board Resolution(s) - Provide one (or more) board resolutions stating support and intent to install an eligible PV system at the specified site, and commitment to oversee and pay for the maintenance of any system funded through the Solar Schools Program.
     
   • Evidence of Energy Efficiency - If at least 80 percent of the school's classrooms have high efficiency lighting, check box on reservation form. If other energy efficient measures have been installed with equal or greater savings, provide substantiating documentation.
     
   • Submit documentation from the school district certifying that the plan meets the California Department of Education cirriculum tie-in plan requirements. Download Curriculum Tie-in Plan Certification Form
   • Copy of monthly electricity statement.
   
   
   
2. Upon approval, the Energy Commission will issue a Preliminary Rebate Reservation, which gives the school 6 months to receive bids, secure a system vendor and start the process for obtaining necessary approvals.
   
   
3. Submit a Reservation Request Form (CEC-1890C-1) within 6 months of receiving the Preliminary Rebate Reservation. This Form and documentation must meet the normal requirements of the Energy Commission's Buydown Program as listed in the Emerging Renewable Resources Account Guidebook.