San Francisco Solar Incentive; GoSolarSF Program Details

Details of the San Francisco Solar Incentive Program are now available at the GoSolarSF website.  Incentives for 2008-9 will be awarded on a first-come-basis from the initial $3 million of funding provided by the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission. The program offers a one-time incentive after interconnection (of the solar system) to the grid. 

The long-term GoSolarSF has four basic programs:

  1.  Basic incentive ($3,000) for any resident in San Francisco
  2.  City Installer incentive ($4,000) for San Francisco residents using City registered installer
  3.  Environmental justice incentive ($5,000) for residents in 94107 and 94124 zip codes or residents who pay California Alternative Rates for Energy (CARE)
  4.  Workforce development incentive ($6,000) for installations made by contractors employing City workforce development graduates 

The program is being made available for existing buildings only (new construction not eligible) and systems must be a minimum of kilowatt in capacity.   In order to stream line the application process, applicants eligible for the California Solar Initiative (CSI) must submit approvals as evidence they also qualify for the GoSolarSF program. 

There is a 2 step process for securing the rebate – in the first step an incentive is reserved.  In the second, the incentive is redeemed once interconnection is made to the local electricity grid.  In order to receive payments from the San Francisco program, residents must provide a number of documents including a W-9, insurance documentation, the Program Agreement, a copy of the CSI approval and a completed payment-option checklist. 

Unlike the CSI payment, the San Francisco incentive is likely taxable income; accordingly, the City issues W-9 and 1099-G forms to all participants.

Remember, rebates are on a first come basis - so find and installer today.