Commercial & Government Solar Rebates

Power Purchase Agreements (PPA's) Available


Get the benefit of having green power without the up front cost. We are proud to announce that Silverwood Energy can provide a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for any size commercial or governmental solar energy system. With a PPA, there is no up front capital cost to install the system. You pay a discounted utility rate for the power while a third party owns the system and pays all the equipment and installation costs.

Silverwood Energy, Inc. has installed over 40 megawatts of commercial and governmental solar projects throughout California. With California Senate Bill (SB1) signed into law at the end of 2006, a new California solar program, The California Solar Initiative (CSI), went into effect on January 1, 2007.

Commercial installations over 30 kW in size up to 1 MW, fall under the Performance Based Incentive (PBI) of the CSI. The PBI Incentive is based on the system's output in kWh. As opposed to an up front rebate, CSI monthly payments are based on total system production. The current payment rate is $0.044 per kWh for 5 years for SDG&E territory. Other utility territories may be at different incentive levels. This payment rate is also scheduled to decrease over time when certain pre-set target levels of commercial solar have been installed. Unlike commercial systems under 30 kW in size, systems over 30 kW in size cannot opt into the EPBB Incentive.

Commercial installations, under 30 kW in size, now fall under the EPBB Incentive of the CSI with a current rebate level at a maximum of $0.35 per watt for SDG&E territory. Other utility territories may be at different incentive levels. The final rebate level is dependent upon the EPBB Design Factor, determined by system specifics such as location, orientation, and shading. The EPBB Design Factor was instituted to encourage responsible solar installation practices. The EPBB Incentive is a one time, up front rebate paid upon system installation. The current rebate level will decrease once pre-set target levels of commercial solar have been met. Each utility, such as SDG&E, SCE, or PG&E, have an individual target level. Commercial systems under 30 kW in size can opt into the PBI Incentive of the CSI.

Government and Non-Profit installations under 30 kW which cannot take advantage of tax credits, will qualify for an increased rebate level of a maximum of $1.10 a watt for SDG&E territory for the EPBB Incentive. Other utility territories may be at different incentive levels. Systems over 30 kW will receive a PBI Incentive payment rate of $0.139 per kWh for 5 years for SDG&E territory. Other utility territories may be at different incentive levels.

In order to qualify for the CSI rebate program, the property must be located within the service territory of SDG&E, SCE, or PG&E. Local municipalities that are not part of the CSI rebate program may provide their own solar incentive program.

In addition to the CSI rebates, all commercial systems will qualify for an additional 30% Federal Tax Credit (no limit) and 5 year Accelerated Depreciation. Even though a solar installation adds to the value of a commercial property, there is legislation (Section 73 of California's Revenue and Taxation Code) that prevents your property taxes from increasing.

With a Net Metering arrangement, your commercial installation will not require batteries unless you want emergency backup power to prevent against power outages.

If you are in an area where it rains very little, the only maintenance that your system might require would be to wash the modules down every few months to remove any build up of dust or debris.

Silverwood Energy, Inc. has completed many commercial turnkey installations and installation only projects throughout Southern California. Silverwood Energy, Inc. is also a member of the SunPower CVAR Program. If you would like a site evaluation to determine if solar makes sense for your business, Contact Us today.