Introduction:
You don't need to understand the detailed physics of how a solar electric system works to understand its appeal: investing in a solar electric system allows you to produce your own electricity with no noise, no air pollution, and no moving parts while using a clean, renewable resource.
A solar electric system will never run out of fuel, and it will help reduce the amount of greenhouse gasses emitted by coal and natural gas fired power plants.
Due to these unique characteristics, solar electric technology has been called "the ultimate energy source for the 21st century" Electricity generated by solar panels is referred to as PHOTOVOLTAIC energy. This tongue twisting word is often shortened to "PV," and thus we refer to a solar system that generates electricity as a PV system. PV technology produces electricity directly from electrons freed by the interaction of sunlight with a solar panel made of semiconductor material. The power provided is direct current (DC) electricity. The basic building block is known as a cell. Many cells put together are known as a module, and many modules assembled together form an array. A PV system will consist of an array of modules generating DC electricity, an inverter, and sometimes battery storage back up with charge controller.

Imagine reducing or eliminating your electric bill right now with a 30% Federal Tax Credit combined with generous Utility Rebates available through the California Solar Initiative. You can SAVE UP TO 45% on the cost of a solar power system while adding up to 100% of the value of the system to your home or property value without any increase in property taxes!

The state of California is offering cash rebates on eligible renewable energy electric-generating systems

About the California Solar Initiative
As partof Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's Million Solar Roofs Program,California has set a goal to create 3,000 megawatts of new,solar-produced electricity by 2017 - moving the state toward a cleanerenergy future and helping lower the cost of solar systems for consumers.

TheCalifornia Public Utilities Commission, through its California SolarInitiative, provides over $2 billion in incentives over the next decadefor existing residential homes and existing and new commercial,industrial, and agricultural properties.

The CaliforniaEnergy Commission manages a 10-year, $350 million program to encouragesolar in new home construction through its New Solar Homes Partnership.

The overall goal is to help build a self-sustaining solar market.

Effective January 1, 2007, the California Solar Initiative established two state rebate programs; Expected Performance Based Buy down (EPBB) and Performance Based Incentive (PBI).

• Expected Performance Based Buy down (EPBB)
  This program provides a one-time, upfront incentive for solar electric systems less than 100 kW. Rebate amounts are determined by the expected performance of the system. Expected performance is calculated based on equipment rating and installation factors, such as geographic location, tilt and shading.
• Performance Based Incentive (PBI)
  This program provides monthly incentive payments based on energy production over a 5-year period for solar electric systems 100kW or greater, although any other size system may also opt into the PBI incentive structure.

Municipal and Other Utility Programs
Starting in 2008, California requires all municipal utilities to offer a similar solar incentive program. Each utility will be required to devise its own solar rebate program over the next few months. If you are a customer of a municipal utility, we can work with you to determine when and how these programs might benefit your project.

• Photovoltaic incentives starting at $1.90 per watt for systems up to one megawatt in size.
  
• Funds for solar installations for existing and new low-income and affordable housing.
• A pay-for-performance incentive structure to reward high-performing solar projects.
• The California Solar Initiative will be coordinated with the state's energy efficiency, "smart" metering, and building standards programs at the Public Utilities Commission and Energy Commission, ensuring that the state is using its energy resources wisely.