Solar power for your home

Have you ever considered generating your own energy?

As a SMUD customer, you can put the sun to work and generate your own energy for a better and cleaner Sacramento.

SMUD residential customers contract directly with PV contractors for the purchase/installation of their own grid-connected, solar electric generating system. SMUD offers an incentive of $1.90 per watt, based on expected system performance (orientation, array, tilt and shade). The incentive can be paid to the PV contractor or the SMUD customer.

For Contractors

Start the PV rebate reservation process by submitting a rebate application with PowerClerk. Click here to get to the PowerClerk log-on page. If you do not have a PowerClerk password, or you do not have access to SMUD programs throught the CSI Program portal, click here to download the PowerClerk Access Application.  Email the application to solarpv@smud.org.

Incentives - In keeping with SB-1 legislation, SMUD incorporated a 10-Step, 10-year incentive structure where the incentive is reduced as capacity limits are met in each step. Click here to view the current incentive structure in the chart below. Remaining capacity in the current step is updated weekly.

SMUD maintains a list of PV contractors for our customers who are interested in purchasing a PV system. A contractor can apply to be on the list once they have installed at least 5-PV systems, hold a C-10 or C-46 contractor's license, and meet liability insurance requirements. A contractor does not need to be on the list to receive incentives for a PV system. To apply for the SMUD PV Contractor's List, click here. 

For Customers

Step 1 Research First

SMUD Solar Electric PV System Estimator - Will assist you with system performance and savings. More

Solar Sacramento Map - Calculates the solar potential for your dwelling and displays all the PV installations within the SMUD District. Simply enter your address and click on "Get my Info". Click here for the Solar Map

Sizing a System - You'll need to know your electricity consumption during the last 12 months. Log-in to Your Account (top right of this page) to obtain your electric usage for that time period. The most favorable financial outcome is to size a system to reduce or eliminate only your Tier II electric use. Click here to see SMUD's residential rates.

The average residential retrofit system size is approximately 3.2 kW. Do not oversize the PV system to produce more than you use. SMUD will only pay incentives for the system size that will offset your 12-month historic use.AB920 legislation requires utilities to pay for excess generation but the value may not be at retail rates. SMUD currently pays retail rates for residential and small commercial (<20kW). Based on AB920, this may change on January 1, 2011.

Go solar without buying a system - For information about Residential Solar Leases and Power Purchase Agreements click here.

Frequently Asked Questions - For more information on solar power, check out these frequently asked questions. More

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Step 2 Energy Efficiency 

It is vital that energy efficiency be considered before installing a solar PV system. In fact, state law requires you to consider efficiency before receiving incentives for PV. Installing PV on an inefficient home is not practical or environmentally responsible. Customers installing solar on their home will need to perform an on-line or telephone audit with a SMUD residential energy specialist. It is always good practice to do this before signing contracts with a PV contractor.

Either audit must be received by SMUD to approve a PV incentive application.

• To talk with a SMUD auditor:  dial 916-732-5085
• To perform an on-line energy audit:Click here.

California State mandate also requires customers to review and sign an energy efficiency declaration when making an incentive application for PV. Click here to download the declaration.

SMUD offers rebates on many energy efficiency measures.More

Step 3 Purchase Process

Select a Contractor - It is very important that our customers make informed decisions. Obtain at least two proposals during your purchase decision. SMUD provides a list of PV contractors that are licensed, insured and have installed at least five PV systems. Click here to see a list of SMUD-participating contractors for residential photovoltaic (PV) systems. The contractor does not necessarily need to be on the SMUD Participating contractors list but must hold a C-10, C46 or B-General Contractors license.

Costs - PV equipment costs have reduced significantly in the last 12-months. However, some contractors pricing is not reflecting this reduction. A PV system can be installed for as little as $8/watt (CEC-AC) or less.

Incentives - In keeping with SB-1 legislation, SMUD incorporated a 10-Step, 10-year incentive structure where the incentive is reduced as capacity limits are met in each step. The Table below delineates the incentive amount in each step, what has been installed, and what remains. The current residential incentive is at Step 4.

EPBI - Expected based incentive paid based on the system capacity in AC incorporating CEC PTC module rating, inverter efficiency, array shade, tilt and orientation.

PBI - 5-year performance based incentive paid quarterly based on actual system generation.

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Step 4 Application Process

The application process to receive incentives for your PV system will be handled by your contractor.More

• Do your homework and incorporate energy efficiency first
• Understand the costs and benefits of solar
• Choose a contractor
• Enjoy your reduced electric bill
• Understanding your bill.Coming Soon

If you require more information, email solarpv@smud.org

SolarShares^SM - Solar for everyone

SMUD customers who want to buy solar power can do so without spending thousands of dollars on their own solar panels. The SMUD SolarShares^SM program makes solar power available to all customers, including renters and occupants of multi-unit buildings. This program is the first of its kind in California and offers affordable options to purchase solar power for a fixed monthly price, based on usage. To learn more about SolarShares^SM, click here. 

SMUD SolarSmart Homes: affordable, comfortable, and environmentally friendly

Buy a SMUD SolarSmart Home and reduce your annual electric bill by as much as 60 percent! SolarSmart Homes combine cost effective energy efficiency features with a roof top solar electric system in a package that can save you money every month.

SMUD SolarSmart Homes - a wise investment that makes doing the right thing easy.

To find SMUD SolarSmart New Homes in your area, click here.

Are you interested in solar power for your business?

Find out how SMUD can help you put the sun to work for your business. More

View a video about how the Solar Partners program is helping cities in the Sacramento region make adding solar more affordable for homeowners.

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