First decide that you're interested in installing a small wind or fuel cell renewable energy system for your home or business.

You may wish to talk to a renewable energy retailer about your project before deciding on equipment.

You may need to talk to your county building officials about permits and regulations.

And you'll need to consider how you'll be financing the project. Such systems can cost in the neighborhood of $10,000 to $30,000 or more, depending on output.

Order or Download a Guidebook from the California Energy Commission.

The Guidebook will give you complete information about the Program, tell you how to apply for your rebate, and provide the forms you will need.

Select an eligible system to purchase.

Find a retailer or vendor selling small wind and fuel cell systems.

Either you or the retailer can apply to the Energy Commission to reserve the rebate.

The application form and other forms can also be downloaded separately from the documents and forms page.

Attach the materials specified in the guidebook and summarized at the bottom of the Reservation Request Form.

At this point please take a moment to complete the Application Checklist, which is designed to prevent common errors in the reservation process.

Then mail the form and the attachments to the Energy Commission, Emerging Renewables Rebate Program.

The Energy Commission will review your application for eligibility and send you a Rebate Payment Claim Form.

Systems installed on public and charter schools and new construction must be completed within 18 months of the confirmation date.

All other system installations must be completed within nine months.

Once your system has been permitted, completely installed and is operational, you or your retailer can submit the Claim Form to the Energy Commission for payment.