What is the ERP?
The California Energy Commission's Emerging Renewables Program provides rebates to consumers who install qualifying renewable energy systems (small wind or fuel cell electricity systems) on their property. Your financial incentive may vary according to the system size, technology, and installation method.
Rebates for solar energy systems are being handled by the California Public Utilities Commission. Please visit the Go Solar California! website for information on solar energy.
Please see the Emerging Renewables Program Guidebook for detailed program information and application forms.
Funding for the Renewable Energy Program is collected from the ratepayers of the four investor-owned utilities in California to support existing, new, and emerging renewable electricity generation technologies.
How to Apply
Visit our "How to Apply" page for step-by-step instructions on applying for your rebate.
What is the Current Rebate Level?
Rebates Available for Emerging Renewable Systems
(Effective January 1, 2007)
| Technology Type | Size Category | Rebate Offered |
| Fuel Cells using a renewable fuel | Less than (<) 30 kilowatts | $3.00 per watt |
| Wind | First 7.5 kilowatts | $2.50 per watt |
| Increments between > 7.5 kW and < 30 kW | $1.50 per watt |
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible renewable energy systems must be permanently interconnected to the electrical distribution grid of the utility serving the customer's electrical load. The site where the system is installed must receive electrical distribution service from PG&E, SCE, SDG&E, or BVE.
All types of consumers are eligible: residential, institutional (such as schools) commercial, agricultural, and industrial.
What generating systems are eligible?
- Small Wind Turbines - wind turbines with a rated output of 50 kilowatts (kW) or less.
- Fuel Cells - devices that use a chemical process to convert renewable fuels into electricity.
What are the system requirements?
- The system you purchase must be among the two eligible generating types listed above. The system's electricity production should not exceed 100 percent of the site's historical or current electricity needs.
- Your systems may be installed by a licensed contractor (licensed by the State of California Contractors' State Licensing Board) possessing an active A, B, or C-10 license or may be self-installed by the purchaser (owner). A full five-year warranty is required to claim the maximum rebate. (The Minimum Warranty Form - CEC 1038 R3 is required with payment request). For owner-installed systems the applicant must submit the manufacturer's five-year warranty for the inverter and generating equipment. All equipment must meet national or international standards. The California Energy Commission approves all eligible components. Lists of eligible equipment are available on our website or you can request copies from the Energy Commission staff at 800-555-7794 (916-654-4058 - outside California).
- All major certified components must be new and not previously used in any other application.
- A system performance meter is required to measure the amount of energy production.
- Your system must be permanently connected to the utility distribution grid.
Consumer Information
Fact Sheets
Documents
For questions about the Emerging Renewables Program, please contact:
California Energy Commission
Emerging Renewables Program
1516 Ninth Street. MS-45
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 1-800-555-7794 (in Calif.) or 916-654-4058 (outside Calif.)
E-mail: renewable@energy.state.ca.us
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