New Solar Homes Partnership

New Solar Homes Partnership ( NSHP ) Docket # 06-NSHP-1 Guidebook Calculator .

NSHP Checklists

__________

The California Energy Commission will conduct three training seminars on the New Solar Homes Partnership (NSHP) program Oct 27, Nov 29, and Dec 17 (see Energy Calendar ). This is an opportunity for all interested parties to learn more about the NSHP program, meet the staff administering the program, and ask questions.

These seminars will be conducted by Energy Commission staff members and will include information on:

- Application and payment processes, and required documents

- NSHP energy efficiency requirements

- NSHP CECPV Calculator

- NSHP Online Application Tool - submitting applications and payment claims electronically

- NSHP Application Clinic (for in-person attendees only)

Solar retailers and installers, homeowners, builders/developers, HERS Raters, energy consultants, and all other parties involved in the design and construction of the new construction project and the solar energy system should attend .

The CEC strongly encourages interested parties to attend these NSHP training seminars in person. More information is here .

The CEC posted some additional modules and inverters for the New Solar Homes Partnership CECPV Calculator Oct 15.

__________ Sept 20, 2014 post:

The 8th Edition NSHP Guidebook was adopted by the Energy Commission at its Aug 27 Business Meeting, and is available free from the Energy Commission's website at: http://www.energy.ca.gov/renewables/06-NSHP-1/documents/index.html Changes are outlined here .

__________ Aug 20, 2014 post:

As part of the August 27, 2014 Business Meeting, the Energy Commission will consider adopting revisions to the New Solar Homes Partnership Guidebook (NSHP Guidebook) as proposed in the NSHP Lead Commissioner Draft Guidebook. A redline copy showing the changes, which reflect the change in administration (see Aug 5, post, below) is available here .

The Energy Commission will conduct a Business meeting on:

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2014, 10 a.m.

CALIFORNIA ENERGY COMMISSION 1516 Ninth Street First Floor, Hearing Room A Sacramento

__________ Aug 5, 2014 post:

On Aug 1 the CEC gave notice of an upcoming change to the program administration of the New Solar Homes Partnership (NSHP) program. Currently, Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E), Southern California Edison Company (SCE), and San Diego Gas & Electric Company (SDG&E) are the program administrators for the NSHP program in their respective electric service territories.

Beginning 9/1/14, the Energy Commission will become the sole program administrator for all three service territories. Over the next month, Energy Commission staff will work closely with each of the utilities to ensure a smooth transition with as little program disruption as possible. The following are key dates for the transition:

- 8/1/14: New reservation applications and payment claims submitted by mail should be sent to the Energy Commission at the address identified on the GoSolar California website, http://www.gosolarcalifornia.ca.gov/contacts/consumers.php . Applicants are still encouraged to submit reservation applications and payment claims using the online application tool, when possible.

- 9/1/14: The Energy Commission becomes the sole administrator of the NSHP program. All documents and inquiries should be directed to the Energy Commission at 844-217-4925.

The utilities will continue to work with stakeholders on reservation applications and payment claims that were previously submitted and are currently under review. All new inquiries should be directed to the Energy Commission Renewables Call Center at Renewable@energy.ca.gov or 844-217-4925.

__________ Jun 20, 2014 post:

On June 9, Commissioner Michael R. Peevey issued a Ruling and Scoping Memo concerning the continuation of Rulemaking 12-11-005. Issues to be covered include:

• Ongoing review, evaluation, and consideration of modification to policies and program rules for CSI and its many sub-programs including,but not limited to, the general market CSI Program, the Single Family Affordable Solar Homes (SASH) Program, the Multifamily Affordable Solar Housing (MASH) Program, the CSI Research, Development, and Demonstration Program, and the CSI Thermal Program. These issues include implementation of AB 217 (Bradford, Stats. 2013, ch. 609), and review of program administrator effectiveness. AB 217 (effective January 1, 2014) amended § 2851 and § 2852 of the Pub. Util. Code to, among other things, authorize the continued collection of a surcharge from ratepayers to fund the low income portions of the CSI Program, known as the SASH and MASH Programs. CSI Program issues may also include any related budgetary and administrative issues to be resolved at or before the CSI’s statutory sunset date of December 31, 2016;

• Consideration of whether and how to ensure continuing market transformation and customer protections after the close of CSI. The CSI Program provides a host of customer protections. Going forward, the Commission will need to decide what customer protections to continue providing, how to implement them, and how to fund them. One such issue, regarding the transfer of responsibility for collecting solar statistics from the CSI program to the interconnection process, was discussed in the August 22, 2013 Assigned Commissioner’s Ruling. This pending issue and other remaining customer protection issues will be addressed in this proceeding;

• Ongoing review, evaluation, and consideration of modification to SGIP with emphasis on consideration of potential modification to SGIP under SB 412 (Kehoe, Stats. 2009, ch. 192). Two bills related to SGIP are currently pending in the 2013 - 2014 Regular Legislative Session, AB 1499 (Skinner) and AB 1624 (Gordon). These bills would extend the SGIP and direct program changes. This proceeding will address any program modifications necessary should these or other bills become law.

• In D.13-11-025, which was issued in a different proceeding (Application (A.) 12-11-001), the Commission clarified that issues related to the source and level of funding for solar on new construction pursuant to § 2851, the New Solar Homes Partnership, should be added to the scope of this proceeding. Those portions of SB 96 (Budget Act of 2013) relevant to the New Solar Homes Partnership will also be addressed in this proceeding;

• Issues related to the electric utilities’ tariffs for Net Energy Metering currently fall within the scope of this proceeding and have already been addressed in D.14-03-041 and D.14-05-033. However, due to the volume and complexity of these issues and other issues related to Net Energy Metering, the Commission anticipates that these issues will be addressed in a separate proceeding to be initiated by the Commission shortly.

The schedule is set forth as follows:

[table id=33 /]

Additional modules and inverters are now available to download for the New Solar Homes Partnership CECPV Calculator .

__________ Feb 5, 2014 post:

Versions 4.1 and 5.0 of the New Solar Homes Partnership (NSHP) CECPV Calculator are now available to download. Version 4.1 is to be used for NSHP projects where the building complies with either the 2005 or 2008 updates of the Building Energy Efficiency Standards. Version 5.0 is to be used for NSHP projects where the building complies with the 2013 update of the Building Energy Efficiency Standards.

Please note that Version 4.0 of the New Solar Homes Partnership (NSHP) CECPV Calculator is no longer certified and all new applications submitted after January 23, 2014 must be submitted using Version 4.1 or Version 5.0.

The CECPV calculator uses the time-dependent valuation (TDV) factors and weather data from the California Building Energy Efficiency Standards, Title 24, Part 6. The weather data and TDV factors were updated as part of the 2013 Building Energy Efficiency Standards code cycle. All homes participating in the NSHP program that are permitted under the 2013 Standards must use an updated CECPV calculator that is consistent with the 2013 Standards.

The updated TDV factors and weather data impact the expected performance-based incentive for a solar energy system by modifying the hourly estimated electricity generation (weather data) and the time-weighted valuation of that generation (TDV factors).

For illustration purposes, the following spreadsheet at http://www.gosolarcalifornia.org/tools/nshpcalculator/TDV_Calculations_Results_for_Notice_2014-01-23.pdf documents the calculated incentive in all 16 climate zones for a reference system (2.64 kWdc, azimuth 180 degrees from north, slope 22.6 degrees) consistent with the 2008 Standards and the 2013 Standards. The impact to the incentive of a specific system will depend on the location and installation details of that system.

The NSHP program provides an incentive based on the expected performance of a solar energy system installed at a specific location. The expected performance based incentive is determined by using the CECPV Calculator. The calculator takes into account factors such as the electrical characteristics of the specific PV module and inverter, the mounting type, the orientation and tilt of the PV array, and the extent to which the system is shaded. The calculator also accounts for the available solar resource and climatic conditions in the location where the home is being constructed to determine the hourly estimated electricity generation over a year. Finally, the estimated hourly kilowatt-hour generation is multiplied by hourly TDV factors to calculate the expected production and incentive amounts.

__________ Jan 5, 2014 post:

As part of the December 11, 2013, Business Meeting, the Energy Commission adopted the New Solar Homes Partnership Guidebook, Seventh Edition (NSHP Guidebook). The NSHP Guidebook describes the requirements for participating in NSHP and receiving incentives for installing eligible solar energy systems on new residential construction located in specified investor-owned utility territories.

The effective date of the NSHP Guidebook, Seventh Edition is January 1, 2014.

The notice is at: http://www.energy.ca.gov/renewables/06-NSHP-1/notices/index.html

__________ Dec 20, 2013 post:

The California Energy Commission will be conducting a seminar on the New Solar Homes Partnership (NSHP), January 16, 2014, 1:30PM - 5pm, at: 1516 Ninth Street, Hearing Room B Sacramento, CA 95814

This is an opportunity for all interested parties to learn more about the NSHP, including recent changes to the program, the application and payment process, and the NSHP online application tool.

This seminar will be conducted by staff members of the Energy Commission and will include information on the following topics:

- NSHP Guidebook, Seventh Edition - Application and payment process, and required documents - NSHP energy efficiency requirements - NSHP Online Application Tool - submitting applications and payment claims electronically - NSHP CECPV Calculator - NSHP Application Clinic (for in-person attendees by appointment only)

Who should attend:

- Solar Contractors, Retailers and Installers - Homeowners, Builders / Developers - HERS Raters - Energy Consultants

Seating is limited and registration is required. R.S.V.P. to the Renewable Energy Office by e-mail to [ renewable@energy.ca.gov ]. The following information should be provided when registering: Participant's Name, Company Name, Title, E-Mail, and Phone Number. Indicate if you will be participating in person or through web conferencing.

An application clinic will be held the last hour of the seminar. The application clinic will allow workshop participants to meet one-on-one with NSHP staff and discuss specific application issues. This application clinic is only available to those individuals participating in person. Space is limited and an appointment must be scheduled when signing in at the event.

For more information: http://www.gosolarcalifornia.ca.gov/nshp/training/

__________ Dec 5, 2013 post:

At the December 11, 2013 Business Meeting, the E nergy Commission will consider adopting revisions to the New Solar Homes Partnership Guidebook (NSHP Guidebook) as proposed in the NSHP Lead Commissioner Draft Guidebook. The Commission proposes the following revisions to the NSHP Guidebook:

• Changes the timeframe for when a solar permit must be issued.

• Clarifies the NSHP requirements with respect to the 2013 California Building Energy Efficiency Standards.

• Revises the energy efficiency requirements and processes.

• Removes the requirements for contractors, installers, and sellers to be registered in the Energy Commission’s Database of Solar Installers, Contractors, and Retailers in California.

• Adds a new incentive level.

• Modifies the incentive decline schedule and process.

• Revises the requirements for leases and power purchase agreements.

• Extends the reservation period for virtual net-metered projects.

• Removes the “Solar as an Option” project type.

• Modifies the requirements for the “Solar as Standard” project type and it is now referred to as “Large Developments.”

• Revises the reservation and payment claim processes and requirements.

• Revises the NSHP-1 Reservation Application Form and the NSHP-2 Payment Claim Form.

• Clarifies and streamlines the NSHP Guidebook language and requirements.

• Incorporates information from the Overall Program Guidebook that is relevant to the NSHP.

• Identifies the effective date of the NSHP Guidebook, Seventh Edition to be January 1, 2014.

__________ Oct 20, 2013 post:

The New Solar Homes Partnership (NSHP) incentive level for Market-Rate Housing and Affordable Housing Common Areas has declined. The NSHP incentive level for these projects is now $1.25/Watt for Tier 1 projects and $1.50/watt for Tier 2 projects.

The NSHP program has also received enough reservation applications to fulfill the current megawatt target for Incentive Level 5 of the Affordable Housing Residential Unit incentive schedule. Information on the current incentive level, the megawatt (MW) capacity approved, and the MW currently under review is available on the NSHP Application Web Tool at https://www.newsolarhomes.org/WebPages/Public/RebateLevelView.aspx

It is very likely that many of the reservation applications currently under review will be reserved at Incentive Level 6.

The Energy Commission posted a Notice of Availability and Request for Comments on the Staff Draft New Solar Homes Partnership Guidebook - Seventh Edition Oct 18.

__________ Aug 20, 2013 post:

The Energy Commission has posted their presentation for the Aug 6 workshop (see Aug 2 post below).

__________ Aug 2, 2013 post:

Energy Commission staff will conduct a workshop to discuss proposed revisions to the New Solar Homes Partnership (NSHP) Guidebook to solicit comments from interested parties on proposed revisions to the NSHP Guidebook and other topics related to the NSHP program.

The anticipated revisions to be presented at the workshop encompass several aspects of the program, including the need to clarify NSHP requirements with respect to the 2013 California Building Energy Efficiency Standards (Standards). Other proposed revisions may include:

1) changes to the timeframe for when a solar permit must be issued,

2) changes to the incentive decline process,

3) revised incentive amounts,

4) revised incentive and system size caps,

5) revised reservation periods for virtual net metered projects,

6) revised reservation application clarification process,

7) changes to the “Solar as an Option” reservation process,

8) revised energy efficiency requirements and processes,

9) revised requirements for leases and PPAs,

10) revisions to the reservation and payment claim processes and requirements, and

11) clarification and streamlining of the Guidebook language and requirements.

The workshop will also include a discussion of the following topics:

• Solar Financing Models

• Energy Efficiency and Solar Energy System Verification

The workshop will be August 6 at 1:00 p.m. in the Commission's Hearing Room A. A Notice is here .

__________ May 5, 2013 post:

Version 4.0 of the New Solar Homes Partnership (NSHP) CECPV Calculator is now available to download . Version 4.0 is being released to comply with the NSHP incentive rate decline. Please note that Version 3.1 of the New Solar Homes Partnership (NSHP) CECPV Calculator is no longer certified and all new applications submitted after April 19, 2013 must be submitted using Version 4.0.

April 22 the Energy Commission posted the Notice of Availability of the New Solar Homes Partnership Guidebook 6th Edition. The new Guidebook incorporates the errata mentioned in the Apr 20 post below.

__________ Apr 20, 2013 post:

A new version of the New Solar Homes Partnership CECPV Calculator is now available on the Go Solar California website .

The Energy Commission also posted " Errata to Proposed Revisions to the New Solar Homes Partnership Guidebook. "

_________ Apr 5, 2013 post:

At its regular Apr 10 Business Meeting, the Energy Commission will consider adopting revisions to the New Solar Homes Partnership (NSHP) Guidebook, Fifth Edition. The NSHP Guidebook describes the requirements for participating in NSHP and receiving incentives for installing eligible solar energy systems on new residential construction located in specified investor-owned utility territories. The proposed Guidebook revisions are intended to add program requirements that allow for leases or PPAs where the home builder/developer is an interim lessee or interim signatory to a PPA, pending transfer of the lease or PPA to the homeowner as the end-use customer. The public notice is here .

_________ Mar 30, 2013 post:

The New Solar Homes Partnership (NSHP) program has received enough reservation applications to fulfill the current megawatt targets for Incentive Level 4 of the Market Rate Housing and Affordable Housing incentive schedules.

Information on the current incentive level, the megawatt (MW) capacity approved, and the MW currently under review is available on the NSHP Application Web Tool at https://www.newsolarhomes.org/WebPages/Public/RebateLevelView.aspx . It is the applicant's responsibility to be aware of the current incentive level and the MW capacity remaining in the current incentive level. Projects may be reserved at a lower incentive level than the incentive level in effect at the time the reservation application is submitted. It is very likely that many of the reservation applications currently under review will be reserved at Incentive Level 5. The incentive levels may decline to Incentive Level 5 or 6 without advanced notice. The final NSHP incentive amount for a project is confirmed when the California Energy Commission has approved the reservation application.

__________ Feb 5, 2013 post:

A PV module/inverter update is now available for the NSHP CECPV Calculator. Please visit http://www.gosolarcalifornia.ca.gov/tools/nshpcalculator/download_calculator.php to download the update.

If any questions, contact CEC's Renewable Office staff at: renewable@energy.state.ca.us

___________ Oct 5, 2012 post:

Version 3.1 of the New Solar Homes Partnership (NSHP) CECPV Calculator is now available to download . Version 3.1 is being released to comply with the NSHP incentive rate decline.

Also, the Fifth Edition, Final Adopted Guidebook (2012) was adopted September 12, 2012. It can be accessed here .

____________ Sept 20, 2012 post:

Additional modules and inverters are now available to download for the New Solar Homes Partnership CECPV Calculator at: http://www.gosolarcalifornia.org/tools/nshpcalculator/download_calculator.php

____________ Jun 5, 2012 post:

Additional modules and inverters are now available to download for the New Solar Homes Partnership CECPV Calculator. Also, the fourth series of "SAVE (Solar Advantage Value Estimator) Online Training" running July through September are now online .

______________ Feb 20, 2012 post:

San Diego Gas & Electric and Southern California Edison will be conducting workshops on the New Solar Homes Partnership (NSHP). This is an opportunity for all interested parties to learn more about the NSHP and recent changes to the program, the application process, and the NSHP online application tool.

The NSHP program is a ten-year, $400 million solar program which provides incentives for the installation of photovoltaic (PV) solar systems on new, energy-efficient homes built in California's investor-owned electric service territories.

This workshop will be taught by NSHP staff and will include information on the following topics:

- NSHP Guidebook, Fourth Edition - Application and payment process, and required documents - Overview of the California Advanced Homes Program (CAHP) - NSHP energy efficiency requirements - NSHP Online Application Tool - submitting applications and payment claims electronically - NSHP CECPV calculator - NSHP application clinic (for in-person attendees by appointment only)

Who should attend:

- Solar Retailers and Installers - Homeowners, Builders / Developers - HERS Raters - Energy Consultants

The Energy Commission strongly encourages interested parties to attend NSHP training workshops in person. For those who are unable to attend in person, WebEx online meeting services will be available.

Seating is limited and registration is required. Please R.S.V.P. to the Renewable Energy Office by e-mail to [ renewable@energy.state.ca.us ]. The following information should be provided when registering: Participant's Name, Company Name, Title, E-Mail, and Phone Number. Please specify which event you would like to attend and indicate if you will be participating in person or through web conferencing.

An application clinic will be held the last hour of the workshop. The application clinic will allow workshop participants to meet one-on-one with NSHP staff and discuss specific applications. This application clinic is only available to those individuals participating in person. Space is limited and an appointment must be scheduled when signing in at the event.

Friday, March 2, 2012 9AM - 3PM SDG&E Energy Innovation Center 4760 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. San Diego, CA 92117

Wednesday, March 7, 2012 10AM - 3PM Hilton Garden Inn San Bernardino 1755 S. Waterman Ave. San Bernardino, CA 92408

For more information: http://www.energy.ca.gov/renewables/06-NSHP-1/notices

The Final Adopted Fourth Edition of the New Solar Homes Partnership Guidebook is Now Online .

______________ Jan 20, 2012 post:

The California Energy Commission will be conducting two workshops on the New Solar Homes Partnership (NSHP) in January and February 2012. This is an opportunity for all interested parties to learn more about the NSHP and changes to the program, the application process, and the NSHP online application tool.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012 9AM - 4PM California Energy Commission 1516 Ninth Street, Hearing Room B Sacramento, CA 95814

Tuesday, February 7, 2012 9AM - 4PM California Energy Commission 1516 Ninth Street, Hearing Room A Sacramento, CA 95814

This notice for the workshops is posted at: http://www.energy.ca.gov/renewables/06-NSHP-1/notices/

New Calculator

Version 3.0 of the New Solar Homes Partnership (NSHP) CECPV Calculator is now available to download. Version 3.0 is being released to comply with the NSHP Guidebook, 4th edition that was adopted January 12, 2012. Beginning January 12, 2012, only version 3.0 of the NSHP CECPV Calculator will be certified for use in new NSHP applications.

For more information: http://www.gosolarcalifornia.ca.gov/tools/nshpcalculator/index.php

_______________ Jan 5, 2012 post:

The establishment of a waiting list for the New Solar Homes Partnership (NSHP) program was approved by the Energy Commission at its Business Meeting on 11/16/11. The NSHP Waiting List was established to address a shortfall in program funding caused by a temporary surge in rebate reservation applications. Additional information and the NSHP Waiting List are located at http://www.gosolarcalifornia.ca.gov/nshp/waiting/

For more information: http://www.gosolarcalifornia.ca.gov/about/index.php

Also, as part of the January 12, 2012 Business Meeting, the Energy Commission will consider adopting revisions to the New Solar Homes Partnership Guidebook, Fourth Edition.

The New Solar Homes Partnership (NSHP) Guidebook describes the requirements for participating in NSHP and receiving incentives for installing eligible solar energy systems on new residential construction located in specified investor‑owned utility territories. The Notice to Consider Adoption, and the Draft Guidebook (CEC‑300‑2011‑006‑CMD2) are available here .

_______________ Dec 20, 2011 post:

At the January 11, 2012 Business Meeting, the Energy Commission will consider adopting revisions to the New Solar Homes Partnership Guidebook, Fourth Edition. The notice of the upcoming action describes the couple of dozen modifications under consideration, which include incentive levels and rates of decline, among others.

_______________ Nov 5, 2011 post:

At the November 16, 2011 Business Meeting, the Energy Commission will consider adopting staff's recommendation to establish a waiting list for the New Solar Home Partnership Program. Beginning August, 2011, the Energy Commission has seen a temporary surge in the number of rebate reservation applications received for NSHP funding. Due to this surge in program activity, the amount of funding requested will exceed current program funds. To address this shortfall in program funding, Energy Commission staff is proposing to establish a waiting list for the NSHP and criteria for processing rebate reservation applications placed on the waiting list. The Energy Commission’s current Guidebook does not provide the ability to establish a waiting list or criteria for processing applications placed on such a list.

Notice to Consider Establishing a Waiting List for the New Solar Homes Partnership Program

_________________ Sept 20, 2011 post:

The New Solar Homes Partnership (NSHP) program has notified stakeholders that the California Energy Commission (CEC) dropped incentive levels on Sept. 12, 2011. The CEC revised NSHP incentives as follows:

Market-rate Housing Previous Current Base Incentive $2.50/watt $2.25/watt Solar as Standard $2.60/watt $2.35/watt Affordable Housing Previous Current Residential Units $3.50/watt $3.15/watt Common Areas $3.30/watt $2.97/watt

Provided with the notice were two attachments to aid applicants in submitting their reservation applications: an application review checklist and a list of common mistakes made when submitting applications. NSHP currently has approximately 33 megawatts reserved for the program. If you have questions, please contact the NSHP Program Administrators, by clicking here .

The New Solar Homes Partnership Draft Guidebook - Fourth Edition, is now available . The California Energy Commission staff will conduct a workshop to discuss proposed revisions to the NSHP Guidebook. While this is a staff workshop, Commissioners of the Energy Commission are interested in facilitating this form of public and stakeholder participation, and may attend the meeting.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

9 a.m. to 12 p.m. CALIFORNIA ENERGY COMMISSION 1516 Ninth Street First Floor, Hearing Room A Sacramento, California

Details of the meeting, an agenda, and documents for this meeting are available online at: http://www.energy.ca.gov/renewables/06-NSHP-1/documents/index.html

_________________ Aug 20, 2011 post:

Version 2.6 of the New Solar Homes Partnership (NSHP) CECPV Calculator is now available to download.

Version 2.6 is being released to comply with the change to Level 2 incentive rates that was announced on August 12, 2011 and to comply with the 30 day notification of decertification for versions 2.5 and 2.4 of the NSHP CECPV Calculator. Beginning September 12, 2011, only version 2.6 of the NSHP CECPV Calculator will be certified for use in NSHP. The only change in version 2.6 is the change to Level 2 incentive rates. The incentive calculation methodology did not change. Additional modules and inverters are now available to download for the NSHP CECPV Calculator.

On September 11, 2011, versions 2.5 and 2.4 of the NSHP CECPV Calculator will be decertified for use in NSHP.

For more information:

http://www.gosolarcalifornia.org/tools/nshpcalculator/download_calculator.php

__________________ June 7, 2011 post:

The grace periods have been extended.

At the May 2, 2011 California Energy Commission Renewables Committee meeting, a grace period was granted for New Solar Homes Partnership (NSHP) applications approved under the 2005 Building Energy Efficiency Standards (Title 24). This decision allows projects in the transition from the 2005 to the 2008 Title 24 to meet their NSHP application commitments, and provide sufficient time for participating builders to revise NSHP project designs.

The 3rd Edition of the NSHP Guidebook requires all participating homes to exceed at least 15 percent in energy efficiency levels required by Title 24 in effect at the time of application for a building permit. This specifically requires that NSHP homes applying for permits after January 1, 2010 must, at a minimum, be 15 percent more efficient than the 2008 Title 24. Some projects however submitted before January 1, 2010, are not meeting this requirement due to a lack of clarity about a project approved under 2005 Title 24 must be redesigned to meet this requirement after 2008 Title 24 went into effect on January 1, 2010.

The Commission will continue the Senate Bill 1 and NSHP policy requiring homes to exceed Title 24 in effect at the time a building permit application is submitted to the enforcement agency for approval, but it will allow reservations made before January 1, 2010 to have a grace period until January 1, 2012. As of January 1, 2012, all NSHP projects approved with reference to the 2005 Title 24 will be required to demonstrate that they are at least 15 percent more efficient than the 2008 Title 24 to receive an NSHP incentive.

Any questions on this matter can be directed to the NSHP Program Administrators at: http://www.gosolarcalifornia.ca.gov/contacts/consumers.php .

___________________ May 20, 2011 post:

Version 2.5 of the New Solar Homes Partnership (NSHP) CECPV Calculator is now available to download. Installation of version 2.5 is optional. Version 2.5 has been released to remove the prior version's limitation on the number of available PV modules and inverters. Version 2.5 does not change the incentive calculation methodology nor the incentive rates. Incentives calculated under version 2.5 and version 2.4 should be identical.

Version 2.4 remains currently certified and has no expected decertification date. However, no additional PV modules and inverters will be available for version 2.4 beyond those released on November 15, 2010 (Mod2.4j/Inv2.4j).

New NSHP applications can use either version 2.5 or version 2.4. Previously approved NSHP applications can continue to use the calculator version under which the application was originally approved.

_____________ end of May 20 post

Pacific Gas and Electric Company conducted a New Solar Homes Partnership (NSHP) workshop in San Francisco on April 11, 2011.

This workshop included: * NSHP eligibility requirements * Application and payment process and required documents * Additional incentive available for energy efficiency * Online web tool - submitting applications electronically * NSHP CECPV calculator * Application clinic - help with specific projects

The California Energy Commission staff conducted a workshop in Feb to discuss upcoming changes to the New Solar Homes Partnership (NSHP) Guidebook.

The anticipated changes encompass several aspects of the program, including the need to clarify the NSHP requirements with respect to the California Building Energy Efficiency Standards that are in effect at the time the builder applies for a building permit for the building. Other proposed changes include the potential eligibility of military housing for affordable housing incentives, the potential eligibility of transient housing in the NSHP, and the impact of an incentive decline to market-rate and affordable housing.

Energy Commission staff shared results from stakeholder surveys on solar energy and the NSHP program, with the goal of soliciting stakeholder comments to streamline program processes and increase participation in the NSHP.

For more information: http://www.energy.ca.gov/renewables/06-NSHP-1/documents/#020811

As of December 2009, the NSHP applications represent more than 8,400 new energy efficient solar homes and approximately 19 megawatts of solar capacity.

Launched in January 2007, the New Solar Homes Partnership is a component of the California Solar Initiative, signed into law in 2006 under Senate Bill 1 to implement Governor Schwarzenegger’s $3.3 billion, Million Solar Roofs Program.

The goals of the NSHP are to create a self-sustaining market for solar homes and gain builder commitment to install solar energy systems on new homes as a standard feature. A new home qualifies for the New Solar Homes Partnership when it is 15 percent more efficient than current building standards.

The primary goal of the NSHP is to achieve 400 megawatts of new solar-produced electricity by the end of 2016. The NSHP provides financial incentives and marketing support to home builders, encouraging the construction of new, energy efficient solar homes that saves homeowners money on their utility bills and protects the environment.

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