BWP Solar Support Program Frequently Asked Questions
- What, if any, affiliation do solar power system installers have with Burbank Water and Power (BWP)?
- Are there certain private installers or contractors that BWP can recommend?
- What qualifications should I look for in a contractor?
- What type of solar financing options does BWP allow to qualify for the rebate?
- Can I make a reservation with BWP for my rebate funding?
- How long after a solar power system is installed (and approved) does it take for a customer to receive Burbank's rebate?
- Can homeowners claim solar power system(s) as a deduction on either their Federal or State Income Tax Returns?
- How hard is it to qualify for the solar support rebate?
- What effect does shade have on solar system output?
- What happens if my neighbor does something that casts a shadow on my solar panels?
- BWP is not affiliated with any solar power system installers. We work closely with all qualified contractors to provide access to and instruction with the PowerClerk software necessary for rebate applications. However, it is entirely the customer’s responsibility to choose a contractor. The solar support rebate program is designed to help our customers offset their solar system purchase cost regardless of the installer they select.
- BWP cannot recommend for or against any particular contractor. Our web site does have links to a couple of independent web sites with solar contractor lists. Please see Step 1 of the Step-by-Step Application Process web page
- Your installer must have a Burbank business license which can be obtained when they apply for a building permit. If they are on either of the two lists referred to on our web site then they should already have the required state contractor’s license for installing solar. If they are not on those lists, you should ask them provide proof they have the proper license. BWP also recommends that customers get at least 3 different quotes before selecting a proposal. You can also check contractor licensing at the CA Contractors State License Board web site http://www.cslb.ca.gov/
- Three of the most common options for financing solar installation are:
a) Outright purchase, with or without financing.
b) Lease to own (see SSR leasing requirements in Guidelines)
c) Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)
While choices a) and b) are allowed in Burbank, choice c), PPAs are prohibited. - Solar support rebate reservations are based on when BWP receives all the required documents from your installer, including your installer’s completed rebate application printed from the PowerClerk software. We suggest you or your installer check the main solar page to determine at what level the rebates are currently being paid.
- After all the requirements are met and the system has been tested and passed for safety by BWP, the net meter is installed and the rebate check is normally mailed within two weeks.
- Because tax situations vary among different customers and tax laws are subject to change, BWP does not give tax advice. Please check with your tax advisor or visit the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy: http://www.dsireusa.org/
- All requirements for the rebate are listed on our web site. We’ve tried to keep the process as simple as possible. A smooth installation depends on the qualifications of the contractor, the installation and equipment meeting the requirements, and good communication between all parties. Some customers have experienced delays with net meter installation and rebate checks due to delays in receipt of properly completed forms or the need for safety modifications.
- Even small amounts of shade can cause a MAJOR power interruption in a solar array. If only one cell in a module is shaded, you will likely see a 33% power reduction from that module. If a row of cells in one module are shaded, you will see a devastating 90% power reduction in most solar panels. The even bigger problem is that every module wired in series in that string will see the same power reduction. For instance, when a chimney casts a shadow over one row of cells on the last module in a string of 13, you lose 90% of the power to all 13 modules!
Most experienced solar site assessors use the Solmetric Suneye or Solar Pathfinder tool to determine shading problems before designing a system or determining how large an array can be mounted in a desired location. This tool is also required before an installer can properly and accurately determine the rebate since the rebate is based on expected solar performance.
Micro-Inverters (like Enphase and the SolarMagic Power Optimizer) can help minimize the power loss due to shading, but add extra expense to a system. Solar pros agree that every effort should be made to ensure all modules are shade free between the hours of 9AM and 3PM.
Remember that even shadows from power lines and bird droppings can cause a noticeable power reduction. - At this time there is no City of Burbank Ordinance to regulate shading of solar panels due to the actions or inaction of a neighbor. However, Senate Bill 1399, known as the Solar Shade Control Act was signed into California law on July 22, 2008. In order to protect a solar PV investment from being shaded in the future, the Solar Shade Control Act says that you must provide written notice by certified mail to owners of affected property PRIOR to the PV installation. Trees and shrubs that are planted prior to the installation of the solar PV system, or trees and shrubs that are subject to a local ordinance, or the replacement of trees or shrubs that had to be removed for the protection of public health, safety, or the environment are exempt from this law.
We suggest you chose your site carefully after conferring with your installer and your neighbors. If you are still concerned about the future shading of your solar PV system, please contact an attorney for advice before installing.