Solar Support Rebate Application Process

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Burbank Water and Power's Solar Support Rebate Program

Step-by-Step Application Process for BWP’s Solar Support Rebate (SSR) Program

STEP 1 – SELECT AN INSTALLER

A qualified PV system installer will be best able to assist you in determining if solar is right for you and to guide you through the SSR application process. Customers may opt to design and install their PV system and/or submit an SSR Application on their own, but should check the SSR Program Guidelines before making this decision.

The California State License Board lists three contractor licenses that can perform ALL PHASES of a solar installation:
A - General Engineering Contractors
B - General Building Contractors
C-46 Solar Contractors

There are also 2 Licenses of Specialty Classifications allowed to perform ONLY A PORTION of a solar installation, listed as:
C-10 Electrical Contractors
C-20 HVAC contractors.

While BWP does not certify or recommend PV equipment manufacturers or installers, these clickable internet resources can help you locate PV installers:

In addition, the independent League of California Homeowners operates a contractor approval system that is free to the public. Contractors apply and provide proof of licenses and insurance, which the League verifies monthly. They also investigate for previous complaints, etc. The League can be contacted at (800) 692-HOME or at their web site http://www.homeowners.org/ (click on "approved contractors"). There are listings under the categories of "electrical" and "solar."

STEP 2 – DETERMINE ENERGY NEEDS AND APPROPRIATE SIZE OF SOLAR SYSTEM

Speak to a solar vendor or installer to determine what kind and size of solar power system is right for you. Be sure to consider any potential reductions in your energy usage that may result from the required energy audit and future conservation efforts. Billing history is available from BWP customer service operators at 818-238-3700. To determine how long it will take for your system to pay for itself and compare financing options, please click here to visit the BWP Clean Power Estimator and follow the instructions there.

STEP 3 – INSTALLER REGISTRATION

To participate in the SSR program, the installer (or customer if it is a self-installation) must first register with BWP to obtain access to the online application program named PowerClerk. If the company is already registered through another utility or the State of CA CSI program they will still need to register again with BWP, however, they should use the same email address and will then keep the same password as used with other versions of PowerClerk. Registration requires the following information be sent to the Solar Support Manager at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . The following information must be complete in order to register:

Company Name
Business Type (Corporation, Partnership, LLC, Sole Proprietor, etc.)
Business Address
9 digit Business Taxpayer I.D. number
Main Contact name (One contact per company is preferred. This will be the person in the company using PowerClerk to submit applications)
Main Contact email and phone number

STEP 4 – SUBMIT SSR APPLICATION

The solar installer (or self-installation customer) must submit an on line application using PowerClerk. Important! You must print the completed form using the print function in your web browser prior to clicking on the submit button!
Program registration is required before you can gain access to PowerClerk. Please see Step 3 above.

Click here for SSR On-Line PowerClerk Application Sign-In

STEP 5 – SEND SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS TO BWP SOLAR SUPPORT MANAGER

After completing the on-line PowerClerk application, and before pressing “submit”, print a copy of the application. The solar installer (or self-install customer) is responsible for assembling the following documents to obtain Rebate Reservation approval:

Printed version of the PowerClerk Online Application, signed by installer and customer
Single Line Diagram. Starting January 1, 2010 all installations approved by the City of Burbank and BWP must provide an appropriate socket for a utility provided solar performance meter. Prior to applying for a permit, the customer/contractor must contact BWP Engineering at (818) 238-3647 and request a Confirmation of Electric Service to determine the physical location of the performance meter. For an Installation Guide Drawing click here.
- For systems equal to or lower than 10,000 Watts AC, you may print a copy of the Example Solar PV System Electric Diagram on a 11x17 sheet of paper and complete all the required information in the drawing. If the proposed solar installation is different than the Example Solar PV System Electric Diagram or it has additional equipment or multiple panel strings, please provide an original single line diagram.
- For those systems greater than 10,000 Watts AC, please provide one complete set of drawings. Include all solar related drawings (structural, electric, etc).
One copy of a site plan drawing. Example Site Plan Drawing This is an example and your drawing should be specific to the actual site.
One copy of the signed contract between the Customer and Installer/Seller showing a breakdown of costs. Important: If the contract includes the BWP rebate amount, it must match the amount calculated in the On-Line PowerClerk Application program. If the figures don’t match your application will be returned. If you issue a new contract or contract change order, it must be signed by both the customer and the solar contractor. If leasing the solar equipment, one copy of the signed lease agreement.
A copy of the Building and Electrical Permit Application (see step 7 below)
Two (2) signed original copies of the completed Interconnection and Net Metering Agreement Proof that an Energy Efficiency Audit has been completed and a copy of the audit or the recommendation sheet signed by the customer (see options below)
One copy of the Solar Panel and Inverter Specifications (cut-sheets)
One copy of the completed BWP ten (10) year system warranty form.
One copy of the Shading Analysis Report (Solar Pathfinder or equivalent technology). For instructions about how to enter solar shading into the PowerClerk application please download the following document. Additional solar shading questions should be directed to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call (949) 450-7151.

An energy-efficiency audit must be completed on the building or facility where the solar system will be installed. Residential customers can utilize BWP’s free online Home Energy Analyzer or the Green Home House Call service for this purpose. A copy of the final recommendations page(s) should be signed by the customer and submitted as part of the application package. Eligible business customers with annual usage below 250,000 kWh can receive a free facility energy audit through BWP’s Business Bucks Program by calling BWP’s contractor RHA at 877-290-2590. Larger customers will be required to hire an independent third party to perform an energy audit and provide a copy of the audit to BWP as part of the rebate application.

Please mail complete application package including the signed PowerClerk application to:

Burbank Water and Power
Attention: Solar Support Manager
164 W. Magnolia Boulevard
Burbank, CA 91502

STEP 6 – BWP APPLICATION APPROVAL & RESERVATION

Burbank Water and Power staff will review the application package and verify required documents for completeness and accuracy. BWP will evaluate the application package and approve or disapprove the installation. Incomplete applications will be returned. It is important to make sure that the application package is complete to avoid delays in processing.

When the application package is complete, the On-Line PowerClerk application will be changed by the program manager to indicate that the rebate has been reserved and you will be sent an email to confirm. To claim your rebate, your solar installation must be completed within 7 months of the application approval for existing facilities, and within 16 months for new construction.

STEP 7 – BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATION AND FINAL APPROVAL

Prior to obtaining a building permit from the City of Burbank Community Development Department (CDD) the customer/contractor must contact BWP Engineering at (818) 238-3647 and receive a Confirmation of Electric Service. This confirmation is required before installing a solar system on your home or facility. You or your installer must then apply for a permit prior to applying in step 5 above.

The Building Division offices and permit counter are located in the Community Services Building, 150 N. Third St, at the southeast corner of Orange Grove Ave. and Third St.

For more information on how to obtain a building permit, visit Burbank’s Community Development Department’s website at http://www.burbankusa.com/building/ or call 818-238-5220

STEP 8 – SOLAR SYSTEM INSTALLATION AND CITY PERMIT INPECTION

The installer will work with an electrical inspector from the Burbank Community Development Department -Building Division to make sure the installation is in compliance with Burbank’s local building and electric codes. A copy of the final approved or “signed-off” permit must be submitted to BWP prior to the solar net meter installation. After the system is completed and has been tested, the solar installation should be shut off by opening the AC and DC disconnects. Failure to do so may result in BWP being unable to accurately bill the customer until after the solar net meter is installed (see Step 9).

STEP 9 – UTILITY NET METER INSTALLATION AND SAFTEY INSPECTION

After the system is installed and a copy of the final “signed off” building permit (Step 8) has been provided and all the documents required by PowerClerk are submitted, the Solar Support Manager will contact the solar customer and BWP meter technicians to arrange to replace the existing meter with a new Solar Net-Meter. Attendance by the solar installer is optional. This test will likely require a brief power outage while the solar meter is installed and the solar equipment’s safety features are tested. When the system passes the test and the required safety signage is determined to be adequate, the solar PV system will be allowed to operate, or “interconnect” with the BWP grid. One copy of the signed Solar Net Metering and Interconnection Agreement will be provided to the customer.

STEP 10 – INCENTIVE CLAIM FORM

Any time after the on-line PowerClerk Reservation Request form has been switched to the status of “Confirmed Reservation” by the program manager, the applicant will see the word “Edit” next to the on-line application. Any time after this status has been changed the Incentive Claim form can be completed. This form allows for any last minute changes to the design, equipment or shading analysis and will then recalculate the rebate amount accordingly. If the rebate changes from the amount on the previously provided copy of the installation contract BWP will need a signed change order or new contract provided that matches the costs and rebate amount on the incentive claim form. The Incentive Claim form section marked “Payee” must be filled in completely as this determines in what name and where the check will be sent. This entity can be the customer, the installer, or any other entity designated by the customer. The customer and installer must sign this form to indicate they agree as to the disposition of the rebate check.

STEP 11 – STATE REQUIRED SOLAR SHADING AND EQUIPMENT VERIFICATION

After the inspections in steps 9 and 10 there is an additional inspection required by the State of California through Senate Bill 1. This is an equipment and solar shading analysis verification audit conducted by an independent third party contractor. The inspector will need to have direct access to all solar equipment, including panels on a roof and the solar inverter. He or she will verify that the system was installed as designed and specified in the current PowerClerk Incentive Claim Form application (see STEP 10) so it is important for vendors to update that form with any last minute changes that may have been made since the original PowerClerk Reservation Request form was completed. If the independent auditor indicates that there is more than a 3% deviation from the Incentive Claim Form amount, then Step 10 will need to be repeated to match this audit amount.

STEP 12 – RECEIVE REBATE CHECK

If the system is less than 30 kW and the up-front rebate method is selected, then the Payee listed on the Incentive Claim Form will receive the rebate check within 3-6 weeks of submitting all of the required program documents. If the check is sent to a business, at the end of the year a 1099 Income Tax statement will be sent from the City of Burbank for the amount of the rebate, which may be treated as taxable income (check with your tax advisor).

If the system is over 30 kW AC in size, rebate payments will be credited over 5 years and appear as a line item credit on the City of Burbank municipal services bill. If the solar rebate credit amounts exceed the other bill amounts due over time, there will be an annual true-up and a check mailed to the customer at one year increments beginning one year after the project is approved for interconnection.

Note that the rebate cannot exceed 50% of the overall project cost as shown on the contract or proposal. In the case of a lease financing arrangement the rebate cannot exceed 50% of the total payments scheduled during the term of the lease.

If a self installation, the rebate amount will not exceed 50% of actual costs of parts and equipment – no labor is included in this calculation. Please provide all equipment receipts for proof of payment in lieu of a signed contract or invoice from a solar installation contractor.

Also, no solar installation will receive a rebate of more than $400,000 in any 12 month period.

If you have any questions about this process, please email the Solar Support manager at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it