For residents of California CSI isn’t just a successful television franchise; it’s a way to get valuable tax credits while helping the environment. Adopted in 2006, the California Solar Initiative provides rebates to customers of three California utilities who improve or build new construction with solar energy technologies.

In addition to saving customers money, the Initiative provides jobs to California solar companies who install solar panels and systems. More green jobs helps the economy and helps lay a foundation for survival as the economy shifts from gas-based to alternative energies.

Customers who receive power from Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric and Pacific Gas and Electric are eligible for the solar rebate program. Additional utility consumers are eligible for rebates under the New Solar Homes program as well as initiatives run by specific utilities throughout the state.

Some of the rebates offered include a solar hot water rebate program, a rebate for multifamily afforadable housing, and several programs that fund research, development and deployment of solar technologies. Incentives under CSI are based on individual solar panel performance, which encourages home owners to invest in the highest quality, most efficient panel technology available.

The CSI program runs from 2007 through 2016 and hopes to install over 1900 megawatts of solar capacity.