FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Docket #: Res E-4131

Media Contact: Terrie Prosper, 415.703.1366, news@cpuc.ca.gov

CPUC ESTABLISHES CALIFORNIA SOLAR INITIATIVE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR SOLAR THERMAL TECHNOLOGIES

SAN FRANCISCO, December 20, 2007 - The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) today established the eligibility of non-photovoltaic (PV) technologies to participate in the California Solar Initiative incentive program, opening the door for more customers to take advantage of the state's groundbreaking program.

The decision approves revisions to the California Solar Initiative Program Handbook that establish eligibility, estimation, measurement, and metering requirements for non-PV solar projects. These technologies were previously not eligible for participation until incentives could be calculated.

The requirements establish two distinct types of non-PV technologies, those that generate electricity and those that displace electricity. In today's decision, the CPUC specifically recognizes electric generating solar thermal as including dish stirling, solar trough, and concentrating solar technologies, while non-PV technologies that displace electricity include solar water heating, solar forced air heating, and solar cooling or air conditioning.

Today's decision also provides clarification regarding the $100.8 million incentive cap established in Senate Bill 1. The cap is limited to non-PV technologies that displace electricity, which by extension means that non-PV electric generating technologies are eligible for the same incentives that PV technologies can receive.

For more information on the CPUC, please visit www.cpuc.ca.gov.

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