Welcome Builders & Developers
Photo Credit: Marija Krapcevich
California Energy Commission
Becoming a Partner Builder in the
New Solar Homes Partnership
The California Energy Commission is pleased to welcome new home builders as partners in the New Solar Homes Partnership (NSHP) campaign.
Builders in California that integrate solar photovoltaic (PV) electricity systems and high energy-efficiency standards throughout their developments are eligible to participate and receive financial incentives.
To qualify as a partner in the NSHP program and receive incentives from the California Energy Commission, builders must meet these basic requirements:
- Location: First make sure the location of the development will receive electric service from an eligible investor-owned utility - PG&E, SCE, SDG&E, or BVES. If your development is in another electric utility's region, or if you're unsure of the utility in your project area, please check our Utilities Database.
- Energy Efficiency: All new construction must meet Title 24 Building Energy Efficiency Standards requirements. For new homes subject to the 2008 Energy Standards, homes must exceed Title 24 energy efficiency requirements by either 15 percent (for Tier 1) or 30 percent (for Tier 2.
- Solar PV Roof: Include a solar PV roof either as a standard feature or as an available option in your development. Note: financial incentive levels and marketing support are higher for developments that feature solar PV as a standard feature. Download the NSHP Guidebook for details. Refer to the list of eligible solar PV equipment in the links on the left.
- New Solar Homes Partnership Guidebook: Download a NSHP Guidebook from the California Energy Commission for complete information about the program and how to apply for your rebate with the appropriate forms. Download the NSHP Guidebook and Forms from the documents page.