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:: Photovoltaic Assistance for Secondary Education Facilities
School Photovoltaic Application
The Photovoltaic (PV) Assistance for Secondary Education Facilities Program provides financial assistance to secondary educational institutions located in Riverside Public Utilities’ (RPU) electric service territory that can contribute at least 20% of the project cost toward installing a solar energy generation system at one of their facilities. A complete PV system usually consists of one or more modules connected to an inverter that changes direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). The approximate cost per kilowatt of an installed PV system can range from $8,000 to $13,000. This can include the module, inverter, wiring and interconnection equipment. Educational institutions that wish to apply for Public Benefits (PB) funds through this program must submit a written proposal. The proposal must include the reason funds are being requested as well as show the ability to fund at least 20% of the project cost. Other items to include in the proposal include, but are not limited to:
  • Proposed location of the PV system
  • Proposed size, in kilowatts, of the PV system
  • Estimated cost of the PV system
  • Possible vendors that may complete the work


Cash Rebates
The educational institute is required to fund the entire project. RPU will then rebate up to 80% of the project cost, not to exceed $250,000.

Program Participation Goal
The goal is to provide a rebate to at least 2 secondary educational facilities per fiscal year for installing qualified PV systems.

Solar Links
For additional information about qualifying equipment, retailers, and solar projects in California please visit these helpful links.

How Do I Apply?

Give your Account Manager a call today at (951) 826-5485 for full details on our existing programs or to inquire about future programs,
or send us an Email.

We consider your business needs important and your input valuable!


Program Guidelines
  • Customers must fulfill all program guidelines, program specific and general RPU program guidelines, to be eligible for incentives.
  • The level of financial assistance from RPU will not exceed 80% of the project cost not to exceed $250,000. 
  • The educational institution must provide at least 20% of the funding of the PV project.  This is a rebate program and therefore the educational institute is required to fund the entire project, RPU will then rebate up to 80% of the project cost.
  • Project costs include the photovoltaic cells, modules, mounting or tracking structures, wiring, inverters, and utility required interconnection equipment.   
  • Only PV modules and inverters certified by the California Energy Commission (CEC) qualify for this program and are subject to approval by RPU. The approved equipment list can be found on the CEC’s website or can be made available from RPU.
  • Qualifying systems must reduce load at the meter location.
  • There is no minimum or maximum size system restriction. 
  • Applicant must execute (1) a Net Energy Metering (NEM) Agreement with the City of Riverside Public Utilities prior to final connection to the grid and before any incentive can be paid and (2) if requested by RPU, an agreement for receipt of incentive funds. 
  • If there is a discrepancy between the guidelines and NEM Agreement, the NEM will supersede the guidelines.  
  • Applicant must comply with all Planning, Building and Safety, and Electric Plan-Check procedures.
  • Contractors must have one of the following licenses:

           -Electrical C10
           -Engineering A
           -Solar Specialty C46                                     

  • Systems will be inspected before rebate is issued, and must be interconnected to the electric meter.     
  • A copy of the dated sales receipt must be provided, and is subject to verification.  The receipt must note the contractor name, address, manufacturers name, PV module number and inverter, and purchase price.
  • Financed systems must have a signed contract and proof of payments.
  • RPU conducts follow-up inspections to make sure that the applicable systems were properly installed and interconnected in accordance with guidelines and RPU’s Rule 22.