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SFPUC approves changes to GoSolarSF, directs staff to focus program benefits on PUC customers
Summary
The commission approved revised GoSolarSF incentive rules and added an amendment directing the general manager to propose further improvements to focus benefits on SFPUC customers and to explore workforce and funding options; public commenters urged faster release of funds and stronger workforce apprenticeship pathways.
The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission voted to adopt changes to the city's GoSolarSF program and directed staff to develop additional customer‑focused improvements and workforce measures.
Barbara Hale, Assistant General Manager for Power, outlined staff recommendations to reduce incentive levels so payments do not exceed average installed cost, to set rental/multiunit incentives by system‑size ranges, and to require a minimum design factor to avoid paying incentives for roofs unsuited to solar. Commissioners approved the revised program and accepted an amendment from Commissioner Moran directing the general manager to "propose further improvements to the GoSolar SF program for implementation during fiscal year 2014 through a process inclusive of all stakeholders" that focuses benefits on PUC customers.
Public comment was extensive. Solar industry representatives and local installers warned that delayed funding has disrupted hiring and project schedules and urged the PUC to release funds as soon as possible. A representative of BrightLine Defense Project and workforce advocates urged expanding workforce development to allow use of state‑certified apprenticeships. An installer suggested converting some incentive payments into a customer rebate tied to future energy fees to improve financing and tax treatment.
Commission discussion touched on how GoSolarSF should interact with any future Clean Power SF community choice or customer aggregation program and on potential funding mechanisms, including energy fees or feed‑in tariff approaches. Staff noted the statutory pilot portion of GoSolarSF had concluded and that a ten‑year funding framework remains in the capital plan; they said an online application system must be set up before reservations can be broadly issued.
The commission approved the amended resolution by voice vote. Next steps include staff drafting the customer‑focused implementation proposals and working with stakeholders on workforce and incentive implementation details.
