SoundDaTrumpet
Member
Wow Arnold, I was under the impression that you were good to go with SGIP, and that I was all alone with my decision to go all in with Tesla and hope for the best, or to go with other developers to get in on Step 2. I chatted with a couple of Tesla Energy representatives, and though it sounds like they are playing games, they are just plain overloaded with SGIP requests. First off, Step 2 filled up in 5 days for Tesla, and per SGIP, in writing, they aren't allowed to submit more applications. Tesla was explaining to me how they submit and that it's up to the "Utility" to pick/choose (i.e. a lottery for PG&E). I may not have to full story, and will make some assumptions. My impression is that SGIP stopped taking applications from Tesla once they hit the 20% developer limit for Step 2. In order for the reps statement to be true, more than 20% applications were received, and the rest were turned away. Then of the more than 20%, to whittle the numbers down, it went into lottery.
The bad news for me is that they also said the SGIP is completely separate effort and that Powerwall Reservation folks need to be okay with installing without any SGIP rebate. Sounds to me they kept moving forward with your install while treating the SGIP paperwork separate. I am not sure if you are aware that under Section 9.0 of the SGIP Resource page, there is a "Real-Tim Public Report" that captures ALL submitted applications. If and when I sign my paperwork, I will looking out for it to be listed. No names for privacy reason, but everything else on the application shows up.
I explained my situation and dismay working with third-party installers, and Tesla recommended going with them since they are pretty much guaranteed SGIP funds. The disappointing thing is the developers know Tesla hit their 20% developer cap, and aren't interesting in competing with Tesla's installation prices. The developers priced things so well to dissuade homeowners from getting a developers license for a self-install. I do see a few developers registered as "self-install." I figure they are already license contractors installing on their own home. I do wonder if Tesla can qualify as the "installer." There is supposed to be provisions for home owners to qualify as developers, but it's all becoming a little fuzzy as I read into it.
The bad news for me is that they also said the SGIP is completely separate effort and that Powerwall Reservation folks need to be okay with installing without any SGIP rebate. Sounds to me they kept moving forward with your install while treating the SGIP paperwork separate. I am not sure if you are aware that under Section 9.0 of the SGIP Resource page, there is a "Real-Tim Public Report" that captures ALL submitted applications. If and when I sign my paperwork, I will looking out for it to be listed. No names for privacy reason, but everything else on the application shows up.
I explained my situation and dismay working with third-party installers, and Tesla recommended going with them since they are pretty much guaranteed SGIP funds. The disappointing thing is the developers know Tesla hit their 20% developer cap, and aren't interesting in competing with Tesla's installation prices. The developers priced things so well to dissuade homeowners from getting a developers license for a self-install. I do see a few developers registered as "self-install." I figure they are already license contractors installing on their own home. I do wonder if Tesla can qualify as the "installer." There is supposed to be provisions for home owners to qualify as developers, but it's all becoming a little fuzzy as I read into it.
Last edited: