Assembly Bill (AB) 2143, enacted in 2022, mandates that large customer-sited renewable energy facilities, including solar and associated battery storage, must pay prevailing wages to construction workers and apprentices when enrolling in specific tariffs, starting January 1, 2024.

Contractors must maintain and submit certified payroll records to the California Public Utility Commission (CPUC) semi-annually. Violations may result in loss of access to net metering or net billing tariffs.

You can access more information about AB 2143 on the CPUC’s official AB 2143 website and at the Solar-Utilities Reporting, Guidance, and Education (SURGE) website and their answers to frequently asked questions. If you have questions on AB 2143 compliance, contact SURGE’s service provider GCAP Services at info@cpucsurge.org. 

As of mid-2025, the CPUC opened the program to include integrated energy storage systems when paired with a solar photovoltaic system and interconnected through the SOMAH VNEM tariff. Such combined systems are intended to boost energy resilience for residents while lowering their home’s electricity use and the property’s long-term energy consumption. Funding is available for systems designed to serve tenant units and common areas. For further information on solar and storage, see the SOMAH Program Handbook, Section 2.4 Integrated Energy Storage Requirements.

Unlike the program’s variable solar PV incentive rates, the storage incentive is a flat rate applied to the entire storage system’s energy capacity, regardless of the tenant or common area system allocations. Incentives are calculated by multiplying the energy capacity (Wh) of the system by the incentive rate. The storage incentive rate for an integrated solar and storage system is $1.10/Wh. For more information, visit Program Resources Incentives & Finance.

No. Submitted projects receive an active reservation on a first-come, first-served basis if funding is available.

Yes, tenant meter numbers are required. For SDG&E, tenant meter numbers are required during the Reservation Request Package Milestone. For SCE and PG&E, the tenant meter numbers are required during the Proof of Project Milestone stage. For more information, visit Program Resource How to Request IOU Meter Information.

Track A is for property owners who want technical assistance and support services to help assess their property’s solar potential and/or identify eligible contractors. The project bidding process to identify an eligible contractor is also an available option for Track A applications. Track B is designed for property owners who do not require technical assistance to submit a project reservation and have identified an eligible contractor.

The SOMAH PA will receive aggregated consumption data from investor-owned utilities (IOUs), on the property owner's behalf, which will be included on the Reservation Request Package Approval Notice.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development deemed most HUD properties eligible for SOMAH. However, some HUD-funded properties are ineligible. Find out if your property is eligible by completing the Affordability Prescreen form.

Property eligibility requirements are outlined in the SOMAH Program Handbook. Find out if your property is eligible by completing the Affordability Prescreen form.

The program serves multifamily affordable housing in California in the following investor-owned utility (IOU) territories: Liberty Utilities, Pacific Power, Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E), Southern California Edison (SCE).

The SOMAH Program status fluctuates depending on funding and application volumes. Please visit: Funding status (California DG Stats)

The Job Trainee Intake Form can be submitted online or by email to workforce@calsomah.org. The form is available as a PDF in Appendix L of the SOMAH Program Handbook.

Yes. Projects that receive the Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and/or Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) for the storage portion may still be eligible for a SOMAH storage incentive.

The value of the ITC or LIHTC for storage is treated as an “other incentive” and must be reported in the SOMAH application. This amount will be deducted from the SOMAH storage incentive. 
The SOMAH Program Handbook includes an example showing how the storage incentive is reduced by the dollar value of the tax credit.

Please note that total SOMAH incentives combined with all other incentives may not exceed the total cost of the integrated solar + storage system or total eligible project costs.

Contractors are required to pay SOMAH job trainees at the contractor's entry level or temporary worker wage or 1.4x the minimum wage of the city in which the SOMAH project is located, whichever is higher. Please see prevailing wage question for more information on AB 2143.

The project bidding process is optional for Track A. In Track A, the host customer may obtain multiple project bids and select a contractor before submitting a Reservation Request. It is not required to select the lowest bid and applicants are encouraged to take other factors into consideration such as local hiring, experience with SOMAH and VNEM, etc.

For solar PV, SOMAH uses an Expected Performance Based Buydown (EPBB) method to calculate incentives:

EPBB Incentive = Reserved Incentive Rate × System Rating (CEC-AC) × Design Factor

The CEC-AC system rating is based on the number of modules, their CEC ratings, and inverter efficiency. System sizing must also be consistent with on-site load and the required minimum tenant allocation.

To ensure your PV incentive amount matches what appears on required SOMAH forms:

• Confirm that the CEC-AC rating and system design details used in the EPBB calculation match the values entered in PowerClerk.
• Verify that the tenant and common-area allocation, the incentive rate selected (Table 4), and your ITC/LIHTC status are consistent across the Reservation Request, VNEM Allocation Form, and Incentive Claim Form.
• Update the application and supporting documents in PowerClerk if there are any changes to system design, allocation, or tax credit usage so the incentive is recalculated correctly.

Contractors can post a public job opportunity, browse the resume bank, use the Directory of Eligible Job Training Organizations or use client recommendations and referrals.

You may request standard TA online at any point. Submit a request using the TA and Support Services Form.

Applicants must report total eligible project costs and supporting details in PowerClerk, typically using the Eligible Project Cost Form. Eligible costs may include solar and integrated storage equipment, related electrical and panel upgrades, engineering and design, construction and installation costs, interconnection fees, permitting, and certain structural or minor roof repairs directly related to the project.

SOMAH then compares the total incentives (solar, storage, and other non-tax incentives) to the reported eligible project costs. SOMAH incentives may cover up to the full cost of the portion of the system that offsets tenant load; however, total SOMAH incentives combined with other incentives may not exceed total eligible project costs.

If the combined incentive amount exceeds eligible project costs, the SOMAH incentive will be reduced so that the total does not exceed this limit.

The number of trainees and required work hours depends on the size of the installation. Refer to the Job Training Eligibility ebook.

While the SOMAH Program Handbook does not have any restrictions other than the eligibility criteria, contractors are required to follow all local, state and federal labor laws.

SOMAH's Technical Assistance and Support Services are designed to provide hands-on support to participating property owners and contractors. Examples of Technical Assistance and Support Services include identifying energy efficiency opportunities, assisting in achieving net zero energy targets, providing coordination and referrals to other clean energy programs, tenant education support, and solar and storage feasibility assessments. Submit a request using the TA and Support Services Form.

SOMAH incentives are capacity-based and depend on system size, tenant versus common-area allocation, and whether the project receives the Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and/or Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC).

For solar PV:

• The per-AC-watt incentive rate is reduced by 30% if the project receives either the ITC or LIHTC.
• The per-AC-watt incentive rate is reduced by 50% if the project receives both the ITC and LIHTC.

These tax credit adjustments are already built into the solar incentive rates in Table 4 and are not treated as “other incentives” for solar.

For storage:

Storage Incentive = Energy capacity (Wh) × $1.10 per Wh

Any storage ITC, LIHTC, or other incentives (such as local or state rebates) are treated as “other incentives” and must be reported in the application. These amounts reduce the SOMAH storage incentive so that total incentives do not exceed the total system cost or total eligible project costs.

Trainees are paid directly by contractors and not from SOMAH Program funds.

VNEM is utility metering arrangement that allows energy from a single solar system to be shared virtually among multiple tenant accounts.

Contractors are only required to hire trainees to work on the project for the required number of work hours based on the system size. However, many contractors may opt to keep trainees on staff for additional projects or hire the trainee as a permanent employee.

There is no single fixed dollar cap on the incentive amount per application. Instead, the maximum incentive is determined by several program rules, including:

• Applicable SOMAH incentive rates, such as the per-AC-watt rates for solar (based on tax credit status, see Table 4) and the flat $1.10 per Wh rate for storage.
• The rule that SOMAH incentives may cover up to the full cost of the portion of the solar or integrated solar + storage system that offsets tenant load, but the total incentive cannot exceed the full system cost once other eligible non-tax incentives are considered.
• The requirement that total SOMAH incentives may not exceed total eligible project costs. If combined incentives exceed eligible costs, the SOMAH incentive will be reduced.

In practice, the maximum incentive an application can receive is the lesser of:

1. The amount calculated using the applicable SOMAH incentive rates, or
2. The project’s total eligible costs after accounting for other incentives.

There are no exceptions to the job training requirement. The SOMAH PA will help facilitate hiring eligible job trainees if needed.

SOMAH incentives are posted on the Incentives & Finance page.

Any PV module on the California Energy Commission’s list of eligible equipment that shows up in the EPBB Calculator with a Performance Test Conditions (PTC) rating is eligible for SOMAH.
 

Energy storage systems must be integrated with the solar installation, serve a majority of the tenants' needs, and  be on the California Energy Commission's or the Self-Generation Incentive Program's list of verified equipment list. 

Contractors will receive Job Training Portal login information via email within three business days after attending the Contractor Eligibility Training webinar and submitting their contact information. Email questions to workforce@calsomah.org.

Eligible costs cover the integrated solar and energy storage systems, roof repair and its ancillary equipment. Incentives can cover up to 100% of eligible project costs, depending on system size and tenant benefit. Please refer to the SOMAH Program Handbook, Section 3.3.1 Total Eligible Project Costs.

To receive a storage incentive, storage equipment must be included in the SOMAH application before the Incentive Claim Milestone is submitted.

Projects that have already submitted the Incentive Claim Milestone are considered completed and cannot add storage through the standard application process. However, a separate option will be available for some completed projects.

For eligible completed projects, the SOMAH Program Administrator will manage a storage interest list that Host Customers can join using a link sent by email. This option is only available for projects completed on or after November 14, 2024. Projects completed before this date are not eligible for a storage incentive.

Contractors are required to enter each job opportunity in the SOMAH Job Training Portal and begin recruitment at least 30 days before installation begins. However, the contractor can choose to keep the job posting hidden and recruit trainees by other means (e.g., direct outreach to a job training organization or recruitment of tenants). 

If the two positions are the same (e.g., PV installer), then only one job posting can be entered in the Job Training Portal. If not the same, then two job postings should be entered.

For eligible Tribal projects that choose to use the Early Payment Pathway, additional documents are required beyond the standard Reservation Request Package.

Applicants must submit an Early Payment Request (EPR) Form in PowerClerk, signed by the Host Customer (Tribal entity), System Owner, and Contractor. If the early payment will be made by electronic transfer, an Electronic Payment Setup Form must also be uploaded.

The Contractor must also provide proof of required insurance, including:

• Commercial General Liability Insurance: at least $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate
• Business Auto Insurance: at least $1,000,000 per accident

These documents are required in addition to the standard Reservation Request materials (such as the Reservation Request Form, VNEM Allocation Form, Affidavit Ensuring 100% Tenant Economic Benefit, and application deposit).

For more details, please refer to Phase II of the Reservation Request Package – Documents to Submit.

Yes, the entire cost of carports built to hold solar panels is eligible under the SOMAH Program, including materials and labor.

Contractors may be able to provide transportation for job trainees. Trainees should work directly with the hiring contractor.

Job training can include PV installation, project design and engineering or PV commissioning and maintenance. These categories are based on the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners’ Photovoltaic Specialists Job Tasks Analysis.

Eligible projects may generate an Early Payment Request in PowerClerk during the Reservation Request step. After contractor credentials, Host Customer eligibility, and proposed project eligibility are confirmed, the Tribal Host Customer may receive an early payment of 60% of the total reserved incentive amount following Reservation Approval.

To manage risk, each Tribal entity may have no more than two Early Payment projects outstanding at one time.

Contractors participating in the Early Payment Pathway must also meet minimum business and compliance requirements, such as maintaining a required Better Business Bureau rating and not appearing on the CPUC Public Watch List of Non-Compliant Solar Providers.

Yes, existing employees can qualify as SOMAH job trainees so long as they meet the eligibility criteria. The individual must be either: Currently enrolled in an eligible job training program, recently graduated from an eligible job training program within 12 months of the installation start date or be a tenant whose primary residence is the SOMAH property.

No. Projects that receive an early payment through the Early Payment Pathway are not eligible for the Progress Payment Pathway.

Projects may use either the Early Payment option (for eligible Tribal projects) or the Progress Payment Pathway—but not both.

While the map is a great indicator of eligible properties, there may be additional eligible properties not reflected in the map. If you have questions regarding property eligibility, please email us at contact@CalSOMAH.org.

Project application data, including contractor company information, can be found on the California Distributed Generation Statistics website. The SOMAH PA team will facilitate connections between contractors and eligible job training organizations based on the contractor's needs.

Individuals must be enrolled in an eligible job training program, recently graduated from an eligible job training program within 12 months of installation start date or a tenant whose primary residence is the SOMAH property. They must also complete the SOMAH Job Trainee Intake Form to participate.

The Job Trainee Intake Form can be submitted online by the trainee here. The trainee may also submit a PDF version of the Intake Form, which can be found in Appendix L of the SOMAH Program Handbook, by email to workforce@calsomah.org.

You can access the Directory of Eligible Job Training Organizations available online. The directory can be filtered by location or keyword, and each entry includes contact and website information.

The SOMAH Program does not require certain skills or certifications. However, each contractor may have different preferences and requirements.

SOMAH job trainees can participate in solar system installation, project design and engineering or system commissioning and maintenance.

Yes, a resume is not required to participate in job training opportunities. Contractors can work directly with job training organizations to place job trainees on SOMAH projects.

Eligible trainees can sign up for the SOMAH Job Training Portal by completing the Job Trainee Intake Form. Then, trainees can upload their resumes to the Resume Bank and apply for open job opportunities using the Job Search tool.

Language options may vary by contractor. However, the SOMAH PA team cannot guarantee that training will be offered in languages other than English.

The work schedule will vary on the needs of the contractor and the project.

Eligible programs include California Community College or other PV training programs offered to the public by local government workforce development programs, community nonprofits, private enterprises or the electrical workers union. Requires 40+ hours of instruction and/or hands-on PV installation and design training. Career technical education programs related to green building or design offering 40+ hours of instruction are also eligible.

The trainee should work directly with the hiring contractor to arrange an appropriate work schedule.

After the solar panels are installed, your property owner will automatically sign you up to receive credits.

Project duration will vary. Your property owner and contractor will provide a project timeline before construction starts.

Tenants are not responsible for any costs and rent will not increase due to having solar.

Although solar panels can be attached to the roof, damage to the roof is unlikely. If you do notice a leak, report it to your property owner.

Your property owner and construction team will share information about how construction may affect your common areas. It is important that you feel safe on site.

With a TOU rate, utility electricity prices vary depending on the period of the day in which energy is consumed. Higher prices are charged during utility peak-load times.

Power will be turned off for a short amount time during solar installation. You will be notified in advance and given enough time to prepare for the brief power outage.

Your property owner and construction team will share information about how construction may affect your home and community spaces.

Yes you can. Contact the contractor installing solar at your building. This information can be found on the Job Training flyer. Ask what jobs and volunteer opportunities are available at your building.

Some highlights to share with your property manager and landlord: 

•    SOMAH saves on energy costs, reducing the overall costs of powering the building and keeping energy costs stable even when utility rates fluctuate.
•    SOMAH provides up to 100% of the funding for solar installation on qualifying buildings. 
•    SOMAH automatically enrolls tenants into the Energy Saving Assistance Program (ESA) to help further reduce tenants' energy use. 
•    SOMAH benefits tenants as well as owners, through bill credits and cleaner air.
•    SOMAH supports economic opportunities and growth in your community, creating jobs and developing solar careers.
•    SOMAH can help your building and your neighborhood go carbon-free, contributing to a healthier community and planet.

Go to CalSOMAH.org to learn more.

SOMAH Program benefits include:

Benefits for property owners

• SOMAH incentives may cover the full cost of the materials and installation for the portion of the solar PV system that offsets common are and tenants’ electricity needs.
• Solar PV and energy storage systems can help reduce and stabilize energy costs for eligible multifamily buildings.
• The SOMAH Program offers a suite of no-cost technical assistance services to make the process of installing solar easier.

Benefits for tenants

• SOMAH provides financial benefits to tenants - tenants will receive credits on their electricity bills to help them live more affordably.
• SOMAH provides job-training opportunities.
• SOMAH automatically enrolls tenants into an Energy Saving Assistance Program to help further reduce energy use.

Benefits for the community

• Solar PV and energy storage installations can help improve air quality by reducing reliance on fossil fuels for electricity generation.
• SOMAH provides job training opportunities and builds capacity in the clean energy economy.

No, your rent will not increase. The SOMAH Program guarantees no costs are passed to the tenants.

Your bill reduction will vary based on the amount of energy your building's solar system produces, the amount of energy you use and your utility rate.

Property owners are required to inform tenants of job training opportunities at their property. Tenants can contact the SOMAH contractor directly or sign up for the SOMAH Job Training Portal by completing the Job Trainee Intake Form to search for job openings.

If the power goes out, your solar panels will be turned off. This is for the safety of utility and emergency workers. If solar system is paired with an energy storage system, common areas will receive storage energy during power outages.

You will start seeing savings on your utility bill as soon as the solar system is providing power to your building.

Email workforce@calsomah.org to request to add your training organization or program to the directory.

Individual job placement data is not public information. You can work with your student or graduate to self-report this information or work with the contractor who hired your student to request this information.

Feedback and suggestions regarding job training opportunities and workforce development can be emailed to workforce@calsomah.org. You can also provide feedback at SOMAH public forums.

The job training organization can work directly with the SOMAH contractor to inquire about a site visit.

Program data is updated weekly on the California Distributed Generation Statistics website.