Photo: Let the sun shine in with rooftop solar like this FIT project in Marin.
Add Value to Your Property and Contribute to a Carbon-Free Future
Join the growing list of successful Feed-In Tariff projects that are already online and serving MCE customers.
- American Canyon Solar – 3 MW
- Central Marin Sanitation Agency – 750 kW
EO Products – 60 kW
Novato Cooley Quarry – 1 MW
Freethly Industrial Park – two 1 MW
Cost Plus Plaza Larkspur – 265 kW
San Rafael Airport – 972 kW
Lake Herman – 5 MW
Silveira Ranch – 3 MW
Soscol Ferry – 2 MW
Price Schedule
MCE offers one of the most competitively priced FIT programs in California. The current FIT Plus pricing* is determined by the number of confirmed program participants and is therefore subject to change. Allocations in the program are secured on a first come first serve basis. All solar projects must include 4-hour duration storage sized at 180% of the AC nameplate of the generator. Storage capacity is compensated at $9/kW-mo. Please review the FIT Plus Tariff, Application and Power Purchase Agreement for additional information.
MCE FIT Plus is currently in Condition 5, which offers the following price:
| Condition | Remaining Capacity (MW) | Energy Price (per MWh, 20-year term) |
|---|---|---|
| Condition 1 | 0 | $80.00 |
| Condition 2 | 0 | $75.00 |
| Condition 3 | 0 | $70.00 |
| Condition 4 | 0 | $65.00 |
| Condition 5 | 10.8 | $60.00 |
| Condition 6 | 5 | $55.00 |
Total FIT Plus applications under review: 0
Total MWs under review: 0
*Capacity allocations are subject to change and are updated on a monthly basis.
FAQ
MCE’s Net Energy Metering program allows customers to power their own homes or businesses from renewable generating systems – usually on their rooftops – connected to their meters.
FIT Plus is a wholesale energy supply program designed to provide competitive, predictable energy prices for local, small-scale renewable energy developers over a defined contract term. The standard agreement offered by MCE virtually eliminates the need for contract negotiations, can provide the basis for securing project financing, and should also provide a high level of certainty regarding the revenue stream generated by the project. FIT renewable energy suppliers are not required to be MCE customers.
Storage capacity is required to be installed at 180% of the AC Inverter Nameplate of the system. Storage must be of 4 hour duration. Please see the tariff and PPA for additional information.
MCE’s FIT Plus is a wholesale renewable energy purchase program that allow owners/developers of small-scale (1 – 5 megawatt in size), local renewable energy projects to become long-term suppliers for MCE customers. All participating projects must be located within MCE’s service area, which includes Marin County, Napa County, unincorporated Contra Costa County, unincorporated Solano County, and the Cities and Towns of Benicia, Concord, Danville, El Cerrito, Fairfield, Lafayette, Martinez, Moraga, Oakley, Pinole, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill, Richmond, San Pablo, San Ramon, Vallejo, and Walnut Creek. Once the project owner/developer enters into a FIT contract with MCE and interconnects to PG&E’s distribution system, or “grid,” MCE will pay for energy generated by the project, consistent with the terms and conditions of the standard contract.
A standardized contract or standard offer is a process used throughout the electric utility industry to simplify the contracting process of renewable energy products. MCE’s FIT Plus power purchase contract is an example of a standard offer. Standard offers typically specify participatory requirements and contract documents that may not be negotiated by either party (buyer or seller). To the extent that prospective participants are able to satisfy all applicable participatory requirements (without exception), the sponsoring utility will execute a power purchase contract (i.e., the standardized contract), creating a long-term supplier relationship with the seller. Smaller-scale project developers/owners may benefit from these processes by eliminating the need for prolonged negotiating efforts, related legal and administrative expenses, and delayed development timelines.
If you have questions related to generator interconnection, please contact wholesalegen@pge.com.
As the organization responsible for distribution system planning, maintenance, and safety, PG&E is the primary contact for all matters related to generator interconnection. PG&E representatives will assist you in identifying applicable procedural requirements, potential costs, and pertinent scheduling details for your specific project(s).
While completing PG&E’s interconnection process, prospective MCE participants should remain in contact with MCE staff to coordinate the contracting process and other elements of the FIT Plus relationship. Once you submit a FIT Plus application to MCE, an MCE staff member will work with you through the FIT process.
As the organization responsible for distribution system planning, maintenance, and safety, PG&E is responsible for overseeing small generator interconnection. Eligible generators must follow PG&E’s prescribed small generator interconnection procedures, which can be reviewed on the PG&E website. Please note: FIT Plus applications can only be approved after the project/project developer receives an executed interconnection agreement from PG&E.
Yes. As soon as prospective development sites are identified, project developers are encouraged to contact local permitting authorities (e.g., the city/town/county planning department at your project(s) location). It is critically important to coordinate with local planning authorities to ensure the identification of applicable permitting requirements, potential environmental reviews, and other considerations that may impact project development schedules, costs, and resource commitments. While MCE’s Board includes local elected representatives, MCE’s operating and decision making authority do not cover such matters.
Please note: FIT Plus applications can only be approved (creating eligibility for contract execution by MCE) after the project receives a conditional use permit, Notice of Determination, or a demonstrated clear path from the local planning agency. Therefore, prospective FIT Plus participants are strongly encouraged to contact local planning authorities/agencies at their earliest opportunity to avoid development setbacks.
An eligible renewable generation resource is defined as an electric generating facility meeting the California Renewables Portfolio Standard eligibility requirements described in the California Energy Commissions’ Renewables Portfolio Standard Guidebook.
The project cost depends on the system type and size. The rule of thumb on the space requirements for an installation is approximately 200 square feet per kW. For help with feasibility assessments, please contact us at FIT@mceCleanEnergy.org.
Resources
FIT Plus Tariff (pdf)
FIT Plus Application (pdf)