powerclerk update-december 2009

California Solar Initiative

California Solar Initiative:PowerClerk Updates: Attach, Submit, Done Presented by Robert Chan, Pacific Gas & Electric CompanyDecember 21, 2009

California Solar InitiativeWebinar Topics

1. PowerClerk Features (Coming January 2010)• Document Attachment

• Overview• Status

• Data Upload• Overview• Status

2. Future Paperless Application Submittal Process• Current Submittal Process• Future Submittal Process• Remove Excel Version of Forms• New Reservation Request Signature Forms

3. Q&A

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Future Paperless Submittal Processwith Document Attachment

Reduces Carbon Footprint of the program• Print to PDF instead of printing hardcopies• Eliminates shipping documents from one location to another

-> Lowers Fuel Consumption

Create efficiencies and reduce costs• Further improves turnaround time• Eliminate postage cost• Reduce administrative costs for preparing mail• Eliminate duplicate data entry from Excel Forms

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California Solar InitiativePowerClerk Document Attachment

Paperwork Attachment Panel Screenshot


Required Documents

Other Documents


Paperwork Attachment Panel Screenshot


Sample Coversheet for Submitting Documents via Postal Mail

California Solar InitiativeDocument Attachment Status

1. Testing by volunteers from the Solar Community (Completed 12/4/09)• “Looks really good – I think this is going to be an improvement and a

timesaver for both parties.”• “This is going to be a real time saver and make use of our electronic file

storage system.”• “It seems to be working great.”

2. Testing by Program Administrators (On-going)• Identified opportunities to refine the required document list• Developers are incorporating the Program Administrator comments• Program Administrators are re-testing

3. Release date: Early January 2010

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PowerClerk Data Upload FeatureWhat is it?

• Allows external software programs to upload application data to populate CSI Reservation Request Forms

If you answer yes to the question below, this may pertain to you• Do you enter information for your solar installations in a separate

software program outside of PowerClerk?

Purpose• Uploads the data from your software program into PowerClerk• Eliminates duplicate entry of data already stored somewhere else

Is it mandatory?• No, this is completely voluntary

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California Solar InitiativeData Upload Status

1. Development by 3rd Party Developers (Ongoing)2. Enrollment for new 3rd Party Developers (Ongoing)

• 3rd Party Developers can participate any time3. Release date: Will be released with Document Attachment in early

January 2010

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PowerClerk Data Upload FeatureWhat is currently available?

• API Document• Draft XML Schema• Test Environment for API available Tuesday, September 15th

How do I get started?• Have your programmer contact your Program Administrator• PG&E’s - Robert Chan, [email protected]• CCSE – Katrina Perez, [email protected]• SCE - [email protected]

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California Solar InitiativeReview Current Submittal Process

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5. Program Administrator Enters Application into PowerClerk

5. Program Administrator Begins Review


4. Program Administrators receives application

3. Mail documentation

2. Prepare supporting documentation

1. Fill-out CSI forms

Excel PowerClerk

Opportunities for improvement

California Solar InitiativeFuture Paperless Submittal Process

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5. Program Administrator Enters Application into PowerClerk



4. Program Administrators receives application

3. Mail documentation

2. Prepare supporting documentation

1. Fill-out CSI forms

Excel PowerClerk

Removal of Excel Forms January 2010

California Solar InitiativeRemoval of Excel Version of Forms

When• 1st Qtr 2010

Purpose• Simplify application process by having a single

starting point with PowerClerk• PowerClerk will have the most up to date forms

California Solar InitiativeNew Reservation Request Signature Page

Purpose• Based on feedback from solar community• Provide Solar Contractors a readily available sheet to bring on visits to

eliminate an extra visit

Description• Contains customer, system, and site information that requires the Host

Customer and System Owner to sign

How will it be used• Reservation Request Signature Page is signed• PowerClerk Reservation Request Application is completed• Reservation Request Signature Page and other required documents is

submitted via PowerClerk Electronic Attachment or postal mail

California Solar InitiativeFuture Process Flow w/ Document Attachment

California Solar InitiativeImportant Dates

Document Attachment Feature • Launch early January 2010

Data Upload Feature• Launch early January 2010• 3rd Party Developer Enrollment (ongoing)

Removal of Excel Based Forms• 1st Qtr 2010


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Questions and Feedback?

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