California Solar Power Rebates
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| Rebate Type |
Amount |
| Solar Power Installation Rebate |
Approximately 20% of installation cost; $1,900 to $2,200 per kW installed, varies by location |
Property Tax Exclusion |
100% of system value |
| Local Rebate Programs |
San Francisco: $3,000 to $6,000
Marin County: up to $500 |
| Local Utility Solar Power and Energy Efficiency Rebate Programs |
See links below |
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| Incentive Type: |
California Solar Power Rebate Program |
| Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: |
Solar Space Heat, Solar Thermal Electric, Solar Thermal Process Heat, Photovoltaics |
| Applicable Sectors: |
Commercial, Industrial, Residential, Nonprofit, Schools, Local Government, State Government, Fed. Government, Multi-Family Residential, Low-Income Residential, Agricultural, Institutional, (All customers of PG&E, SDG&E, SCE; Bear Valley eligible only for NSHP) |
| Incentive Amount: |
Varies by sector and system size (see below) |
| Equipment Requirements: |
System components must be on the CEC's list of eligible equipment.
Systems must be grid-connected.
Inverters and modules must each carry a 10-year warranty.
PV modules must be UL 1703-certified
Inverters must be UL 1741-certified, and tested by the Energy Commission |
| Installation Requirements: |
Systems must be installed by appropriately licensed California solar contractors
Installer certification by NABCEP is recommended |
| Program Budget: |
$3.2 billion over 10 years |
| Ownership of Renewable Energy Credits: |
Remains with customer |
| Website: |
http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/PUC/energy/solar |
| Effective Date: |
1/1/2008 |
The program is managed by the Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), Southern California Edison (SCE), and the California Center for Sustainable Energy. CSI incentives in 2007 began at $2.50/W AC ($2.500 per kW) for residential and commercial systems. CSI incentive levels will automatically be reduced over the duration of the program in 10 steps based on the aggregate capacity of solar installed. Incentives levels as of 11/1/08 are between $1.90 to $2.20 per Watt. Click here for current incentive levels for each utility. |
Incentives are awarded as a one-time, up-front payment based on expected performance, which is calculated using equipment ratings and installation factors such as geographic location, tilt, orientation and shading. |
| Click here for a fact sheet on the California Solar Initiative. |
California Property Tax Exclusion for Solar Energy Systems
| Incentive Type: |
California Property Tax Exemption for Solar Energy Systems |
| Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: |
Solar Water Heat, Solar Space Heat, Solar Thermal Electric, Solar Thermal Process Heat, Photovoltaics, Solar Mechanical Energy |
| Applicable Sectors: |
Commercial, Industrial, Residential |
| Amount: |
100% of system value |
| Max. Limit: |
None |
| Expiration Date: |
12/31/16 |
| Date Enacted: |
9/28/08 |
Marin County - Solar Rebate Program
The rebate program offered by the Marin County Sustainability Team provides incentives to local residences, businesses and County employees who install solar energy systems. Rebates include $500 for a photovoltaic system, $300 for a solar hot water heater, and $200 for a solar pool heater. To qualify for this rebate, the applicant must live in unincorporated Marin County or be an employee of Marin County. In addition, the applicant must submit an energy efficiency checklist and the systems must meet the minimum qualifications listed on the program website. Forms are available to the public through the county office or by contacting Omar Pena at the Marin County Community Development Agency.
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| The Marin Sustainability Team has developed a series of programs to enhance energy efficiency and conservation in residential, commercial, and community facilities. Please visit their website at www.marinsustainability.org for more information. |
San Francisco - Solar Energy Incentive Program
The City and County of San Francisco, through the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC), are providing rebates to residents and businesses who install photovoltaic (PV) systems on their properties. Systems must be at least one kilowatt (kW) in capacity, and there is no maximum size limit to participate. There are four distinct funding levels for residential installations. First, basic installations of systems are eligible for rebates of $3,000. Residential systems installed by a local installer qualify for a higher incentive of $4,000. Residential installations in lower income and racially diverse neighborhoods considered "environmental justice districts" because of their proximity to industrial sites and major highways are eligible for an even higher incentive of $5,000. Systems installed by individuals trained through the city's workforce development system can receive an incentive of $6,000. |
The San Francisco rebates can be combined with the state-level California Solar Initiative, in addition to the federal tax credit. To simplify the application process, San Francisco will approve any system which qualifies for the California Solar Initiative. |
A list of links for local California utility Solar Rebate Programs and Energy Efficiency Rebate Programs
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