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California Solar Rebates

California Solar Rebates

It is not a coincidence that California has some of the best solar incentives and the most solar installations in the nation. Learn about the California Solar Initiative (CSI) and the incentives available to California residents, businesses and communities.

Solar Power in California

The amount of energy generated by solar panels in Solar Power in California will vary by region and micro-climate based on the AVERAGE SOLAR HOURS PER DAY. Refer to the Solar Power in California solar resources map below or use this quick reference.

  • Northern Coast - Eureka - 4.5 SUNNY HOURS PER DAY
  • NorCal Inland - Sacremento, Chico, Redding, Mt Shasta - 6 to 6.5 SUNNY HOURS PER DAY
  • SF Bay - 4.8 TO 5.5 SUNNY HOURS PER DAY
  • San Joaquin Central Valley - Stockton, Tulare, Porterville, Modesto, Turlock, Merced, Fresno, Visalia, Bakersfield, Clovis - 5.5 to 6.5 SUNNY HOURS PER DAY
  • Inland Empire - Riverside, Palm Springs - 6 to 7 SUNNY HOURS PER DAY
  • Socal Coast - Santa Barbrara, Los Angeles, Long Beach, Oceanside, San Diego - 5.5 to 6.5 SUNNY HOURS PER DAY
  • Desert South - 7 to 8 sunny hours per day

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UPDATED INFORMATION COMING SOON

First, start with this California rebate summary.

Rebate Type Amount
Solar Power Installation Rebate Expired, varies by utility
Property Tax Exclusion 100% of system value excluded from property tax for 10 years
Local Rebates San Francisco: $3,000 to $6,000; Marin County: up to $500
Local Utility Solar Panel and Energy Efficiency Rebate Programs See links below

Here are the details about the California Solar Power Installation Rebate Program.

Incentive Type: Self-Generation Incentive Program SGIP
Eligible Technologies: Renewable Energy technology eligible includes solar panels, photovoltaics, grid-tie, off-grid, Space Heat, Solar Thermal Electric, Solar Thermal Process Heat. Does NOT include solar pool heating or water heating.
Applicable Sectors: Residential, Commercial, Industrial, 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 industry 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 minimum 10-year warranty. PV modules must be UL 1703-certified Inverters must be UL 1741-certified, and tested by the California Energy Commission
Installation Requirements: Systems must be installed by appropriately licensed California contractors, preferably a solar contractor. Installer certification by NABCEP is recommended.
Program Budget: $3.2 billion over 10 years; ends 2016.
Energy Credits: Ownership of Renewable energy credits remain with customer.