With over 1.8 million solar installations in California, the state has become the largest market for solar electricity in the country. One of the main reasons for its success is the abundance of solar incentives in California.
If you are a homeowner or business owner and are considering solar, then you should know the benefits beyond generating your own power.
Start by learning about the cost of solar panels in California when you take advantage of the following programs.
Federal Solar Tax Credit
One of the first solar incentives you will hear about is the federal tax credit. This is a straightforward exemption that goes toward your taxes each year.
No matter which state you live in, if you install solar, then you can claim 30% of its cost on your federal tax return. There is no claim amount cap.
Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP)
The cost of solar panels in California can be supplemented when you install battery storage on your unit. By storing excess energy you not only ensure that you never go without power but you also get rewarded.
When you join the SGIP program, you will get a one-time cash rebate. The rebate incentive amount depends on the unit's KW generating capacity and the storage capacity per hour.
To qualify for this program you have to:
- Live in the designated area, and
- Be a customer of participating gas and electric companies
Disadvantaged Communities-Single-family Solar Homes (DAC-SASH)
Solar installation in El Cajon can save you money on your energy bills, but not if you can't afford them. Luckily, GRID Alternatives, a non-profit, has partnered with the California Public Utilities Commission to create the DAC-SASH program.
This incentive allows 100% cost coverage for families in geographically or financially disadvantaged locations in California. To qualify, you must be a customer of a participating utility company, live in the 25% most disadvantaged communities or a tribal region, and meet the income requirements.
Equity Resilience Incentives
Similar to DAC-SASH, if you want to find solar companies in El Cajon but can't afford solar installation, then you may qualify for one of the Equity Resilience Incentives.
This incentive is part of the SGIP program which helps people who are in the following categories:
- Households with low incomes
- High-risk fire residents
- People who have had two or more Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) recently
- Buildings that provide services to fire emergencies
Rebate amounts are $850 or $1,000 per kWh.
How to Get the Most Solar Incentives
The best way to get the most solar incentives is to act fast before the incentives expire or diminish. You should also use a qualified solar installer like Semper Solaris to help you understand all the incentives available in El Cajon.
Get started without delay by booking an appointment for a free estimate.
