Rebates & Incentives for Solar Electric Systems
There are many benefits to solar power, including both public and private subsidies, energy independence and a reduction of dangerous emissions from power generated by fossil fuels. The sun produces the cleanest energy available and is an abundant, renewal source.
Solar electric power delivers its greatest financial benefit during peak periods, when electric supplies generated from utilities are limited and electric rates are at their highest price.
| Energy Tax Credits |
| Specific federal and state tax laws allow companies to credit a portion of the purchase price of solar electric power systems against their annual tax payment. |
The California Solar Initiative - CSI
As part of the Million Solar Roofs Program, California has set a goal to create 3,000 megawatts of new, solar-produced electricity by 2017.
Through the California Solar Initiative, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) provides incentives over the next decade for existing new and exisiting commercial, industrial, and agricultural properties.
The goal of the Million Solar Roofs Program is to help build a self-sustaining photovoltaic, solar electricity market. The current program does not fund solar hot water systems.
The California Solar Initiative Offers:
- Photovoltaic incentives starting at $2.50 per watt for systems up to one megawatt in size.
- For systems greater than one megawatt, there is a pay-for-performance incentive structure to reward high-performing solar projects.
California Solar Photovoltaic Rebates
| Expected Performance-Based Buydown (EPBB) |
| The EPBB program provides a one-time rebate payment based on the expected energy production of solar photovoltaic systems that are less than 100 kilowatts. |
| Performance-Based Incentives (PBI) |
| The PBI program provides a monthly rebate payment over a 5-year period for solar photovoltaic systems that are equal to or greater than 100 kilowatts. This rebate is based on the actual production of the solar photovoltaic system and results in a larger total rebate than the EPBB rebate program. |
| Renewable Energy Credits |
| Where available, Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) occur in areas based on the production of clean power. Many utilities are required to buy a specific number of RECs from clean power generators to meet state mandated Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS), or RECs may be traded on the open market to willing buyers. |
Links to Regional-specific Public Policies
Greenline Energy works closely with Regional Utilities and Public Policy Agencies to apply for and reserve solar electric power incentives for our customers.
| Federal |
| www.dsireusa.org - a comprehensive source of information on U.S. state, local, utility, and selected federal incentives that promote renewable energy. |
| www.seia.org - The Solar Energy Industry Association's comprehensive overview of US public policy trends from the Solar |
| California |
| www.consumerenergycenter.org/erprebate - CA Consumer Energy Center |
| www.cpuc.ca.gov/static/energy/solar – California Solar Initiative |
