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Discover the Power of Solar Energy in California!

Welcome to California, a state known for its diverse landscapes, from beautiful coastlines to expansive deserts, and its leading role in the solar energy movement. California?s abundant sunshine throughout the year makes it an ideal location for solar power generation, placing it at the forefront of renewable energy initiatives. This abundant sunlight offers a compelling opportunity for homeowners and businesses to invest in clean, renewable energy. With robust incentives designed to lessen the upfront investment and a strong community commitment to sustainability, California is steering towards a solar-powered future. Learn how tapping into California?s vast solar potential can illuminate your home, significantly reduce energy costs, and contribute to a more sustainable environment in the Golden State. Join us in harnessing the sun?s infinite energy and step into a brighter, more eco-friendly future in California.

Solar State Incentives

California State Solar Incentives

LADWP - Feed-in Tariff (FiT) Program
LADWP's Feed-in Tariff program buys energy from solar and non-PV technologies for up to 20 years, with kWh prices varying by project capacity.
Renewable Market Adjusting Tariff (ReMAT)
California's Renewable Market Adjusting Tariff (ReMAT) programme, which aids utilities in meeting the state's renewable portfolio standard, is currently not accepting or approving new contracts due to allegations of violating the Supremacy Clause of the US Constitution.
City of Los Angeles - Green Building Retrofit Requirement
LA's Green Building Retrofit Ordinance mandates retrofitting of city-owned buildings larger than 7,500 sq ft or built before 1978, aiming for LEED Silver certification.
Marin County - Solar Easement and Access Laws
Marin County's Energy Conservation Code mandates new subdivisions to provide for potential passive heating or cooling, through orienting buildings east to west.
City of San Diego - Sustainable Building Policy
San Diego's Sustainable Building Policy mandates LEED "Silver" Level Certification for city-owned buildings, net zero emissions via energy efficiency measures, and the use of energy-efficient equipment.
Enhanced Community Renewables Program
Enhanced Community Renewables Program lets customers buy a share of a community renewable energy project and receive a bill credit. Program cap is 600 MW.
San Bernardino County - Solar Energy Development Standards
San Bernardino County Solar Energy Development Standards detail the establishment, maintenance, and decommissioning of solar facilities, including setback, glare, and night lighting regulations. It also outlines required fees and permits.
City of Fresno - Installation of Solar Energy Systems in Construction of New City-owned Buildings
Fresno mandates solar energy system designs for new city-owned buildings over 7500 sq ft, with certain exceptions for funding and other renewable sources.
LADWP - Feed-in Tariff (FiT) Program
LADWP's Feed-in Tariff program buys energy from solar and non-PV technologies for up to 20 years, with prices per kWh varying based on project capacity.
Renewable Market Adjusting Tariff (ReMAT)
The US District Court declared that the Re-MAT program violated the US Constitution by placing limits on utility obligations to purchase power and establishing a different purchase price. New Re-MAT contracts are on hold.
City of Sebastopol - Mandatory Solar Requirement for Residential and Commercial Buildings
Sebastopol became the second US city to mandate photovoltaic installation on new buildings in 2013. The law applies to new commercial and residential buildings and certain additions and remodels.
City of Lancaster - Mandatory Solar Requirement for New Homes
Lancaster became the first U.S. city to mandate photovoltaics on new homes in 2013, with specific system sizes varying by zone and lot type.
Partial Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Agricultural Solar Power Facilities
California's state sales and use tax partially exempts farm equipment, including PV systems used to power such machinery, subject to specific conditions.
Statewide Solar Permitting Standards
A.B. 1132 extends the expiration date for permit fee limits for solar systems to 2023. The fees are based on system size, not property value. Expedited permitting is also available.
CaliforniaFIRST
In 2010, the FHFA directed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac against purchasing mortgages with a PACE lien. CaliforniaFIRST is a PACE financing program for residential properties.
Western Riverside Council of Governments - Home Energy Renovation Opportunity (HERO) Financing Program
WRCOG offers the HERO Program for homeowners to finance energy and water efficiency projects through property tax assessments. Only qualifying products are eligible.
Energy Efficiency Financing for Public Sector Projects
California Energy Commission offers low-interest loans to public entities for energy efficiency projects. Loan amounts range up to $3M, with terms based on estimated energy cost savings.
Santa Clara County - Green Building Policy for County Government Buildings
Santa Clara County mandates LEED Silver standards for new buildings over 5,000 sq ft and encourages use of renewable energy systems where feasible.
Santa Clara County - Zoning Ordinance
Santa Clara County zoning laws include regulations for commercial and residential wind and solar structures, focusing on setbacks, visual impact, noise, and safety measures.
San Diego County - Design Standards for County Facilities
San Diego County mandates LEED certification for new and major renovated facilities, exceeding California Energy Code Title 24 by at least 20%.
LADWP - Net Metering
LADWP offers net metering for customer's renewable energy systems up to 1MW. Excess energy credits reduce future bills, but can't offset taxes or charges.
City of San Diego - Sustainable Building Expedited Permit Program
San Diego offers expedited permitting for sustainable buildings under Resolution R-298001. The process takes 50% less time, with priority given to certain projects.
Homebuyer Solar Option and Solar Offset Program
California's Senate Bill 1 mandates home sellers to offer a solar energy system option to buyers and disclose associated costs and benefits.
City of Los Angeles - Green Building Retrofit Requirement
Los Angeles' Green Building Retrofit Ordinance mandates city-owned buildings over 7,500 sq ft or built before 1978 to achieve LEED Silver certification or higher.
Marin Clean Energy - Feed-In Tariff
Under the authority of Assembly Bill 117, Marin Clean Energy was launched in 2010 as California's first community choice aggregator. It sources renewable energy and offers a feed-in tariff for local renewable energy systems.
City of San Francisco - GreenFinanceSF
GreenFinanceSF is a commercial property financing program that aids in energy and water efficiency improvements through a special tax lien. The property owner negotiates terms with lenders.
Sales and Use Tax Exclusion for Advanced Transportation and Alternative Energy Manufacturing Program
SB 71 program offers tax exclusions for projects on property utilized for advanced transportation and alternative energy source production, administered by CAEATFA till 2025.
Local Option - Municipal Energy Districts
California's Property-Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing allows property owners to borrow funds for energy improvements, to be repaid via property assessments. Restrictions apply, details at PACENation.
Sonoma County Energy Independence Program (SCEIP)
Sonoma County's Energy Independence Program offers PACE financing for energy efficiency and conservation projects, with repayment through property tax bills.
City of San Francisco - Green Building Code
San Francisco's 2008 green building code mandates strict guidelines for new residential and commercial constructions to promote energy efficiency.
City of Berkeley - Green Building Standards for City Owned and Operated Projects
Berkeley City Council mandated LEED certification for all city-sponsored building projects from 2004, with a minimum LEED Silver rating required from 2006 onwards.
SMUD - Commercial Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
SMUD provides four rebate programs for commercial customers to enhance energy efficiency. The programs cater to different project needs and sizes.
LADWP - Non-Residential Energy Efficiency Incentive Program
LA's Department of Water and Power offers incentives for non-residential energy saving measures via programs like TAP, WCRP, SOLP, SIA, and CPP.
Building Energy Code and Solar Requirement
California's Building Standards Commission is responsible for the state's building standards, including the voluntary green building code, CALGreen. New homes must now install solar panels.
Green Building Action Plan for State Facilities
California's Green Building Action Plan, established in 2004, targets energy performance with goals for zero net energy in state buildings and promoting the use of renewable energy.
SoCalGas - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Programs
SoCalGas offers cash rebates for energy-efficient home upgrades including Energy Star appliances, insulation, and more. Funds are first-come, first-served.
California Energy Design Assistance (CEDA)
California Energy Design Assistance program offers energy efficiency resources for new construction and major alterations in commercial and public spaces across California.
California Solar Rights Act
The Solar Rights Act restricts HOAs and public entities from limiting solar energy system installation, with reasonable restrictions that don't significantly increase cost or decrease efficiency. Violations can result in penalties.
Marin County - Solar Easement and Access Laws
Marin County's Energy Conservation Code mandates new subdivisions to support passive heating or cooling. Design must facilitate solar access.
San Diego County - Solar Zoning Regulations
San Diego County establishes zoning guidelines for solar electric systems, permitting onsite consumption in all zones and offsite power generation on land under 10 acres with administrative permit.
City of Sebastopol - Solar Access
Sebastopol City can demand solar easements in property subdivisions to ensure solar access, subject to zoning laws. Restrictions on interfering buildings and vegetation apply.
City of Santa Cruz - Solar Access Ordinance
Santa Cruz mandates solar access preservation in development plans, encourages use of natural elements, and requires energy-efficient systems.
San Diego County - Green Building Program
San Diego County's Green Building Incentive Program promotes eco-friendly construction by offering reduced permit fees and expedited plan checks for qualifying projects.
City of Oakland - Solar Access Ordinance
Oakland's municipal codes detail solar access protections for properties adjacent to new developments, including floor area ratio limits and conditional use permit criteria.
Renewables Portfolio Standard
California's Renewables Portfolio Standard mandates 60% of retail sales from renewable energy by 2030, with a goal of 100% by 2045. Noncompliance penalties will be enforced by the CPUC.
Interconnection Standards
In 2012, the California Public Utilities Commission approved a redesign of Rule 21, affecting systems connecting to investor-owned utility grids. The rule establishes screening processes, timelines, and various fees for the interconnection process.
Property Tax Exclusion for Solar Energy Systems and Solar Plus Storage System
California offers property tax exclusions for certain solar energy systems installed by owner-builders in new constructions until Dec 31, 2024.
Self-Generation Incentive Program
The Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) offers incentives to customers who produce electricity with renewable sources. Program extended to 2026.
Public Benefits Funds for Renewables and Efficiency
California's Electric Program Investment Charge Program (EPIC) invests over $130m annually into renewable energy research, benefiting communities and businesses.
Solar Contractor Licensing
The California Contractors State License Board issues C-46 Solar Contractor licenses that cover solar heating and photovoltaic systems, with requirements including experience and exams.
Net Metering / Net Billing
CPUC is phasing out Net Energy Metering (NEM 2.0) tariff, replacing it with a new net billing tariff. Applications from April 15, 2023, will only be eligible for the new tariff.
City of San Diego - Development Regulations
San Diego's Supplemental Development Regulations mandate a "Shadow Plan" for new developments to minimize impact on neighbors' solar exposure.
City of Sacramento - Solar Access Regulations
Sacramento City Code ensures solar access consideration in residential tree planting and exempts the city from the Solar Shade Control Act.
City of San Diego - Sustainable Building Policy
San Diego's sustainable building policy mandates LEED 'Silver' certification for city-owned projects and net-zero emissions by 2035. Energy-efficient equipment purchases are also required.
Santa Clara Water & Sewer - Solar Water Heating Program
Santa Clara established a municipal solar utility in 1975, providing solar water heating systems for residents and businesses, also renting solar equipment.

Federal Solar Incentives

USDA - Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Grants
REAP, administered by USDA, provides financial aid to small rural businesses and agricultural producers for sustainable energy projects. Grants cover 25% of the project cost, up to $25 million.
Interconnection Standards for Small Generators
New FERC order mandates small generators under 20 MW to maintain operation during abnormal frequency and voltage events, enhancing interconnection efficiency.
USDA - Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Loan Guarantees
The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) supports agricultural producers and rural businesses in the US by providing financial aid for renewable energy projects and energy efficiency improvements.
Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREBs)
Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREBs) were used by public entities to fund renewable energy projects. They were repealed in 2017.
Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds (QECBs)
Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds (QECBs) financed energy projects by local governments. Discontinued in 2018, they offered tax credits as interest to bondholders.
Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs - Funding Opportunities
The DOE's Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs aids tribes in attaining energy self-sufficiency and economic growth through renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.
Fannie Mae Green Financing – Loan Program
Fannie Mae's Green Financing offers loans for multifamily properties aiming for energy and water efficiency improvements. Eligible properties can access favorable rates and additional loan proceeds.
Energy-Efficient Mortgages
Energy efficient mortgages (EEM) allow homeowners to finance energy-saving renovations or purchase new energy-efficient homes. These loans, insured by the U.S. government, aim to promote energy efficiency.
Green Power Purchasing Goal for Federal Government
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 set a goal for federal buildings to use 7.5% renewable energy by 2013. This target was increased to 30% by 2025 but later rescinded in 2018.
USDA - High Energy Cost Grant Program
USDA's grant program, enhancing energy generation in rural areas, concluded its latest application period on July 6, 2021. Updates can be found on the program website.
Residential Energy Conservation Subsidy Exclusion (Personal)
US law exempts energy conservation subsidies provided by utilities from taxation but requires adjustments for federal tax credits. IRS guidance on solar rebates is unclear.
Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
H.R. 5376 extends tax credit for energy storage systems and excludes biomass heaters, with credit amounts varying by technology type and installation date.
U.S. Department of Energy - Loan Guarantee Program
The Inflation Reduction Act has allocated $11.7 billion to the LPO for new loans, boosting loan authority by $100 billion, and setting up the Energy Infrastructure Reinvestment Program.
Business Energy Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 updates the federal Business Energy Investment Tax Credit, introducing new eligibility criteria, bonus credits, and transitions the tax credit to a new section.
Renewable Electricity Production Tax Credit (PTC)
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 introduces changes to the federal renewable electricity production tax credit, introducing new bonus credits and eligibility criteria.
Residential Energy Conservation Subsidy Exclusion (Corporate)
U.S. energy conservation subsidies provided by public utilities are tax-exempt, but this does not extend to certain electricity-generating systems. Tax credits can't be claimed for unsubsidized expenses.
Modified Accelerated Cost-Recovery System (MACRS)
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 allows 100% depreciation for qualified assets, impacting renewable energy technologies. MACRS classifies these technologies for depreciation purposes.
Energy and Emissions Goals and Standards for Federal Government
President Biden's Executive Order 14057 sets ambitious sustainability goals for the US, including 100% carbon-free electricity by 2030 and a fully zero-emission federal fleet by 2035.