Solar and Storage Incentives
CA Self Generation Incentive Program - SGIP
The SGIP offers incentives through budget categories such as the Equity Resiliency, Small Residential, Residential Solar and Storage budgets, etc. Each budget can cover a different percentage of the project cost and has different eligibility criteria.
Applications are currently closed for the budget cycle but are expected to reopen when funding is allocated. sometime between Jan 31st and March 16th 2025. Funds will be extremely limited so get in touch today to see if you qualify and = get your application ready for submission.
SGIP Residential Solar and Storage Equity (RSSE)
This program may cover 100% of the cost of your solar and battery storage installation if you:
Meet 80% of Area Median Income (See Chart Below) AND
Enroll in a demand response program (currently in development)
If you Don’t meet these income requirements, you may still qualify for incentives!
SGIP Equity Resiliency may cover the majority of the cost of the battery if you:
Live in Tier 2 or Tier 3 High Fire-Threat Districts (HFTD) or
Have experienced more than two Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) or
Have experienced five or more Enhanced Powerline Safety Setting (EPPS) outages since 2023 and
Meet one of the following:
Use life-support equipment
Meet income eligibility standards
Rely on an electric well pump for water
Must meet low-income eligibility
Have incentives reserved in the income-qualified solar programs (SASH or DAC-SASH)
Federal Income Tax Rebates
The Federal government is currently offering a 30% income tax credit to homeowners for the installation of a Solar Photovoltaic and/or Energy Storage System. While these credits are authorized through 2034 it possible they may not continue
A tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in the amount of income tax you would otherwise owe. For example, claiming a $1,000 federal tax credit reduces your federal income taxes due by $1,000.
You may be eligible if you meet the following criteria:
Your solar PV system was installed between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2034.
The solar PV system is located at a residence of yours in the United States.
Either:
You own the solar PV system (i.e. purchased it with cash or through financing)
The solar PV system is new or being used for the first time. The credit can only be claimed on the “original installation” of the solar equipment.)
The following expenses are included:
Solar PV panels
Contractor labor costs for onsite preparation, assembly, or original installation, including permitting fees, inspection costs, and developer fees
Balance-of-system equipment, including wiring, inverters, and mounting equipment
Energy storage devices that have a capacity rating of 3 kilowatt-hours (kWh) or greater
Sales taxes on eligible expenses
The tax credit normally does not include any rebates you may have received from your state government or utility company.
Example:
If the total cost of your solar and installation is $25,000 and you received an $8,000 rebate from SGIP.
$25,000 - $8,000 = $17,000
$17,000 x .3 = $5,100
You can claim a $5,100 credit towards your federal income tax liability effectively making the cost of your system is $11,900
If you are unable to claim the full tax credit in a single year you can roll it over to future tax years