California Solar Incentives: Understanding Your Clean Energy Options
Unlock huge savings on your energy bills with California’s top solar programs. From rebates to tax benefits, we’ll help you take full advantage of every incentive available.
California Solar Tax Benefits and Rebates
California offers some of the most generous solar incentives in the nation. Whether you're a homeowner or business owner, there are multiple programs designed to make switching to solar more affordable than ever. Here's a closer look at how you can save:
SGIP Program
Get cash rebates for installing energy storage systems like solar batteries. Protect your home during blackouts and save even more with the Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP).
California Net Metering (NEM 3.0)
Earn credits for the extra solar power your system produces. Net metering lets you offset your energy costs year-round and maximize the value of your system
California Solar Rebates
Take advantage of local utility rebates that can significantly lower your upfront solar installation costs. Programs vary by region, but savings opportunities are still strong in 2025.
California Solar Tax Benefits
Benefit from the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and additional California-specific deductions. Homeowners can deduct up to 30% of their total system cost on their federal taxes.
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How to Qualify for California Solar Incentives
Claiming California solar incentives is easier than you might think! At SolarTech, we simplify the entire process so you can focus on saving money and powering your home with clean energy. Here’s how it works:
1) Personalized Consultation
We assess your home and energy needs to match you with the best solar incentives available in California.
2) Seamless Installation
Our certified in-house team installs your system to meet all incentive program requirements. No subcontractors, no stress.
3) Incentive Filing and Savings
We take care of all the paperwork to help you unlock your full rebate, credit, and incentive benefits.
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Ready to Claim Your California Solar Incentives?
Fill out the form below to check your eligibility and start saving today!
Frequently Asked Solar Questions
Contact SolarTech Support
Phone
(619) 743 9193
California residents can take advantage of the federal Residential Clean Energy Credit, which provides a 30% tax credit on the total cost of solar panel systems installed through 2032. This credit applies to equipment, installation, and related expenses — with no maximum limit, making it valuable for systems of any size. To claim it, file IRS Form 5695 with your federal tax return. Note: this is a tax credit, not a rebate, so you’ll need sufficient tax liability to fully benefit.
The SOMAH (Solar on Multifamily Affordable Housing) program offers financial incentives for solar PV installations on qualifying affordable housing buildings. The DAC-SASH (Disadvantaged Communities – Single-Family Affordable Solar Housing) program, managed by GRID Alternatives, provides up to $3/W incentives for 1–5 kW systems. It targets low-income homeowners in disadvantaged communities and can sometimes cover the entire cost of solar installation, resulting in immediate monthly savings.
Yes. California grants a property tax exclusion for solar energy systems. The added value your solar panels bring to your home will not increase your property taxes. This exemption, currently in place through 2024, applies to both residential and commercial systems — including solar electric and thermal setups — and helps maximize your return on investment.
California now operates under Net Billing (NEM 3.0). Under this model, any excess energy your solar system produces is sent to the grid, and you’re credited based on the time and market value of that electricity. Credit rates vary from 5¢ to 25¢ per kWh, depending on the hour. Customers who pair solar with battery storage or meet other criteria can qualify for export rate adders, enhancing their savings potential.
The Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) provides generous rebates for battery installations, especially for those in high fire-risk areas or customers who use medical devices. Rebate amounts depend on the system size, customer type, and funding availability. Battery systems also qualify for the 30% federal tax credit when installed with solar panels. Commercial users benefit additionally from demand charge reductions and time-of-use optimizations. Some local utilities may offer extra rebates as well.