The current residential (retrofit- not new- either a remodel or pre existing home) home rebate is at $2.20 (SCE) and $1.90 (PG&E) per installed watt. Typically this covers approximately 25% of the cost of a PV system. The rebate program is divided into three main geographical areas:

PG&E, SCE and the utility for the San Diego area(CCSE). Currently SunPacific Solar Electric is focusing our attention on PG&E and SCE territories to better serve our clients.

The rebates are designed to go down over time as the number of systems that are installed reach certain thresholds of watts installed. The program has set up a "trigger tracker' so that the rebate quantities and levels can be tracked.

Commercial rebates:

The current commercial rebate levels are set at $1.90 per installed watt in both SCE and PG&E territories. Commercial rebates are currently lower than residential and are decreasing more rapidly due to the projects being larger and the fact that the Federal tax credits that can be combined with accelerated depreciation, make a much more attractive financial payback for commercial PV systems.

Visit the California Solar Initiative to view Statewide Trigger Point Tracker to view the latest incentives available.

Federal tax credits:

Residential:

The current Federal tax credit for a residential system is 30% of the system cost after subtracting the CSI rebate. This tax credit is capped at a maximum of $2,000.00.

This tax credit can be used in the calendar year that the system is installed and if need be, carried over into the next tax year.

Commercial:

Federal tax credits are available for up to 30% of a commercial PV systems cost after the CSI rebate has been subtracted. The 30% tax credit can be substantial and bring the cost of a commercial installation

to a very attractive level.

Commercial PV systems are also eligible for an accelerated 5 year Solar depreciation schedule. The accelerated depreciation added to the CSI rebate and the Federal tax credit make Solar an outstanding investment, easy to purchase and a highly reliable product.