California
Energy Tax Credits
and Incentives

The state of California recognized the importance of clean energy supply and grants California energy tax credits. The following is a list of available tax credits and incentives currently provided by the State and by the utilities

• Photovoltaic Solar Power for Existing Homes Expected Performance Based incentive, for systems with capacity less than 50 kW (the planned capacity for a typical home is 2-4kW) the incentive is $2.5/W AC. The incentive will gradually decreased as the aggregate capacity of solar grows (earlier birds enjoy higher incentives). The system must be grid-tied, the equipment must carry at least 10 years warranty and be installed by a licensed Californian contractor.
• Solar Water Heating Based on estimated performance direct incentive with a upper limit $1,500, $15/sq ft for open loop systems, $20/sq ft for closed loop systems see solar heaters types
• New Homes The incentive is $2.5/watt, home must be grid connected, incentive is based on expected performance.
  See my page on Zero Energy Home
• Property Tax Solar systems' cost can be excluded from the property evaluation . You may contact your county assessor office for more details
• California utilities might debate part of your investment. Contact your utility to find out what incentives they have in place for solar power generation systems and how much they pay for electricity you sell them

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