Your Guide to California Energy-Efficient Home Incentives in 2022
California ranks first in the nation for its solar power generation, thanks in large part to the robust incentives, tax credits, and rebates available to its residents. Regardless of where you live in California, there are a few solar incentives and savings benefits for you. Keep reading to learn how to get the most out of your investment in clean energy.
Comfortably CA
Comfortably CA is a statewide energy efficiency program serving HVAC distributors with incentives for specified high-efficiency residential and commercial heating and cooling equipment. The program offers incentives to distributors and retailers for selling high-efficiency HVAC equipment and provides no-cost training to contractors and technicians. Together, we’re helping California feel good, while participating businesses "outcomfort" the competition.
Midstream Water Heating Program
The Statewide Midstream Water Heating Program is a statewide energy efficiency program serving expert distributors who receive incentives and program support for offering attractive point-of-sale water heating rebates to eligible commercial customers of SoCalGas®, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E®), Southern California Edison Company (SCE®), and San Diego Gas & Electric Company (SDG&E®).
Point of Sale Food Service
The Instant Rebates Program is a statewide energy efficiency program that allows Commercial Foodservice (CFS) equipment dealers to offer rebates as a discount at the point-of-sale to commercial customers of the applicable IOU on qualifying high-efficiency natural gas and/or electric kitchen equipment. The program is sponsored by the California Investor-Owned Utilities (IOUs) and will be implemented by SoCalGas’ authorized contractor, Energy Solutions. The California IOUs are SoCalGas, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), Southern California Edison Company (SCE), and San Diego Gas & Electric Company (SDG&E).
Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit
Most California residents are eligible to receive the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit—also known as the ITC. Enacted in 2005 by the Energy Policy Act, the ITC originally covered up to 26% of the cost of installing a solar panel system.
The ITC currently allows you to deduct up to 26% of the cost of your solar power system from your federal taxes. Think of the ITC as a coupon from the federal government offering 26% off your home solar installation.
Disadvantaged Communities Single-Family Affordable Solar Homes (DAC-SASH) Program
To increase the adoption of renewable energy in disadvantaged communities, California created the Disadvantaged Communities Single-family Affordable Solar Homes. Also known as DAC-SASH, this state program provides qualified homeowners with fixed, upfront, capacity-based incentives that can help offset the cost of a solar energy system.
The DAC-SASH program offers up to $3 per watt to eligible homeowners.
Solar Energy System Property Tax Exclusion
In California, people who install a solar- or wind-powered device to produce energy for their residence or place of business are entitled to an exemption for the amount of value the device contributes to their property. This essentially means anyone who installs solar panels or other solar-powered devices on their property is exempt from paying property taxes equivalent to the property value increase as a result of adding said system until 2025.
It’s a win-win: your solar system could increase the value of your home and you don’t have to pay property taxes on it. This incentive is a great benefit, especially for people who require a larger system to offset their electricity usage.
Net Metering Programs
Customers who install solar panels on their homes are eligible for the state of California’s net metering program. Net energy metering (NEM) is a billing mechanism where utility companies provide credits to homeowners for the extra electricity their solar panels generate and add to the electricity grid.
With net metering, you’re only billed your net usage: The difference between the total energy your solar system produces and the total energy your home consumes. Net metering is available in the three large investor-owned utility companies in California
Waterscape Rebate Program
When you harvest and reuse your rainwater for irrigation, you can keep your outdoor space looking fantastic — and save money doing it. There are plenty of beautiful, efficient ways to save rainwater. Rebates depend on the rain-saving options you choose - rain-saving to yard, garden, containers, gutters.