Incentives

The California Solar Initiative (CSI) is the solar rebate program for California consumers that are customers of the investor-owned utilities - Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), Southern California Edison (SCE), San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E). Together with the rebate program for New Solar Homes and rebate programs offered through the dozens of publicly owned utilities in the state - the CSI program is a key component of the Go Solar California campaign for California.

The current CSI rebate for solar PV is $0.20/watt CSI AC rating and is paid after commissioning.  For a nominal residential 4kW system, the rebate can be up to $700. 

The current CSI rebate for solar hot water heating can reach to $2719 for natural gas water heating replacement and up to $1834 for electric water heating replacement.

Energy Upgrade California is your one-stop-shop for home improvement projects that lower your energy use, conserve water and natural resources, and make your home healthier and more comfortable.

Incentives for energy efficiency upgrades come in two levels :

The Basic Upgrade Package includes seven required measures that together can reduce your energy consumption by an average of 10%. The fixed incentive is $1,000.

The Advanced Upgrade Package is a customized solution for your home based on an Energy Assessment. Incentives range from $1,250 - $4,000.

DSIRE is a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility and federal incentives and policies that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency. This is the best resource for the Federal ITC incentive.  Established in 1995 and funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, DSIRE is an ongoing project of the N.C. Solar Center and the Interstate Renewable Energy Council.

The Personal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is the federal 30% tax credit applicable to solar PV and solar hot water heating systems and is applied after the state and local rebates.