2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Altadena, CA - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Altadena.
You'll learn about:
- Local & State Solar Incentives
- Federal Tax Credits (Updated for 2023 and beyond)
- Ways to optimize your solar investment
Solar installers are experts in maximizing your solar tax credits and rebates.
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Updated May 04, 2023
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What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Altadena?
Property Tax Exclusion for Solar Energy Systems and Solar Plus Storage System
Western Riverside Council of Governments - Home Energy Renovation Opportunity (HERO) Financing Program
Minimum financing: $5,000
The financing may not exceed fifteen percent (15%) of the market value of the property, up to the first seven hundred thousand dollars ($700,000) of the property’s market value, and ten percent (10%) of the remaining value of the Property above seven hundred thousand dollars ($700,000) minus any PACE assessment on the property The total amount of any annual property taxes and assessments shall not exceed five percent (5%) of the property's fair market value, determined at the time program financing is approved.
Local Option - Municipal Energy Districts
Self-Generation Incentive Program
Incentives will step down over time. See below for incentive amounts.
Renewable Market Adjusting Tariff (ReMAT)
LADWP - Feed-in Tariff (FiT) Program
Base price will step down over time as certain MW goals are met
California Solar Initiative - Solar Thermal Program
Single Family Residential Incentives:
Systems that displace natural gas: $29.85 per estimated therm displaced
Systems that displace electricity or propane: Funding has been exhausted
Commercial/Multifamily Incentives:
Systems that displace natural gas: $20.19 per estimated therm displaced
Systems that displace electricity or propane: $0.42 per estimated kWh displaced *** Note, funding has been exhausted in this category for SCE and PG&E
Solar Pool heating: $5.00 per estimated therm displaced
Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/
Solar incentives encourage homeowners to make the switch to renewable energy by providing incentives that lower the financial burden of solar panel installation and use. You may qualify for various kinds of incentives, including cash back, discounts or monthly utility bill credits, depending on your situation. Certain incentives come from your specific utility company, county or municipality, some from the California government and others from the federal government. Types of solar incentives might include:
- Tax Exemptions: These might come in the form of property tax exemptions, which allow you to ignore the value added by your solar panels when paying property tax on your home. You may also qualify for an exemption on sales tax at the time of purchase.
- Net Metering: Make sure you speak to your Altadena utility company about signing a net metering contract. This allows you to get a credit towards your monthly utility bill for the value of excess energy generated by your solar panels. You may receive either a dollar-for-dollar credit or a percentage of the value.
- Tax Credits: Tax credits reduce, dollar-for-dollar, the total amount of tax you owe the federal government. These differ from tax deductions.
- Rebates: Rebates, or partial refunds after a purchase, are normally given before any solar tax credits are calculated. Solar rebates may be provided by your local utility company, by your county or by your state.
- Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC): SRECs and similar performance-based incentives are normally handled by your state government. Once your solar system meets the threshold (usually a small amount of energy production), you can receive SRECs that you can then sell to your utility company or other buyers. The money you receive is generally considered part of your taxable income.
Federal Solar Incentives
When someone says "solar incentives," you likely think of federal incentives first. The solar incentive that you're most familiar with is probably the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which provides a credit on your taxes equal to a specified percentage of your solar system's cost.
The ITC applies to solar panels installed after January 1, 2006 on a primary or secondary residence that you own in the United States. Initially, the credit applied to 30% of the total cost — for panels, equipment, accessories and labor — although it may range from 26-30%, depending on when your solar project was undertaken. There is no cap on the amount you can claim.
To understand exactly how much the ITC could save you, get in touch with your local Altadena solar panel installation expert.
The ITC has been renewed and expanded following the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act in August 2022. It's also now called the Clean Energy Credit. For solar system installations that begin after January 1, 2022 and are completed by the end of 2032, homeowners may be eligible for a credit for 30% of the total cost. This percentage will decrease annually after 2032 until the Clean Energy Credit expires in 2035. The program expansion also makes claiming credit for energy storage systems easier than ever before, beginning in 2023.
More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. Your local Altadena solar panel installation expert is the best person to answer your questions regarding the new Clean Energy Credit and how it may apply to you.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Some solar incentives are often also provided at the state and local level. As with federal incentives, these can include tax credits, rebates and more. Incentives might be provided by your county or municipality, or by the state of California. Some incentives might only be available for a limited time, while others are ongoing.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Altadena
The large number of available solar incentives has enormously increased the nationwide adoption of solar energy over the last 15 years. You can get solar incentives from the federal government, the California government or from your local utility company. If you're ready to make the switch to solar energy, calling your local Altadena solar panel installation expert is an excellent place to start.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Altadena, CA Solar Incentives FAQs
How do I know if I qualify for certain solar incentives?
It's best to speak with your local Altadena solar installer to get an understanding of which incentives your project may qualify for. Usually, solar incentives apply to new solar panel systems installed on a property you own (in the U.S.) within a specified date range. Some incentives, like those offered by the government of California, may have additional requirements.
What are the highest-rated solar panel installation companies near me?
To learn about the best solar panel installers near you, read our article on the best solar companies in Altadena.
When does the federal solar tax credit end?
The Clean Energy Credit (formerly named the federal solar tax credit, or ITC), is slated to end on January 1, 2035. Currently set at 30%, the credit will drop to 26% in 2033 and to 22% in 2034.
Can I qualify for incentives both towards the up-front cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?
The order that incentives will be applied in might vary depending on which incentives you are eligible for but in most cases yes, you can receive multiple types of incentives for your solar project. Talk with your solar installer or a local tax professional to confirm you are claiming all possible incentives and applying them in the correct order.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Solar incentive research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.