2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Azusa, CA - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Azusa.
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 March 14, 2023
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What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Azusa?
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/
The term "solar incentives" generally refers to financial incentives designed to encourage the adoption and use renewable energy by making the installation and use of solar panels more affordable. Various kinds of incentives, like discounts, cash back or credit towards your monthly utility bill, might be available to you. Some incentives may be provided via the state of California, by your utility company or by county or municipality, while others are federal. Types of solar incentives might include:
- Tax Exemptions: These might come in the form of property tax exemptions, which would allow you to exclude the value of your solar system when calculating the taxes you pay on your home. They may also include exemptions on sales tax at the time of purchase.
- Rebates: Rebates, or cash back after a purchase, are typically given prior to any solar tax credits being calculated. Rebates might be given by your local utility company, by your county or by your state.
- Net Metering: Be sure to speak to your Azusa utility company about signing a net metering contract. This will allow you to get a credit towards your monthly utility bill for the value of excess energy your solar panels generate. You might receive either a dollar-for-dollar credit or a percentage of the value.
- Tax Credits: Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions in the amount of income tax that you owe the federal government. (A tax credit is different from a tax deduction.)
- Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC): SRECs and similar performance-based incentives may be available to you if your solar system produces more than a specified (typically small) amount of electricity. These types of incentives are typically handled at the state level. You can sell your SRECs to your utility company or other buyers, and the money you receive in return is typically considered part of your taxable income.
Federal Solar Incentives
When you think about solar incentives, you probably think of federal incentives first. It's likely that you've heard of the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC. The ITC is a tax credit equal to a predetermined percentage of the money you spend installing solar panels.
The ITC can be applied to solar systems installed after January 1, 2006 and lets you deduct from your taxes a percentage of the total cost of solar panels, equipment, labor and accessories. You can claim this credit for a solar panel system installed on a primary or secondary residence that you own in the United States. The original claim amount was 30% of the total cost, although depending on when the project was completed, your credit may range from 26-30%. There is no maximum amount you can claim.
Speaking with your local Azusa solar panel installer is the best way to learn more about how the ITC may apply to you.
The ITC was renewed and increased in scope after the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act in August 2022. It's also now called the Clean Energy Credit. Homeowners can now receive a credit of 30% of the total costs of solar system installation for projects that began after January 1, 2022 and will be finished by the end of 2032. The percentage will then decrease on a yearly basis until the Clean Energy Credit ends in 2035. Beginning in 2023, it will also be easier to get credits for energy storage systems with the new act.
Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. Your local Azusa solar panel company is the best resource for answering your questions regarding the new Clean Energy Credit and how it may apply to you.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Federal solar incentives are not your only option; rebates, tax credits and more might also be offered at the state and local level. These incentives — which may be given by the state of California, or by your county or municipality — could be offered for only a limited time, or on an ongoing basis.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Azusa
There are many types of solar incentives: those given by the federal government, those given by the California government and those given by local utility companies, to name a few. The use of solar energy has grown tremendously in the last 15 years, thanks to these incentives. If you're ready to make the change to solar energy, talking to your local Azusa solar panel installation expert is a great first step.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Azusa, CA Solar Incentives FAQs
If I already have solar panels, can I still claim incentives?
Your best bet is to talk to someone from the company that installed your solar panels — or speak to a local Azusa solar installer — to clarify which incentives you might qualify for. If your solar panels were installed after January 1, 2022, you likely qualify for the recently increased 30% tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act. Solar systems installed between 2006 and 2021 may qualify for a tax credit of 26-30%.
How much will solar panels save me on my electric bill in Azusa annually?
After adding solar panels to your home in Azusa, you can expect to save approximately $1,334.62 per year, or approximately $25,357.81 over 20 years.
When does the federal solar tax credit end?
The federal solar tax credit, previously called the ITC and now called the Clean Energy Credit, is slated to end on January 1, 2035. The current 30% credit will end in 2032, replaced by a 26% credit in 2033 and a 22% credit in 2034.
If I change out my appliances for ones that can utilize solar energy, are there credits I can claim?
The new Inflation Reduction Act provides multiple incentives that reward homeowners who make eco-friendly upgrades. Some of these incentives include rebates and tax credits for installing new electric appliances. You can find more details about these incentives here.
Can I use a combination of solar and another type of renewable energy to power my home?
Yes, you can use multiple types of renewable energy to power your home — for example, a combination of solar and geothermal. You can also use both renewable energy sources and a non-renewable backup source of energy. Make sure that you discuss your proposed plan with your local Azusa solar installation expert, so that you understand what you'll need and what types of incentives you might or might not qualify for.
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.