2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Carpinteria, CA - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Carpinteria.
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.
Get a free quote from one of our trusted Carpinteria solar installers to see how much you can save.
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Carpinteria?
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 phrase "solar incentives" broadly refers to financial incentives put in place by solar companies and the government to encourage the adoption and use renewable energy by making solar panels more affordable. Solar incentives could include cash back, upfront discounts or monthly credits towards your utility bill. Some incentives are handled by the federal government, some by the California government and some by your utility company, county or municipality. You might qualify for any of the following types of solar incentives:
- Tax Credits: Unlike tax deductions, tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions in the amount of income tax that you owe the government.
- Tax Exemptions: Your solar panels may qualify for both sales tax and property tax exemptions. Sales tax exemptions come into effect at the time of purchase. Property tax exemptions allow you to exclude the value added by your solar panels when you are calculating property taxes on your home.
- Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC): SRECs and other similar performance-based incentives are usually handled by your state government. Once your solar panel system meets a certain threshold (generally a small amount of energy production), you are eligible to receive SRECs that can then be sold to your utility company or other buyers. The money you receive from the sale is usually considered part of your taxable income.
- Net Metering: Net metering becomes relevant after your solar system is up and running. If you have in place a net metering agreement with your Carpinteria utility company, the company will subtract the value of the excess energy produced by your solar system from your monthly utility bill. In some areas, this credit is dollar-for-dollar, while in others you may get refunded a percentage of the value.
- Rebates: Rebates, or cash back after a purchase, are typically given before any solar tax credits are calculated. These rebates can be provided by your local utility company, by your county or by your state.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Federal Solar Incentives
When thinking about solar incentives, you likely think of federal incentives first. The solar incentive that you're most likely to have heard of is 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 was originally for 30% of the total cost of solar panel installation, although it has fluctuated slightly over time between 26-30%. The percentage you qualify for will depend on when your solar system was installed. The total installation cost includes the panels themselves as well as the cost of accessories, labor and equipment. There is no maximum claim amount. The ITC can be applied to solar systems installed after January 1, 2006 on your primary or secondary residence. The residence must be owned by you and in the United States.
Reaching out to your local Carpinteria solar panel installation expert is the best way to learn more about how the ITC could apply to your situation.
In August 2022, the ITC (now referred to as the Clean Energy Credit) was expanded and extended by the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act. Homeowners are now eligible for a credit equal to 30% of the total solar system installation costs for projects that began after January 1, 2022 and will be finished by the end of 2032. The credit percentage will then decrease on a yearly basis until the Clean Energy Credit ends in 2035. Starting in 2023, it will also be easier to qualify for credits for energy storage systems under the new laws.
More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. The best way to understand how the new Clean Energy Credit will apply to you is to talk with your local Carpinteria solar panel installers.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Some solar incentives are often also offered at the local or state level. Similar to federal incentives, these might include rebates, tax credits and more. Some incentives are ongoing, while others are offered for only a limited time. Your local incentives could come from the California government, or from your specific county or municipality.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Carpinteria
You can receive solar incentives from the federal government and the California government, as well as from your local utility company. Growing availability of solar initiatives over the last 15 years has helped greatly increase nationwide adoption of solar energy. Your local Carpinteria solar panel installer can give you more information about which incentives you should apply for, and get you on track to switch to renewable energy today.
EcoWatch's Carpinteria, CA Solar Incentives FAQs
How can I find out if I qualify for certain solar incentives?
It's a good idea to talk to your local Carpinteria solar installer for a better understanding of which incentives your project may qualify for. Typically, solar incentives apply to new solar systems installed on property you own (in the U.S.) between the dates specified by the incentive. Some incentives, like those given by the state of California, may have additional requirements.
How much will solar panels save me annually on my electric bill in Carpinteria?
Generally, Carpinteria homeowners who install solar panels save approximately $1,333.84 per year, or approximately $25,342.87 over 20 years after making the switch.
Who installs solar panels near me?
To find the best solar panel installer in your area, check out our guide to the top solar companies in Carpinteria.
How long until the federal solar tax credit ends?
The Clean Energy Credit (previously called the federal solar tax credit, or the 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.
If I change out my appliances for ones that use solar energy, are there any incentives that I can claim?
The new Inflation Reduction Act provides a number of incentives designed to 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.
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.