2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Clearlake, CA - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Clearlake.
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 September 15, 2023
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What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Clearlake?
Property Tax Exclusion for Solar Energy Systems and Solar Plus Storage System
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 people to switch their home over to renewable energy by offering incentives meant to lower the financial burden of solar panel installation and use. Incentives might include things like discounts, cash back or credit on your utility bill each month. Some incentives are offered federally, while others are provided by the state of California or your specific utility company, county or municipality. Types of solar incentives might include:
- Tax Credits: These credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions (not deductions) in how much in taxes you owe the government.
- Tax Exemptions: Tax exemptions may come in two forms. The first is sales tax exemption, applied when you purchase solar panels. The second is property tax exemption, which allows you to ignore the value added by your solar system when paying property tax on your home.
- Rebates: Solar companies may help you claim a rebate, or partial refund after purchase, for your solar panels. Counties or states will also offer limited-time rebates at various times. If you receive a rebate, that amount will usually come off the total price before any tax credits are calculated.
- Net Metering: Net metering is an incentive you can get once your solar system is up and running. If you have a net metering agreement with your Clearlake utility company, the company will subtract the value of the excess energy produced by your solar system from your monthly utility bill. In some locations, this credit is dollar-for-dollar, while in others you might be refunded a percentage of the value.
- Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC): SRECs and other similar performance-based incentives are typically handled by your state government. Once your solar panel system meets the qualification threshold (typically a small amount of energy production), you are eligible to receive SRECs that you can then sell to your utility company or other buyers. The money you make is generally considered part of your taxable income.
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Federal Solar Incentives
When someone says "solar incentives," you probably think of federal incentives first. An incentive many people are probably familiar with is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). This is a tax credit for a specified percentage of your solar system's cost.
The ITC applies towards solar systems installed after January 1, 2006 and allows you to deduct from your taxes a percentage of the total cost of solar panels, accessories, equipment and labor. This credit can be claimed on solar panels 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.
To more fully understand how the ITC may apply to your situation, speak to your local Clearlake solar panel installation expert and request more information.
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. The new Clean Energy Credit is valid until 2035. You are now eligible for a 30% credit for solar systems installed between 2022 and 2032. The total credit will then decrease annually until it expires. Starting in 2023, it will also be easier to qualify for credits for energy storage systems under the new laws.
Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. The best way to understand how the new Clean Energy Credit applies to you is to get in touch with your local Clearlake solar panel company.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Rebates, tax credits and more can be provided at multiple levels. In addition to federal solar incentives, there are often state and local ones, too. Some incentives are ongoing, while others are offered for only a limited time. These local incentives might come from your county or municipality, or from the California government.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Clearlake
There are a number of different solar incentives: those given by local utility companies, those given by the federal government and those given by the California government, to name a few. Solar energy utilization has increased tremendously in the last 15 years, thanks to these incentives. When you're prepared to make the change to solar energy, talking to your local Clearlake solar panel installation expert is a great first step.
EcoWatch's Clearlake, CA Solar Incentives FAQs
How can I find out if I qualify for solar incentives?
It's best to speak with your local Clearlake solar installer for a better understanding of which incentives your project will 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 provided by the California government, may have other requirements.
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 get in touch with a local Clearlake solar installer — to learn about which incentives you may 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%.
Who installs solar panels near me?
To find the right solar panel installer for you, check out our guide to Clearlake's best solar panel companies.
What are some environmental benefits of adding solar panels to my home?
Solar energy is a renewable energy source — by changing where you get your energy, you help lessen the strain on our planet's resources. A solar system can also reduce the CO2 emissions from your home by 250 pounds a year, or roughly 5,000 pounds in 20 years.
Can I apply for incentives both towards the up-front cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?
Yes, you can claim both rebates and tax credits towards the cost of your solar panels. Depending on which incentives you are applying for, they may apply in a different order. Make sure that you speak with your solar installer or a local tax professional to ensure that you are claiming incentives correctly and that you're getting the most money you can.
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.