2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Crestline, CA - Tax Credits & Rebates

In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Crestline.

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 Crestline solar installers to see how much you can save.

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Crestline?

Property Tax Exclusion for Solar Energy Systems and Solar Plus Storage System

Incentive Type:
Property Tax Incentive
100% of system value; 75% of system value exemption for dual-use equipment

Western Riverside Council of Governments - Home Energy Renovation Opportunity (HERO) Financing Program

Incentive Type:
PACE Financing
Eligible products can be financed for up to 25 years, depending on the useful life of the eligible product.
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

Incentive Type:
PACE Financing
Locally determined

Self-Generation Incentive Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
For projects 30 kW or larger, 50% of incentive will be received up-front; 50% will be received based on actual kWh production over the first 5 years. For projects under 30kW, 100% of the incentive will be paid up front.
Incentives will step down over time. See below for incentive amounts.

Renewable Market Adjusting Tariff (ReMAT)

Incentive Type:
Feed-in Tariff

LADWP - Feed-in Tariff (FiT) Program

Incentive Type:
Feed-in Tariff
$0.17/kWh adjusted by a time of delivery multiplier
Base price will step down over time as certain MW goals are met

California Solar Initiative - Solar Thermal Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Step 1 Incentive Rates (contact utility to determine current incentive levels):
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

Incentive Type:
Personal Tax Credit
30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.

Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/


Solar incentives are designed to make renewable energy usage more affordable through financial incentives for those who install solar panels on their homes. Different types of incentives, like cash back, discounts or monthly utility bill credits, might be available to you. Some incentives may be handled by the California government, by your utility company or by county or municipality, while others are federal. Some broad categories of solar incentives include:

  • Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC): SRECs can be sold to your utility company (or other buyers) for money that normally counts as part of your taxable income. Typically, a certain (small) threshold of energy production must be met before your solar system qualifies for SRECs or other performance-based incentives. These kinds of incentives are normally handled by your state government.
  • Rebates: Rebates, or partial refunds after a purchase, are typically applied prior to any solar tax credits being calculated. Solar rebates might be provided by your local utility company, by your state or by your county.
  • Net Metering: You can sign a net metering agreement with your Crestline utility company, that may apply to all or a percentage of the excess electricity your solar panels generate. They will then subtract this value from your monthly utility bill.
  • Tax Credits: Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions (not deductions) in how much in taxes you owe the federal government.
  • Tax Exemptions: These could come in the form of property tax exemptions, which allow you to exclude the value added by your solar panels when paying taxes on your home. They may also include exemptions on sales tax at the time of purchase.

Federal Solar Incentives

When you hear the term "solar incentives," federal incentives may be the first thing that comes to mind. The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC, is the best-known federal solar incentive. The ITC allows you to claim a tax credit for a specific percentage of your solar system's cost.

The ITC covers solar systems installed after January 1, 2006 and under this program you can deduct from your taxes a percentage of the total cost of solar panels, equipment, accessories and labor. This credit can be claimed on solar panels installed on a primary or secondary residence in the United States that you own. The original amount you could claim was 30% of the total cost, although certain projects may qualify for only 26%, depending on the details. There is no maximum amount you can claim.

Have questions about how the ITC applies to your specific situation? Get in touch with your local Crestline solar panel installation expert to get more information.

The ITC was both renewed and expanded by 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 can now receive a 30% credit for solar systems installed between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2032. The total credit will then see a slight annual decrease until the date of expiration. Beginning in 2023, it will also be easier to get credits for energy storage systems with the new act.

More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. Your local Crestline 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

Some solar incentives are often also offered at the local or state level. Like with federal incentives, these may include tax credits, rebates and more. Certain incentives are offered for only a limited time, while others are ongoing. These local incentives could come from your county or municipality, or from the California government.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Crestline

The large number of solar incentives available has enormously increased the use of solar power nationwide over the last 15 years. You might qualify for solar incentives from the California government, the federal government or your local utility company. When you're prepared to switch over to solar energy, calling your local Crestline solar panel installation expert is an excellent place to start.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
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  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

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  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

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  • 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 Crestline, CA Solar Incentives FAQs

How can I learn if I qualify for certain solar incentives?

In most cases, solar incentives apply to:

  1. a new solar panel system
  2. installed on a property that you own
  3. within the U.S.
  4. between the dates specified by a particular incentive.

Specific incentives, including those run by the California government or by your county/municipality, may have additional qualifications. Talk to your local Crestline solar installer to find out what incentives your project will qualify for.

How much will solar panels save me on my electric bill in Crestline annually?

After adding solar panels to your house in Crestline, you can expect to save about $1,307.60 per year, or about $24,844.33 over the next 20 years.

Who installs solar panels near me?

To discover the best solar panel installers near you, read our article on Crestline's best solar panel companies.

How long until the federal solar tax credit ends?

The federal solar tax credit, previously called the ITC and now named the Clean Energy Credit, is set 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.

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 precisely which incentives you are claiming, 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 getting the most money possible.

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.

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