2023 Solar Incentives Guide for La Puente, CA - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in La Puente.
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 La Puente solar installers to see how much you can save.
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Updated March 14, 2023
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What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in La Puente?
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 mitigate the cost of installing a solar panel system on your home. This category of financial incentives is designed to encourage more Americans to make the switch to renewable energy. Various kinds of incentives, including discounts, cash back or monthly utility bill credits, might be available to you. Certain incentives may be provided via the state of California, by your utility company or by county or municipality, while other incentives are federal. Categories of solar incentives include:
- Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC): SRECs are credits that can be sold to your utility company (or other buyers) for money that is generally considered part of your taxable income. Typically, you must meet a certain (small) threshold of energy production before your solar system qualifies for SRECs or other performance-based incentives. SRECs and similar incentives are generally handled by your state government.
- Tax Credits: Different from tax deductions, tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions in the amount of income tax that you owe the government.
- Net Metering: Net metering factors in after your solar panels are up and running. If you have in place a net metering agreement with your La Puente utility company, the company will subtract the value of the excess energy your solar system produces from your utility bill each month. In some areas, this credit is dollar-for-dollar, while in others you might receive a refund equivalent to a percentage of the value.
- Rebates: Rebates, or cash back after a purchase, are usually applied prior to any solar tax credits being calculated. Rebates might be offered by your local utility company, by your county or by your state.
- Tax Exemptions: These may come in the form of property tax exemptions, which allow you to exclude the value of your solar system when calculating the taxes you pay on your home. You could also look for exemptions on sales tax at the time of purchase.
Federal Solar Incentives
Federal solar incentives are likely the first thing that you think of when you think about solar incentives. An incentive many people are likely to be familiar with is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). This incentive is a tax credit for a predetermined percentage of your solar system's cost.
The ITC originally covered 30% of the cost of solar system installation, and has fluctuated slightly over the last few years 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, equipment and labor. There is no maximum amount you can claim. The ITC applies to solar panels installed after January 1, 2006 on your primary or secondary residence. The residence must be in the United States and owned by you.
To understand exactly how much money the ITC could save you, contact your local La Puente solar panel installation expert.
In August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act laid out new provisions for the ITC, now called the Clean Energy Credit. The Clean Energy Credit bolsters the current credit, increasing it up to 30% for solar systems installed between 2022 and 2032. At this point, the percentage will be reduced slightly each year until the end of the program in 2035. Starting in 2023, it will also be easier to claim credits for energy storage systems under this new program.
More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. To best understand how the new Clean Energy Credit might apply to you, speak with your local La Puente solar installers.
State & Local Solar Incentives
In addition to federal solar incentives, there are often also state ones. Rebates, tax credits and more can be offered at a more local level. Certain incentives are ongoing, while others are offered for only a limited time. Local solar incentives could come from the California government, or from your specific county or municipality.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in La Puente
The variety of available solar incentives has contributed greatly to the increase in the adoption of solar energy nationwide over the past 15 years. You can get solar incentives from the California government, the federal government or your local utility company. We suggest talking to your local La Puente solar installer for more information about these incentives and to make sure that you're getting the largest number possible for your solar panels.
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 La Puente, CA Solar Incentives FAQs
How can I find out if I qualify for different solar incentives?
Generally, solar incentives apply to:
- a new solar panel system
- installed on a property that you own
- within the U.S.
- within the date range specified by a particular incentive.
Specific incentives, including ones handled by the California government or by your county/municipality, may have additional qualifications. Talk to your local La Puente solar installer to learn more about what incentives your project will qualify for.
How much can I save annually on my electric bill if I install solar panels on my house in La Puente?
When you add solar panels to your La Puente home, you can expect to save around $1,317.57 per year, or around $25,033.85 over 20 years.
What are the top solar panel installation companies near me?
To discover the best solar panel installers near you, take a look at our article on the best solar companies in La Puente.
If I change out my appliances for ones that utilize solar energy, are there any incentives that I can claim?
The recently passed Inflation Reduction Act includes provisions for multiple incentives that reward homeowners for making eco-friendly upgrades. Some of these incentives include tax credits and rebates for installing new electric appliances. You can find more details about these incentives here.
Can I use multiple types of renewable energy to power my home?
Yes, you can employ multiple types of renewable energy to power your home, such as a combination of geothermal and solar. You can also use both renewable energy sources and a non-renewable backup source of energy. Be sure to discuss your plan with your local La Puente 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.