2024 Solar Incentives Guide for San Marcos, CA - Tax Credits & Rebates

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

You'll learn about:

  • Local & State Solar Incentives
  • Federal Tax Credits (Updated for 2024 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 San Marcos solar installers to see how much you can save.

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated June 24, 2024

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

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 propertyThe 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/


The phrase "solar incentives" refers to financial incentives implemented by the government and by solar companies to encourage the use of renewable energy by making solar panels more affordable. You may qualify for several types of incentives, including discounts, cash back or credit towards your monthly utility bill, depending on your situation. Some incentives come from your specific utility company, county or municipality, some from the California government and others from the federal government. You might qualify for any of the following types of solar incentives:

  • Tax Credits: Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions (not deductions) in how much income tax you owe the federal government.
  • Rebates: Rebates, or partial refunds after a purchase, are usually given prior to any solar tax credits being calculated. Solar rebates might be given by your local utility company, by your county or by your state.
  • Tax Exemptions: Sales tax exemptions are applied at the time of purchase for your solar system. Property tax exemptions allow you to exclude the value that your solar panels add when calculating how much property tax you need to pay on your house.
  • Net Metering: Don't forget to speak to your San Marcos utility company about signing a net metering contract. This allows you to receive credit towards your utility bill every month for the value of excess energy your solar panels generate. You may receive either a dollar-for-dollar credit or a percentage of the value.
  • Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC): SRECs and similar performance-based incentives might be available to you if the solar system on your home produces over a specified (generally small) amount of electricity. This category of incentives is normally handled by the state government. You can sell the SRECs you receive to your utility company or other buyers, and the money you make is usually considered part of your taxable income.

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • 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

Federal Solar Incentives

Federal incentives are the kind of incentives that you are most likely to have some familiarity with. You might have heard of the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC. This is a tax credit equal to a predetermined percentage of the money you spend on solar panels for your home.

The ITC initially applied to 30% of the total cost of solar panel installation, although that number has fluctuated slightly over the last few years between 26-30%. The installation date of your solar system will determine what percentage you qualify for. The cost of installation includes the panels themselves as well as the cost of equipment, labor and accessories. 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.

Your local San Marcos solar panel installation expert can offer more information about the ITC and how it may apply to your situation.

In August 2022, the ITC (now called the Clean Energy Credit) was bolstered by the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act. The new Clean Energy Credit extends until 2035. You can now apply for a 30% credit for solar systems installed between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2032. The credit will then decrease annually until the date of expiration. Beginning in 2023, it will also be easier to qualify for credits for energy storage systems under this new program.

More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. Your local San Marcos solar panel company can answer any questions you have and explain how the new Clean Energy Credit may apply to you.

State & Local Solar Incentives

In addition to federal solar incentives, there are often also state ones. Tax credits, rebates and more may be available at a more local level. Certain incentives are offered for only a limited time, while others are ongoing. Your local solar incentives could come from the California government, or from your specific county or municipality.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in San Marcos

The nationwide use of solar energy has significantly increased in the last 15 years, in part due to the increase in availability of solar incentives. You might receive these incentives from the California government, the federal government or your local utility company. It is a good idea to talk to your local San Marcos solar installation company for more information about these incentives and to be sure that you're getting all the money you can for your solar system.

EcoWatch's San Marcos, CA Solar Incentives FAQs

How can I find out if I qualify for specific solar incentives?

It's a smart idea to get in touch with your local San Marcos solar installer for a better understanding of which incentives your project will qualify for. Generally, 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, such as those provided at the level of the California government, might have additional requirements.

How much can I save on my electric bill annually if I add solar panels to my house in San Marcos?

Typically, homeowners in San Marcos who install solar panels save around $1,637.07 per year, or around $31,104.39 over 20 years after they make the switch.

Who installs solar panel systems near me?

To find the top solar panel installation companies near you, read our article on the best solar companies in San Marcos.

I want to trade in my old appliances for ones that are more energy-efficient. Are there any incentives I can get?

The new Inflation Reduction Act creates several new financial incentives to encourage you to make eco-friendly improvements to your home. More details regarding these incentives, including information about incentives for purchasing new appliances, can be found here.

Can I qualify for incentives both towards the initial cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?

Yes, you can claim both tax credits and rebates towards the cost of your solar panels. Depending on precisely which incentives you are receiving, they may apply in a different order. Make sure that you speak with your solar installer or a local tax professional to verify that you are claiming the correct incentives and 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.

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