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

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

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 Wildomar solar installers to see how much you can save.

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 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 Wildomar?

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 individuals who install solar panels on their homes. The incentives may include cash back, upfront discounts or monthly credits towards your utility bill. Some incentives are offered by the federal government, some by the state of California and some by your specific utility company, county or municipality. Some broad categories of solar incentives include:

  • Net Metering: Make sure you talk to your Wildomar utility company about signing a net metering agreement. This allows you to get a credit towards your utility bill every month for the value of excess energy generated by your solar panels. You might receive either a dollar-for-dollar credit or a percentage of the value.
  • Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC): Generally, solar systems that produce more than a predetermined (generally small) amount of electricity qualify for SRECs or similar performance-based incentives. SRECs and the like are typically given at the state level. You can sell SRECs to your utility company or another buyer, and the money you receive is normally considered part of your taxable income.
  • Rebates: Solar companies may help you claim a rebate, or partial refund of your purchase, for your solar system. Counties or states will also sometimes offer limited-time rebates. The value of a rebate will usually come off your total price before any tax credits are calculated.
  • Tax Credits: Tax credits lower, dollar-for-dollar, the amount of income tax you owe the federal government. Tax credits are different from tax deductions.
  • Tax Exemptions: Sales tax exemptions are applied at the time of purchase for your solar panels. Property tax exemptions allow you to ignore the added value of your solar system when calculating how much property tax you need to pay on your house.

Federal Solar Incentives

When you think about solar incentives, you likely think of federal incentives first. The solar incentive that you're most familiar with is probably the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which gives you a credit on your taxes equal to a certain percentage of your solar system's cost.

The ITC initially applied to 30% of the cost of solar panel installation, although that number 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 equipment, accessories and labor. There is no maximum claim amount. The ITC applies 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.

Your local Wildomar solar panel installer can provide you with more information about the ITC and how it might apply to your situation.

In August 2022, the ITC (now called the Clean Energy Credit) was expanded and extended by the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act. For solar systems installed between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2032, homeowners may be eligible for a credit equal to 30% of the total cost. This percentage will decrease annually after 2032 until the Clean Energy Credit ends in 2035. Starting in 2023, the program expansion will also make it easier to get credit for energy storage systems.

Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. Your local Wildomar solar panel company is the best resource for answering your questions about the new Clean Energy Credit and how it applies to you.

State & Local Solar Incentives

There are more than just federal solar incentives; tax credits, rebates and more might also be offered at the local or state level. Some incentives are offered for only a limited time, while others are ongoing. These local incentives may come from the California government, or from your specific county or municipality.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Wildomar

You can qualify for solar incentives from the federal government and the California government, as well as from your local utility company. Growing availability of solar initiatives in the past 15 years has helped increase nationwide solar energy use enormously. Your local Wildomar solar panel installation company can give you more information about which incentives you can apply for, and get you on track to switch to renewable energy today.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

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

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 Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's Wildomar, CA Solar Incentives FAQs

What if I want to add solar panels to a rental property, vacation home or commercial property? Can I still qualify for incentives?

While we recommend speaking with your local solar installer and/or tax professional to best understand what solar incentives apply to you, many incentives will apply to a second home, provided that it is in the United States and owned by you. There may be other incentives available specifically for commercial properties, depending on the details.

How do I learn if I qualify for specific solar incentives?

It's best to speak with your local Wildomar solar installer to get an understanding of which incentives your project may qualify for. In most cases, solar incentives apply to new solar systems installed on property you own (in the U.S.) within a specified date range. Some incentives, like those offered by the government of California, might have other requirements.

What are the top solar panel installation companies near me?

To find a top-rated solar panel installer, check out our guide to the top solar companies in Wildomar.

What are some environmental benefits of adding solar panels to my house?

Solar energy is renewable — by changing where you get your energy, you help lessen the strain on our planet's resources. You can also lower your home's CO2 emissions by 250 pounds yearly, or around 5,000 pounds in 20 years.

How long until the federal solar tax credit ends?

The federal solar tax credit, formerly known as the ITC and now called the Clean Energy Credit, is slated 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.

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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