Summary of California solar incentives 2021
2021 is shaping up to be a year of huge changes for residential solar energy programs in California. The state Public Utilities Commission is in the middle of making changes to net metering, the energy billing arrangement under which solar panel owners earn credit for their excess energy that they can later use to offset energy the draw from the grid at night. Those changes may result in much worse financial returns from solar for people who get panels installed after the new rules take effect.
On this page, we cover all of the solar and battery incentives, rebates and tax credits available for your California home solar installation. We also provide guidance on how low income solar power programs work.
We also encourage you to use the California solar incentives calculator above. It allows you to drill down and show only the solar incentives that are applicable where you live.
On this page, you can:
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Learn what solar incentives are available to California homeowners
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See what California solar incentives you qualify for based on your utility company and city
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Find out how much these incentives and/or California solar tax credits will reduce your cost to go solar and add batteries
Federal solar investment tax credit
The federal solar investment tax credit will have the biggest impact on the cost you will face to go solar in California
This perk is commonly known as the ITC, short for “Investment Tax Credit”. If you install your photovoltaic system in 2020, the federal tax credit is 26% of the cost of your solar panel system. This is 26% off the entire cost of the system including equipment, labor and permitting.
Example: If your solar energy system costs $20,000, your federal solar tax credit would be $20,000 x 26% = $5,200.
The federal tax credit falls to 22% at the end of 2022.
Net energy metering in California
With net metering in some states, you get full retail rate credit for the amount of electricity you send back into the grid with your solar panels.
With net metering, or “net energy metering” (NEM), you get near-full retail rate credit for the amount of electricity you send back into the grid with your solar panels. The reason why it’s near full retail rate credit instead of full retail rate credit for the electricity you send back to the grid is because California recently amended their NEM to NEM 2.0.
As part of that change, the energy you buy from your utility company comes with a small “non-bypassable charge” of 3 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh). Under NEM 2.0, you don’t get this same amount as credit when you send electricity back to the utility grid (Note, if you’re an LADWP customer, you still will get full retail NEM without this non-bypassable charge).
You’ll also need to sign up for a time-of-use billing plan (TOU), which has variable energy costs based on what time of day it is. Evening has the most demand, so your energy prices will be higher at this time.
While that may sound bad, you can do very well to offset TOU billing changes by installing a solar energy storage system. You can charge the battery during the middle of the day with your free solar electricity, and discharge in the evening, when purchasing from the grid would be more expensive.
With NEM, The amount of kilowatt hours (kWh) you send to your local utility and pull from it are “netted” monthly. If you use more than you send to the grid at the end of the year, you pay for the balance.
Net metering in California can be extremely valuable over the life of your solar system. When paired with TOU billing and the ability to send power to the grid during off-peak hours, your savings are enhanced even further.
Luckily, your solar installer is a net metering expert. They will help you design a solar system to maximize your savings.
Learn more:
California solar rebates
California used to have a robust solar rebate program called the California Solar Initiative (CSI). The rebates available were fully used up by 2014, but the program succeeded in driving 3 terawatts of solar energy capacity to the grid.
Rebates live on for Californians with low income however. Check out the SASH and MASH programs outlined in the California solar incentives for low income households section below.
California solar tax credit
While some states still offer their own state tax credits for solar energy, California doesn’t anymore.
However, Golden State policymakers have enacted a property tax exemption for solar PV which is still going strong. This is a great perk, since solar panels will increase the value of your home by roughly 70% of system costs. So while the value of your home will go up, your property taxes won’t.
Example: If your solar system costs $20,000, your estimated property value increase of $14,000 will be tax exempt.
SGIP - California’s solar battery storage program
California is not only a national leader in solar, it is also a leader in solar battery storage, thanks in part to the Self Generation Incentive Program (SGIP).
If you install a battery storage system on your property that is serviced by PG&E, SCE, Southern California Gas, or SDG&E, you can take advantage of the SGIP incentive.
Battery storage systems that are smaller than 10 kW and are installed on a residential property are eligible for an incentive of $0.25 per watt hour of storage installed.
We outline how much you can save on battery storage when you use the SGIP incentive program in our breakdown of the SGIP rebate.
The SGIP equity budget for home battery storage
SGIP also has what is known as the “equity budget”. This budget has money set aside for solar batteries that are installed in low-income and disadvantaged areas.
The goal of the residential equity incentive is to catalyze more battery storage deployment in low-income areas.
Residential equity systems will receive a rebate of $0.85 per watt hour installed.
Low income homes that are located in either a Tier 3 or Tier 4 fire district, or that are in areas that have experienced two or more planned safety power shutoff (PSPS) events can qualify for an even higher incentive when they install battery storage on their home - this is known as the equity resilience incentive.
Projects that qualify for the equity resiliency incentive program will receive a rebate of $1.00 per watt hour of storage installed.
This covers almost the entire cost of a solar battery system. Check our blog on SGIP's equity resiliency program for more information.
California solar incentives for low-income households
Throughout the US, solar is adopted more in areas that have higher incomes even though low-income communities have the most to gain from the benefits of solar power.
Low income solar incentives have the ability to spur solar development in disadvantaged communities.
California has two types of low-income solar programs which are aimed for single-family homeowners and owners of multi-family properties:
The single-family affordable solar homes (SASH) program
The California SASH solar program provides huge solar money to single family homeowners. The program is administered by the non profit organization Grid Alternatives. They help provide green job training in low income areas to help people secure good-paying green energy jobs.
SASH program requirements
If you can qualify for the SASH program, you’ll get an upfront incentive of $3 per watt of solar installed.
So, if you want to install a 6 kilowatt system on your home, you’ll get an incentive of $18,000! That’s basically enough to pay for the entire cost of your solar system.
If you meet the following criteria, you could get this solar money:
- You’re a Pacific Gas & Electric, Southern California Edison, or San Diego Gas & Electric customer
- You own and live in your home
- Have a household income that is 80% of or below the the area median income
- Live in a home that is considered to be “affordable housing” by the California Public Utility code.
To check if you live in one of the approved areas, explore this map.
The multi-family affordable solar homes (MASH) program
The MASH program is designed for those fortunate enough to own a multi-family housing complex.
Those people can qualify for a large grant program to retrofit low-income multi-family housing developments with solar power.
Grants range from $1.10 to $1.80 per watt of solar installed. Exact amounts for different project types are listed on the California Public Utilities Commission website.
To qualify for MASH:
- The multi-family residential building must be financed by one of the following:
- Low-income housing tax credits
- Tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds
- General obligation bonds
- Some kind of local, state, or federal grants and loans
- If at least 20% of the total units are sold or rented to lower-income residents.
There are some additional qualifications listed in the MASH program handbook. The MASH program is currently fully subscribed. New applications will be placed on a waitlist.
Cost of solar panels in your part of California after all applicable solar incentives
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Prices based on a 7.7kW system, after 26% federal tax credit
Solar prices near you
Payback period
4.7-5.8 years
Net profit (savings less system cost)
$85,974-$105,079
Average size system installed in CA in 2021
7.7kW
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Best 10 solar companies in California
492 solar companies in California provide pricing on SolarReviews. Here are the best rated companies near you.
4.92 377 Reviews
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Caileen, 1 week ago
Matt and the team were professional and personable. They got the job complete without any problem. Matt was flexible, communicative, and easy to work with. He explained everything I needed to know (as many times as needed). Thanks!
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Caileen, 1 week ago
Matt and the team were professional and personable. They got the job complete without any problem. Matt was flexible, communicative, and easy to work with. He explained everything I needed to know (as many times as needed). Thanks!
4.89 275 Reviews
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Michael F, over 1 month
Cosmic solar had the most honest and transparent sales process of all the companies I spoke with (Ken is great). They installed my panels quickly and everything looks/works great. We are very happy with our system!
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$19,300 ($3.86 per watt)
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Michael F, over 1 month
Cosmic solar had the most honest and transparent sales process of all the companies I spoke with (Ken is great). They installed my panels quickly and everything looks/works great. We are very happy with our system!
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itang, over 1 month
Thank you so much, I've been wanting solar panels for years but they were so cost prohibitive. I'm glad it's gotten a lot less expensive and that Sunwork nonprofit offers solar panels at a low cost for those who can qualify. Appreciate it!
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$13,500 ($2.70 per watt)
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itang, over 1 month
Thank you so much, I've been wanting solar panels for years but they were so cost prohibitive. I'm glad it's gotten a lot less expensive and that Sunwork nonprofit offers solar panels at a low cost for those who can qualify. Appreciate it!
4.88 74 Reviews
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Stanley, over 1 month
I find AHS based on good review online. I start communicating with Meo in email. Meo is very knowledgeable, and he also give me a competitive quote compare with other installer. Meo do not oversell me, only sell the system what we need and Meo handle all the permit work and inspection completed. The installment was also run smooth. Meo and his team is so efficient. The installation job is done in very professional. Meo also stand by their product. I have one panel have under performance issue. Meo and David keep come to my home to diagnose issue , and help to process the warranty from the manufacturer to replace the panel They went above and beyond to support the customer. I highly recommend AHS.
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$14,900 ($2.98 per watt)
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Stanley, over 1 month
I find AHS based on good review online. I start communicating with Meo in email. Meo is very knowledgeable, and he also give me a competitive quote compare with other installer. Meo do not oversell me, only sell the system what we need and Meo handle all the permit work and inspection completed. The installment was also run smooth. Meo and his team is so efficient. The installation job is done in very professional. Meo also stand by their product. I have one panel have under performance issue. Meo and David keep come to my home to diagnose issue , and help to process the warranty from the manufacturer to replace the panel They went above and beyond to support the customer. I highly recommend AHS.
4.82 70 Reviews
Latest review
LuAnn Breedlove, 3 days ago
The sales representative that worked with us was very knowledgeable about the product and was able to explain the complete process. He did all the paperwork and dealt with our HOA for approval. The installation process was carried out the without any interruption or inconvenience of our daily routine. The workers cleaned up when they finished and gave us a thorough briefing on how to turn on the system once we got approval. The sales rep has stopped by to give us an update on the approval process.
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Latest review
LuAnn Breedlove, 3 days ago
The sales representative that worked with us was very knowledgeable about the product and was able to explain the complete process. He did all the paperwork and dealt with our HOA for approval. The installation process was carried out the without any interruption or inconvenience of our daily routine. The workers cleaned up when they finished and gave us a thorough briefing on how to turn on the system once we got approval. The sales rep has stopped by to give us an update on the approval process.
4.81 62 Reviews
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Ken, over 1 month
Sol U Us was an amazing, super professional company to work with. The process was so fast and easy. I noticed that my neighbors used Sol R Us and they were so expedient. The solar panels look fantastic. They put up our solar and had the city inspector inspect the work the next day. We got net metering up shortly after. Once all the paperwork was signed it took a about week to get the entire process done. The cost was very reasonable as well. Thank you Sol R Us!
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$15,350 ($3.07 per watt)
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Ken, over 1 month
Sol U Us was an amazing, super professional company to work with. The process was so fast and easy. I noticed that my neighbors used Sol R Us and they were so expedient. The solar panels look fantastic. They put up our solar and had the city inspector inspect the work the next day. We got net metering up shortly after. Once all the paperwork was signed it took a about week to get the entire process done. The cost was very reasonable as well. Thank you Sol R Us!
4.80 62 Reviews
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Mark C, over 1 month
I chose Mynt Solar based on reviews and trustworthy customer sales and service.
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$14,750 ($2.95 per watt)
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Mark C, over 1 month
I chose Mynt Solar based on reviews and trustworthy customer sales and service.
4.79 66 Reviews
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Anonymous, over 1 month
As having solar system installed is a 20 years commitment, I spoke to 5 solar companies not just to compare the price but most importantly to see cross reference the information they provided.<br /><br />What I found out, sales reps mostly reply on the computer program generated quote. Interestingly, after analyzing the same PG&E electricity usage history, some quoted me 7.6kw and some quoted me 5.8kw system. That is a huge difference that I definitely would love to sort out why. Most sales rep will cite that is how their software calculates, some said that is based upon system needs to cover 100% PG&E usage. Only Ali from Highligh Solar clearly explained how PG&E Net Metering works, and made clear sense the system size he recommended.<br /><br />The most amazing about Ali is that any question I came up with, e.g. what is the back feed of my main panel, he can get me the right answer right away even after 6 weeks of his visit, with picture of my panel attached. <br /><br />Once the decision is made, Ali walked me through the proposal and contract review, and Dean, the owner, was also very accommodating to accept some revisions I requested.. <br /><br />Then Jesse helped with permits and project management, Sam helped with monitoring and PG&E application, plus the professional installation team who made the whole process as smooth as it gets.<br /><br />2 days after installation, I reported weird system reading from Solar Edge mobile app, Dean and Sam called Solar Edge and confirmed they need to replace the inverter, which then got scheduled and done in less than 2 days by next available technician.<br /><br />In the end, Dean also personally helped me understand Solar Edge monitor reading, and answer many solar production related questions!!!<br /><br />All in all, I highly recommend Highlight Solar for their well rounded professional team!!!!!! Their service deserved 6 stars!!!
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Average cost (5kW system)
$19,550 ($3.91 per watt)
Latest review
Anonymous, over 1 month
As having solar system installed is a 20 years commitment, I spoke to 5 solar companies not just to compare the price but most importantly to see cross reference the information they provided.<br /><br />What I found out, sales reps mostly reply on the computer program generated quote. Interestingly, after analyzing the same PG&E electricity usage history, some quoted me 7.6kw and some quoted me 5.8kw system. That is a huge difference that I definitely would love to sort out why. Most sales rep will cite that is how their software calculates, some said that is based upon system needs to cover 100% PG&E usage. Only Ali from Highligh Solar clearly explained how PG&E Net Metering works, and made clear sense the system size he recommended.<br /><br />The most amazing about Ali is that any question I came up with, e.g. what is the back feed of my main panel, he can get me the right answer right away even after 6 weeks of his visit, with picture of my panel attached. <br /><br />Once the decision is made, Ali walked me through the proposal and contract review, and Dean, the owner, was also very accommodating to accept some revisions I requested.. <br /><br />Then Jesse helped with permits and project management, Sam helped with monitoring and PG&E application, plus the professional installation team who made the whole process as smooth as it gets.<br /><br />2 days after installation, I reported weird system reading from Solar Edge mobile app, Dean and Sam called Solar Edge and confirmed they need to replace the inverter, which then got scheduled and done in less than 2 days by next available technician.<br /><br />In the end, Dean also personally helped me understand Solar Edge monitor reading, and answer many solar production related questions!!!<br /><br />All in all, I highly recommend Highlight Solar for their well rounded professional team!!!!!! Their service deserved 6 stars!!!
4.79 86 Reviews
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Jakester, over 1 month
After much research, I chose AMECO solar over many others and am pleased with their work. My detailed review is on YELP. In short, they were excellent to deal with even as I coordinated three projects together with my solar installation. Kudos to Thomas Vitale, my initial phone contact and Yazmina Crooks, my project coordinator!
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$16,800 ($3.36 per watt)
Latest review
Jakester, over 1 month
After much research, I chose AMECO solar over many others and am pleased with their work. My detailed review is on YELP. In short, they were excellent to deal with even as I coordinated three projects together with my solar installation. Kudos to Thomas Vitale, my initial phone contact and Yazmina Crooks, my project coordinator!
4.77 32 Reviews
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Devin Yu, over 1 month
My husband and I both heard about the terrible experiences going solar. But with our SCE bill hitting over $400 in the summer we figured the risk was worth the reward. We weren't sure who to ask with our questions so we contacted a few companies that had great reviews. After comparing all the various solar companies we opted for Forme Solar due to their warranty and experience with solar repair. Well, it was the best thing we ever did. Going solar has cut our utility bill to a fraction of what it once was and we have a pool and two AC units. The customer service and installation was fast and responsive. I am very pleased with our solar system and would get it installed again with Forme Solar.
Read more
Latest review
Devin Yu, over 1 month
My husband and I both heard about the terrible experiences going solar. But with our SCE bill hitting over $400 in the summer we figured the risk was worth the reward. We weren't sure who to ask with our questions so we contacted a few companies that had great reviews. After comparing all the various solar companies we opted for Forme Solar due to their warranty and experience with solar repair. Well, it was the best thing we ever did. Going solar has cut our utility bill to a fraction of what it once was and we have a pool and two AC units. The customer service and installation was fast and responsive. I am very pleased with our solar system and would get it installed again with Forme Solar.
Solar guides for your California city
For more information about going solar near where you live, check out the following resources:
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