Incentives, rebates and PG&E information

RESIDENTIAL

The California Solar Initiative (CSI) offers a rebate anywhere from 20-35 % of the total system cost. Additionally, any investments in residential solar power receive a $2000 federal income tax credit. These along with other programs pay for a good part of the solar cost. You must act fast as the rebate declines roughly $0.20 per watt each time 10MW of applications are received. HRA Energy Services will do all of the necessary paperwork to make sure you receive the maximum amount of rebates and tax credits. (http://www.gosolarcalifornia.ca.gov/documents/index.html)
There is also a Solar Rights Act that was passed in 1978 and went into effect on January 1, 1979. This act protects the right of the consumer against Homeowner’s Associations, local government, and neighbors. (http://www.gosolarnow.com/pdf%20files/CASolarAccessLaws.pdf)

COMMERCIAL

CSI offers significant rebates, for both large and small commercial PV solar systems, that can cover up to 40% of the total cost. Depending of the size of your system you can qualify for one of the following:

Expected Performance Based Buydown (EPBB)
This program gives rebates for systems less then 100kW in size. It is a fairly new program that began accepting applications on January 1, 2007. The system location, orientation, shading, and size are some of the factors that conclude the rebate amount. An EPBB rebate can cover between 20-35% of the total system cost.
(http://www.gosolarcalifornia.ca.gov/csi/performance_based.html)

Performance Based Incentive Program (PBI)
This program gives rebates based on energy production over 5 years. Rebates based on reported energy production and paid to the owner of the PV system monthly. This program was created to benefit individuals installing larger commercial or public sector projects. PBI will cover at least 30% of the total cost. This could benefit some business more than the one time rebate given by the EPBB program. HRA Energy services will be able to show you which would benefit your company more. So act fast as rebates drop once the programs reach certain milestones.
(http://www.gosolarcalifornia.ca.gov/csi/performance_based.html)

Federal Tax Credits
The Federal government offers a 30% Federal tax credit on PV solar systems, and allows businesses an accelerated depreciation schedule over 6 years.
(http://www.findsolar.com/index.php?page=taxcredit)

For more information:
• PG&E information