REBATES & TAX CREDITS
Solar energy systems represent a significant positive investment for either a home owner or business that delivers inexpensive power for decades. With the generous incentives available, that investment is even more affordable. These incentives include a wide range of federal, state and local programs that substantially offset initial costs in the form of tax credits, rebates, grants, loans, leasing and direct equipment sales. These programs, though extensive, can be confusing to identify and understand, then to file the appropriate documents in order to receive your rebates once a system has been installed. Under the California Solar Initiative and new Federal IRS Regulations, rebates and tax incentives can cut the cost of your Sunscape Solar PV Electric System by as much as 55%. But the State rebates are decreasing soon, so the longer you wait, the less you'll get in rebate money! So it pays to install a Sunscape Solar PV Solar Electric System now for your home or business. Call or write for more information.
Start here: Database of State Incentives.
Here are some of the solar incentives available:
Rebates
The State of California has mandated that the Utility Companies provide rebate programsthat are currently paying up to 25% of the total cost of the system. (see below)
Federal, Investment Tax Credit
Residential – 30% Energy Tax Credit, IRS Form 5695
Commercial - 30% Investment Credit, IRS Form 3468
5 Year Accelerated Capital Depreciation
Federal, Pre-1936 Buildings
10% Investment Credit, IRS Form 3468
Federal, Certified Historic Structures
20% Investment Credit, IRS Form 3468
Federal, Agricultural Credits
10% Investment Credit, IRS Form 3468
State, California Solar Initiative Managed by the California Energy Commission
• Utility Rebates - Emerging SCE Renewable Buy-Down Program currently pays $1.90 per watt for new PV Solar Electric Systems. Some local city-owned utility companies (City of Colton & City of Riverside) are paying higher rebates at this time. There are two types of rebates available explained below. Call or write for more information.
1) Expected Performance Based Buyback (EPBB) 2 - 10 kH AC Systems generally residential and smaller commercial installations. For most homeowners and smaller commercial systems (less than 10 kW AC in size), the CSI program will pay a one time rebate payment based on the system's Expected Solar Performance. This rebate level is calculated by incorporating system-specific design factors including location, tilt, azimuth, sun exposure, and other installation details.
2) Performance Based Incentive (PBI) 10 kW and greater generally considered commercial installations. If client prefers, and for all residential and commercial systems over 10 kW AC in size, monthly rebate payments will be made based on the actual system performance in kilowatt hours (kWh) of solar power produced and measured over a 5-year period. Payments are based on actual electricity generated in kWh per the monthly reading of the meter after commissioning of the system. Note that there are different incentive rates for commercial entities and for Government or Non-Profit entities that are the System Owners.) Under this program the rebate is paid directly to the client, however Sunscape Solar still takes care of all the paperwork and administrative requirements.
State, Property Tax Exempt
Solar installations are exempt from property tax.
(California Revenue and Taxation Code Section 6353.5)
Property Value
An increase in property value by $20 for every dollar saved in annual utility cost (according to Appraisers Journal). On a typical 3.6 kW System, this equates to over $36,000 in added home value. (See article)
ROI
7 to 10 year return on investment, 25 year positive after tax cash flow.
(This compares to a 18+% CD)
Call or write for more information.