Between the year-round sunny climate, devastating fires, frequent rolling blackouts and insanely high electricity rates, going solar in California just makes sense. However, did you know there are a ton of other reasons that make switching to solar extremely prudent for California homeowners? Let’s look at local incentives like the Glendale Solar Rebate that can save you a huge amount of money on a new solar array!
City Of Glendale Solar Solutions Incentive Program
Not only is the state of California a hot spot for going solar, cities like Glendale can provide even more benefits. Located in the heart of Los Angeles County, the City of Glendale averages 285 sunny days a year. As a result, this has catapulted Glendale as a premier location for residential solar. However, the city of Glendale offers something unique—a robust rebate incentive program.
In short, the City of Glendale’s Solar Solutions Incentive Program is a cash incentive to go solar. This directly contrasts the typical and more commonly known tax-credit incentives.
The Residential Solar Solutions Program will provide $0.25 per watt (for FY 2020-2021) for installed systems sized 30 KWdc or less that meet program guidelines. The incentive calculation will not exceed 50% of the total cost of the system. The paid incentive will not exceed $100,000 per customer per fiscal year.
Considering the average solar system size in the greater Glendale area—5kW—you can get a cash rebate that covers half of the entire cost of your system. For example, if we look at the average cost of a 5kW system in Glendale, your burden would drop from $13,950 to just $6,975.
Keep in mind, these estimates do not include any of the other state and federal incentive programs for which you may qualify. That is to say, Glendale residents could receive huge incentives to go solar and save a ton while doing so.
Solar Incentives, Tax Credits, and Rebates in California
This incredible solar incentive program for Glendale residents is just the tip of the iceberg. Not only can you lock in massive savings via the cash rebate of up to $100,000, you can also further supplement by taking advantage of federal and state solar incentives.
Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
The 26% federal tax credit is available for purchased home solar systems installed by December 31, 2022. The ITC started a few years ago; however, it continues to decrease, with the current credit structure going away in 2023. If you want to lock in the 26% tax credit, then we recommend installing now before it is too late.
Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP)
The SGIP is a rebate program for buying and installing a solar battery along with a rooftop panel system. It varies by utility and storage capacity. For the best information about the SGIP in your area, contact a solar installer like NRG Clean Power!
Solar Energy System Property Tax Exclusion
This homeowner incentive helps alleviate the increased property value that comes with adding residential solar systems to your California home. Qualifying active solar energy systems are defined as those that “are thermally isolated from living space or any other area where the energy is used, to provide for the collection, storage, or distribution of solar energy.” These include:
- solar space conditioning systems
- solar water heating systems
- active solar energy systems
- solar process heating systems
- photovoltaic (PV) systems
- solar thermal electric systems
- Mechanical energy
Solar pool heating systems and solar hot-tub-heating systems are not eligible.
You can obtain accurate information on eligibility by working with the right solar installer or by contacting your county assessor’s office.
Single-Family Affordable Solar Housing (SASH)
Qualified low-income households can receive a cash incentive for every kilowatt (kW) of solar power installed. The Oakland-based non-profit organization, GRID Alternatives, can field eligibility questions and provide program applications.
Local Utility Company Rebates
Cash incentives for installing solar panels in California. These vary by utility. While we discussed the robust Glendale solar rebate, other municipalities and utility companies offer similar incentives.
Taking Advantage of Local Programs (Like the Glendale Solar Rebate)
The cost of making the switch to solar continues to decrease and has become extremely affordable, especially when looking at the long-term savings. However, finding information on incentive eligibility can prove more than difficult. Most of the information can be found online, but who wants to sift through pages upon pages and countless Google searches to maybe find the right information?
When you want to add a solar array to your home, the easiest way to take advantage of local programs like the Glendale solar rebate is by choosing the right installer. Finding an installer who not only installs your system but goes the extra mile can result in exponentially higher savings. Choose an installer that checks for added incentives so you don’t have to!
NRG Clean Power leverages over 35 years of experience working with homeowners like you to lock in major savings. Our experts know the ins and outs of federal, state and local incentive programs, like the Glendale solar rebate program. As a result, we can confidently help you take advantage of all savings options available!
Authored by Ryan Douglas
NRG Clean Power's resident writer and solar enthusiast, Ryan Douglas covers all things related to the clean energy industry.
