Solar Rebates

States and utilities across the country are offering rebates that reduce the cost of purchasing and installing a solar power system. These rebates vary in terms of amount, eligible system size, and availability of funds. Here are some of the top rebate programs in the U.S.:

California Solar Initiative (CSI)

In Decision (D.) 06-01-024, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) collaborated with the CEC to create the California Solar Initiative (CSI). The goal of the CSI program is to ensure 3,000 MW of new solar facilities are installed on California homes and businesses. In January 2007, the photovoltaic (solar electric) portion of the SGIP and ERP programs were combined to form the new CSI program. The CSI rebates are based on actual and estimated system performance instead of system capacity. Incentive levels for both $/watt and $/kWh will automatically decline, based on the number of megawatts of reservations issued statewide.

Expected Performance-Based Buydown (EPBB)
For systems less than 100 kW in 2007, and less than 50 kW in 2008, incentives are paid as a one-time cash rebate based on a fixed dollar amount per rated watt. System size calculations include an estimation of expected system performance based on equipment, shading, and installation factors. Government and non-profit organizations will receive a higher $/watt rebate to adjust for the tax credits these organizations are not eligible to receive. Customers eligible to receive the EPBB incentive may instead opt into the Performance Based Incentive.

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