With Net Metering you do not need any batteries. Most of today's systems are grid-tied, which means that they are connected directly to the local Utility power lines. You would only need batteries for stand alone applications or if you wanted emergency power if there was a power outage.

Residential Rebates and Tax Incentives

Residential installations now fall under the EPBB Incentive of the CSI with a current rebate level at a maximum of $0.20 a watt (SDG&E territory). The final rebate level is dependent upon the EPBB Design Factor, determined by system specifics such as location, orientation, and shading. The EPBB Design Factor was instituted to encourage responsible solar installation practices. The EPBB Incentive is a one time, up front rebate paid upon system installation. The current rebate level will decrease once pre-set target levels of residential solar have been met. Each utility, such as SDG&E, SCE, or PG&E, have an individual target level.

In order to qualify for the CSI rebate program, the property must be located within the service territory of SDG&E, SCE, or PG&E. Local municipalities that are not part of the CSI rebate program may provide their own solar incentive program.

In addition to the CSI rebate, changes in the Federal tax law provide homeowners with an unlimited 30% Federal Solar Tax Credit on the purchase & installation of a new solar electric system. Previously the tax credit was capped at $2,000.00. If the tax credit is calculated on the gross cost of the system, there may be a tax liability on the CSI rebate received. Consult your tax professional for the best strategy.

If you operate a home based business and claim all or part of your home as business use, you may qualify for 5 year Accelerated Depreciation. Please consult with your licensed CPA.

Commercial Rebates and Tax Incentives

Commercial installations, under 30 kW in size, now fall under the EPBB Incentive of the CSI with a current rebate level at a maximum of $0.35 a watt (SDG&E territory). The final rebate level is dependent upon the EPBB Design Factor, determined by system specifics such as location, orientation, and shading. The EPBB Design Factor was instituted to encourage responsible solar installation practices. The EPBB Incentive is a one time, up front rebate paid upon system installation. The current rebate level will decrease once pre-set target levels of commercial solar have been met. Each utility, such as SDG&E, SCE, or PG&E, have an individual target level. Commercial systems under 30 kW in size can opt into the PBI Incentive of the CSI.

Commercial installations over 30 kW in size up to 1 MW, fall under the Performance Based Incentive (PBI) of the CSI. The PBI Incentive is based on the system's output in kWh. As opposed to an up front rebate, CSI monthly payments are based on total system production. The current payment rate is $0.044 per kWh for 5 years. This payment rate is also scheduled to decrease over time when certain pre-set target levels of commercial solar have been installed. Unlike commerical systems under 30 kW in size, systems over 30 kW in size cannot opt into the EPBB Incentive.

Government and Non-Profit installations under 30 kW which cannot take advantage of tax credits, will qualify for an increased rebate level of a maximum of $1.10 a watt for the EPBB Incentive. Systems over 30 kW will receive a PBI Incentive payment rate of $0.139 per kWh for 5 years.

In order to qualify for the CSI rebate program, the property must be located within the service territory of SDG&E, SCE, or PG&E. Local municipalities that are not part of the CSI rebate program may provide their own solar incentive program.

In addition to the CSI rebates, all commercial systems will qualify for an additional 30% Federal Tax Credit (no limit) and 5 year Accelerated Depreciation.

Depending on your location and the type of installation that you are looking for, the price will vary. Typically, it is between $4.50/watt to $6.50/watt.

Each system will have a different payback period. Typically smaller systems have a payback period of approximately 10 years and larger systems approximately 7 years. Commercial systems usually have a payback period of closer to or under 7 years due to the additional tax credits available.

Besides the economic payback, the system will also have an environmental payback. Along with each proposal, we will send you an environmental impact summary that shows you how your system is helping to save the environment.