Solar Incentives

Solar Resources

There are many programs and resources to help individuals and businesses go solar, including federal tax credits and several different financing options. And remember, the less energy a building uses, the less solar equipment is needed.

• MCE has a generous net energy metering (NEM) program for rooftop solar.

• MCE electricity customers interested in installing renewable energy systems can take advantage of MCE's Feed-In Tariff program, which offers a standard 20-year contract and a fixed price per kWh generated.

• PACE Financing allows property owners to finance energy efficiency, water conservation, renewable energy, and electric vehicle infrastructure upgrades to their property by repaying the cost of the improvements through a voluntary assessment on their property tax bill. Some lenders may require the PACE assessment to be repaid before refinancing or selling your home. There are many options for financing solar, including home equity loans and PPA agreements, so consider what is best for you.

• The U.S. Department of Energy’s Guide to Solar organizes the process of installing solar into a step-by-step guide.

• The Bay Area SunShares program runs annually from September to November. SunShares is a renewable energy program that makes it easier and more affordable for Bay Area residents to get solar and battery storage equipment. Plus, residents can participate in SunShares and still take advantage of the 30% federal solar tax credit!

Federal Solar Tax Credit

The residential federal solar tax credit has been increased to 30% of project costs, and is available until December 31st, 2025.

Federal solar tax credits for businesses are available as well.

For more information on tax credits, see our Rebates and Loans page.

Combining the Battery Storage Tax Credit and Rebate with Solar in Homes

Residents can save thousands of dollars in project costs when installing a battery storage system at the same time as solar. A battery storage system will let you use the solar power you generate at any time of the day or night so that you won't have to buy electricity from your utility once the sun goes down. Having a battery storage system installed will also increase your home's resilience, since it will allow you to use stored electricity if there is a power outage.

In addition to the utility bill savings, there is now a 30% federal tax credit to install a battery storage system in your home, in addition to a state rebate through the Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) that covers anywhere from 25% to almost 100% of the initial system’s cost. 

Also, MCE offers a credit of up to $20 per month to residents who have solar and a battery storage system and commit to using the solar stored on their battery from 4-9 pm every day.

The SGIP battery storage system rebate is also available for commercial property owners.

Business Energy Rebates

There are a number of rebate, incentive, and financing programs available to help businesses save energy and money. 

Financing, Incentives, and Programs

• 0% interest microloans (up to $2,500) can help cover the cost of energy efficiency improvements. BayREN has partnered with Mission Asset Fund (MAF) to provide these loans to small businesses.

• PG&E offers 0% interest loans with loan periods of up to 10 years to businesses making energy efficiency upgrades.

• PACE Financing allows property owners to finance energy efficiency, water conservation, renewable energy, and electric vehicle infrastructure upgrades to their properties by repaying the cost of the improvements through a voluntary assessment on their property tax bill.

• MCE's Peak Flex Market program pays businesses to shift or reduce electricity use during demand response events in the summer (from June to October).

• MCE's free commercial energy efficiency program is available to help businesses make energy efficiency upgrades (such as HVAC, refrigeration, and lighting upgrades) to save money and reduce maintenance costs. The free program provides energy assessments and technical assistance, including assistance with finding rebates and project financing.

• BayREN Business provides qualifying businesses with expert help and cost savings on energy efficiency upgrades. 

• The Federal Tax Credit for energy efficient commercial buildings has increased in value and been made permanent. 

• PG&E has additional resources and information on rebates for energy-efficient appliances.

Additional Incentives for Multi-Family Property Owners

• BayREN offers all Bay Area multi-family housing property owners rebates of $500-5,000 per unit to make improvements to their property. Properties located in high-priority zones that are most impacted by air pollution, extreme heat, and/or high housing costs qualify for bonus rebates. BayREN also provides free consulting services on energy and water usage, contractor referrals, and assistance finding flexible financing options. Qualifying improvements include the following:
  • heat pump HVAC systems
  • heat pump water heaters
  • electrical panel upgrades
  • weatherization and insulation
  • appliances like laundry dryers and electric cooktops/ranges
  • lighting upgrades
  • heat pump pool heaters

• The California Public Utilities Commission's TECH Clean California program offers multi-family housing property owners up to $500,000 in funding to install the following:
  • heat pump HVAC systems
  • heat pump water heaters
  • electrical upgrades

• MCE's multi-family property energy savings program offers up to $7,200 in rebates, free energy assessments, and technical assistance for energy-saving and water-saving improvements to qualifying multi-family property owners.

Additional Resources

• Energy Star is a rating system developed by the Environmental Protection Agency that indicates the energy efficiency level of an appliance.

• Energy Upgrade California is a useful information source for rebates and tips on energy management.