Solar Electrical Systems

Rebates and Tax Incentives

Increasingly, federal mandates are calling for renewable energy installations on government buildings and public projects. Solar energy panels have become the smart solution that government agencies and non-profits seek to satisfy those mandates while staying on target and under budget. Solar energy rebates and other tax incentives can cut the cost of a government or non-profit solar installation by as much as 90% of the original price and still result in millions of dollars in electrical savings. But these solar rebates and tax incentives will not last forever, so act fast. Here are just a few of the solar incentives and rebates available for government or non-profit solar power installations by Solar Electrical Systems:

Rebates

CSI/SCE        Govt/Non-Profit  $1.10 per watt

LADWP          Govt/Non-Profit  $2.25 per watt 

Pasadena       Govt/Non-Profit  Under 30kW - $1.60 per watt,

                     Over 30kW - $.242/kWh

                     Affordable Housing - Under 30kW - $4.00 per watt.

                     Over 30kW - $.632 per kWh

Burbank         Program suspended until June 2012

Glendale        Affordable Housing - Under 30kW - $2.50 per watt. 

                     Over 30kW - $.40 per kWh

PG&E            Gov/Non-Profit - $.70 per watt

Federal, Investment Tax Credit

Residential - 30% Energy Credit IRS Form 5695
Commercial - 30% Investment Credit, IRS Form 3468

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

Federal, Depreciation

Section 179 Deduction (up to $125,000 for 2012)

50% Bonus Depreciation and 5-year MACRS Depreciation

State, Depreciation

Business or Home-Based Business - 5-Year depreciation method for non-Corporate
12-Year Class Life/Recovery period for Corporate Business Taxpayers

State, Property Tax Exempt

Solar installations are completely exempt from property tax
(California Revenue and Taxation Code Section 6353.5)

Property Value

A historic increase of 3% in property resale value

ROI

3-7 year return on investment, 25 year positive after-tax cash flow
(It compares favorably to a 15% tax-free CD)

*As always, please consult your tax advisor.