Solar incentives and rebates, explained plainly
Programs change often. Here is a sample overview of what Valley homeowners, farms and businesses should ask about in 2026.
Sample information only. Incentive rules, funding and eligibility change frequently and depend on your situation. This page is not tax, legal or financial advice. Please consult a qualified tax professional before relying on any credit or rebate.
Programs to ask about
Federal, state and utility programs that have applied to Central Valley solar and storage projects.
- Federal
Federal tax credits
The federal residential clean energy credit for homeowner-owned systems was scheduled to end for expenditures after 2025, while credits for business and third-party-owned systems follow separate phase-down schedules. Ask a tax professional how this applies to you.
Rules changed in 2025 - California
Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP)
SGIP has offered rebates for battery storage, with higher amounts for medically vulnerable customers and homes in high fire-threat districts or with repeated PSPS events.
Funding varies - California
Property tax exclusion
California has excluded qualifying new active solar energy systems from property tax reassessment. Confirm current status with your county assessor.
Check current rules - PG&E and SCE
Net Billing Tariff credits
Exported solar earns bill credits that vary by hour and season. Designs that use more of your own solar, or store it, capture more value.
Ongoing - Federal and state
Agricultural and business programs
USDA REAP grants, commercial tax credits and accelerated depreciation may apply to farms and businesses. We share documentation with your advisors.
Varies by program - Utility
Utility EV charger programs
PG&E and SCE have periodically offered EV charger rebates and make-ready programs, especially for multifamily and workplace charging.
Varies
NEM 3.0 is an incentive to store your own power
Under California's Net Billing Tariff, exported solar earns less than the power you buy in the evening.
That makes self-consumption the most valuable use of your panels. A battery lets you capture midday production and use it from 4 to 9 pm, when time-of-use prices peak. Combined with battery rebates where funding is available, storage has become one of the most requested upgrades on our Fresno projects.
Bring these to your consultation
We will help you and your tax professional see what may apply.
- Your most recent utility bill and true-up statement
- Whether you plan to own, lease or sign a PPA
- Last year's federal tax return (for your tax professional)
- Any medical baseline or PSPS notices from your utility
- Your county assessor parcel number
Incentive questions
No. We are solar installers, not tax advisors. We provide invoices, equipment specifications and ownership documentation, and we recommend reviewing credits with a qualified tax professional.
When a business owns the system, it may qualify for commercial credits that can be reflected in a lower lease or PPA price. Ask any provider how incentives affect your rate.
Program budgets open and close by step and category. During your consultation we check the current status for your utility and eligibility group.
Agricultural producers and rural small businesses may be eligible for USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grants and loan guarantees, along with commercial tax provisions. Application windows vary.