County of Marin Solar Rebate Program (Updated July 26, 2011)
The Marin County Board of Supervisors are pleased to reinstate the Marin County Solar Energy Rebate Program for solar energy system purchases made by residents and businesses in the unincorporated areas of Marin County and County of Marin employees. Funding is limited, simply fill out and
return all required documents. The application packet will also help you learn about conserving
energy and saving money.
City of Mill Valley Solar Rebate Fee Reduction.
To encourage the installation of more solar energy systems, the Council
adopted a resolution on November 21, 2005 that waives certain building permit
fees for solar energy systems that meet certain design guidelines. For additional
information, contact Danielle Staude, dstaude@cityofmillvalley.org.
Beginning January 1, 2007 all solar electric rebates are provided by the California Solar Initiative (CSI). Rebate amounts vary depending on system size, the tax status of the system owner and system design. As more systems come online, the rebate amounts will decrease. For the latest information on the program and to apply, visit www.gosolarcalifornia.ca.gov
Rebate levels for Marin County as of November 10, 2011 :
Small Systems ($ per CEC-AC watt, for systems under 30 kW):
Residential
Commercial**
Non-Taxable Entities**
$0.25
$0.35
$1.10
Note:Rebate levels listed above are the maximum dollar per watt available.Actual rebate amount will vary depending on expected system performance. Expected performance will be calculated based on equipment ratings and installation factors such as geographic location, tilt and shading. This incentive structure is called Expected Performance-Based Buydown (EPBB). Your solar contractor will be able to calculate your specific rebate amount as part of the bid process.
Large Systems ($ per kilowatt-hour, for systems over 30 kW):
Residential
Commercial**
Non-Taxable Entities**
$0.03
$0.05
$0.15
Note: Incentives for all solar energy systems greater than 30 kW in size will be paid monthly based on the actual energy produced for a period of five years. This incentive is called Performanced Based Incentives (PBI). Smaller systems (but not less than 10 kW) may also opt-in to this schedule to receive greater incentives for high performance.
**IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR NON-RESIDENTIAL APPLICANTS:
Due to budgetary constraints, PG&E may be unable to guarantee a California Solar Initiative (CSI) incentive for unreserved Non-Residential applications received on or after December 24, 2010. For more information, visit http://www.pge.com/mybusiness/energysavingsrebates/solar/csi/whatsnew/
Net Metering. Marin Clean Energy customers have access to their net metering program which includes premium rates for excess electricity production. Excess generation credits roll over month after month and are paid out on an annual basis if they are $100 or more. Credits never zero out and the program also provides net metered customers with a $4 bonus credit each month you generate excess energy. http://www.marincleanenergy.com
Feed-in Tariff . A Feed-In Tariff (FIT) program is now available to anyone in Marin County (whether or not you are customer of Marin Clean Energy or PG&E) wishing to sell the power output from an eligible small-scale (1 MW or less) distributed renewable generation resource. For details on eligibility and applications visit http://www.marincleanenergy.com
For an extensive list of financial incentives and programs throughout the Country,
check the Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE):
http://www.dsireusa.org/
Federal Investment Tax Credit. 30% federal credit for solar electricity and solar thermal hot water (not pool heating). More information and instructions on how to apply can be found at http://www.energystar.gov/taxcredits
For public entities, the CA Energy Commission offers low interest Energy Efficiency Financing for energy efficiency equipment and/or renewable energy installations.
Solar energy systems are not included
in property tax appraisals, under California Taxation and Revenue Code Section
73 (legislation may sunset in 2006).
While a solar energy system will not increase a homeowner's
property tax, it WILL increase property value. According to the National Appraisal
Institute (Appraisal Journal – Oct. 1999), your home’s value increases
$20 for every $1 reduction in annual utility bills. An article in Realty Times
discusses the market for homes with installed renewable energy systems, published
March 2002. http://realtytimes.com/rtnews/rtcpages/20020315_energyhomes.htm
