California Solar Incentives (2026)

Value

Export credits average roughly $0.05–$0.08/kWh blended across the year (vs. ~$0.30/kWh retail under the old NEM 2.0) — about a 75% cut. Exact rate varies by hour, season, and utility via the CPUC Avoided Cost Calculator.

Who receives it

Homeowner (bill credits).

Eligibility

Applies to new solar interconnections with the three IOUs — PG&E, SCE, SDG&E. The NEM 2.0 grandfathering window has closed (final Permission-to-Operate deadline was April 15, 2026), so new systems can only enroll in NEM 3.0. Publicly owned utilities (LADWP, SMUD, etc.) set their own, often more favorable, rules.

Value

When a budget is funded, rebates run per-kWh of storage: roughly $150–$250/kWh (General Market) up to ~$1,000–$1,100/kWh (equity/RSSE tiers). BUT as of 2026 the General Market, Equity, and Equity Resiliency budgets have closed to new applicants; the income-qualified RSSE (AB 209) budget is the remaining pathway and is on a waitlist.

Who receives it

Homeowner (rebate), where a budget is open.

Eligibility

Battery storage in PG&E, SCE, SDG&E, or SoCalGas territory. Availability and rate depend heavily on which budget is open and remaining funds — status changes frequently. Always confirm current budget/waitlist status with the Program Administrator before assuming a rebate.

Value

100% exclusion of the added assessed value, for systems completed before January 1, 2027. Under current law (Rev. & Tax Code §73) the exclusion sunsets Jan 1, 2027 unless the legislature extends it; systems completed on/after that date could be assessed as new construction. Existing qualified systems keep the exclusion until a change of ownership.

Who receives it

Homeowner.

Eligibility

Qualifying active solar energy systems completed before the Jan 1, 2027 sunset. Verify the current sunset/extension status with the BOE, as extension bills have been proposed.

Value

Upfront per-watt incentive that can cover most or all of a qualifying system's cost. Program funding and successor programs change — confirm what is currently open.

Who receives it

Qualifying low-income homeowner.

Eligibility

Income-qualified, owner-occupied homes in designated disadvantaged communities within IOU territory. Verify current program availability, as low-income solar programs have shifted.