DSIRE is the most comprehensive source of information on incentives and policies that support renewables and energy efficiency options in the US.

http://www.gosolarcalifornia.org/ – The Go Solar California website provides a hub of information regarding solar programs, rebates, tax credits, and information on installing and interconnecting solar electric and solar thermal systems.

Solar customers have multiple options when financing their solar energy systems:

Home Equity Loans:

Many customers go through their commercial lenders to finance their solar energy systems, and home equity loans are the most common method for homeowners to purchase their solar systems. To find out more about home equity loans, you can contact a local provider, though many solar contractors have partnerships with existing lenders.

Solar Leases:

By leasing a solar system, customers can get the benefits of owning a solar system without the large initial costs. Solar customers opting for solar leases simply rent the solar system from a company as they would any other home appliance, while getting the benefits of the system’s electricity production. Solar leases are attractive options for home or business owners who only plan to be at their home or office for less than five years. 

Power Purchase Agreements:

Under a “PPA,” a third party owns and maintains the customer solar system, selling the kilowatt-hours back to the customer. Thus, customers who opt for a solar PPA typically have low initial costs and pay only for the electricity their solar systems generate.

HERO Program:

The WRCOG HERO Program is offered through a partnership between Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG) and Renovate America, Inc. The program is designed to provide relatively low interest rate financing to spark the local economy by creating jobs and reducing utility costs, and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The program provides HERO Financing for permanently affixed energy efficiency, water efficiency, and certain eligible renewable energy products. HERO Financing is repaid through an assessment on your property tax bill over 5-20 years, based on the useful life of the products. Upon sale of the property, the balance generally stays with the property.

3rd Party Financing:

some installers have their own financing programs. Please talk to your installers to find out which programs they have available for you.

Today is actually a perfect time to go solar. The underlying technology behind solar power has not changed that much over the years. The biggest change in recent years is that the cost has come way down. Also, in the future we may see fewer Federal and State rebates and incentive programs for going solar (these programs are designed with incremental decreases over time). It’s first come, first serve, so now is one of the best times to get money back for your decision to use solar power. Don’t wait!