Energy programs. Have you been frustrated by constant power outages lately? If so, your likely power source came from wind, water, or natural gas. As you may have guessed, these power sources keep fluctuating. That explains why California energy programs have been urging its citizens to switch to solar energy. Since the sun always rises, residents can enjoy continuous power by harnessing it and using it later.

Understandably, you may be reluctant to switch to solar. You will be glad to know that the state offers four solar power incentives that you could take advantage of. Here they are below, and hopefully, you will find one that appeals to you.

Self-Generation Incentive Energy Programs

This program benefits people in distributed energy resources departments. To be eligible, you must be using fuel cells, wind turbines, waste heat, or microturbines. The government provides incentives based on how much power the users generate. If you use less than 30 kW, you will enjoy your full incentive upfront. On the other hand, if you use more than that, you will receive half of the incentive.

The beauty of the program is that there is no requirement based on system size. Regardless of size, your incentive payment will be capped at 3 MW. You will receive 100% of the calculated incentive for the first megawatt in capacity and 50% for the second one.

Energy Upgrade California State Rebate Program

This program is for those who want to increase the energy efficiency of their homes. Users who use much energy end up with huge bills, so the government provides incentives up to $4,000. Additionally, California finds contractors to install energy-efficient devices such as duct/air sealing, central air conditioners, and furnaces.

When you sign up for this program, you can choose between home upgrade or advanced home grade. In the former, your contractor mainly installs devices that use less energy, e.g., air sealing and water heaters. As for the latter, your contractor makes your entire home energy-efficient, so installing devices will not be enough. If they must, they will change your windows or house fans.

Alameda Municipal Power – Energy Efficiency Grant Program

If you need to weatherize your home for free, this is the program for you. Weatherization improves energy efficiency by protecting your house from outside elements. To participate in the program, you must fill a Weatherization Cash Grant Application Form.

Next, you will need a pre-installation audit. You can get it by calling contractors with a City of Alameda Business License. After that, the contractor will only bill you 20% of installation costs.

CA – CEC – New Solar Homes Partnership

In this program, the government mainly provides financial incentives to low-income residential, construction and multi-family residential customers. These incentives range from $3.5/W to $2.5/W, depending on factors like orientation, geographical location or shading. The government also provides solar panels with efficient technologies that boost energy efficiency.

This program was started to promote greener houses by enticing people to switch to solar. Due to the incentives, the government was able to install 14,100 solar panels which totaled 45 megawatts of capacity.

Conclusion

Some people will consider solar energy in California because of its financial incentives. However, you should switch to it because of how it reduces greenhouses gas emissions. As a result, you will become closer to solving the climate change menace. That will only work if more people adopt solar. You could do your part to encourage those you know to consider it. 

When you convince people to switch to solar, try not to be too aggressive about it. Otherwise, people will feel like you are looking down on them.