New Solar Program in Mission Viejo Offers Residents Extra Incentives and Perks

The amount of solar energy produced in the U.S. has risen 500 percent according to Energy Information Administration. New flexible financing options, better incentives programs and reduced solar panel prices are causing rapid growth and increased deployment of distributed generation solar-powered homes across the nation. These rebate programs range from hyper-local, to the state and federal levels, all with the aim of making solar more affordable for homeowners.

With these programs in place, it is easier than ever to declare energy independence and choosing the right solar program in Mission Viejo is easy. Residents should consider working with a company that offers extra incentives with no upfront cash requirements. 

State and national rebates are available to all residents, but many are unaware that the funding is quickly diminishing as the number of reservations continues to increase. Additionally, the average incentive of these state and federal rebates are far lower than some hyper-local programs. 

For instance, in the Southern California Edison (SCE) utility territory, the state rebate is currently $0.25 per watt. For a 5,181-watt system, roughly the average size of a solar system in Mission Viejo, the homeowner would receive a check for $1,295 for their solar system from the State rebate. In comparison, the same size solar system could receive a rebate of up to $2,500 from the local Mission Viejo Solar Program.

Another attractive investment to homeowners is the federal tax credit, which gives a one-to-one credit against tax liability for 30 percent of the out-of-pocket costs. That means, if a homeowner installs a $18,000 solar project, they will receive a 30 percent credit, which is equal to a $6,000 tax credit payable in April of the following year. The credit is able to carry from year to year until fully exhausted and is expected to last through 2016.

For those looking for long-term investments, the federal option may seem like a fit. However, the biggest problem is eventually the state and federal incentives will continue to decrease until program funding runs out, which is expected to happen between 2013 and 2016.

Locally, the Mission Viejo Solar Program provides a solution to the problem of diminishing incentives. It offers cash-back to all program participants.

The Mission Viejo Solar Program is administered by Sullivan Solar Power, a local company that successfully completed similar programs in Irvine, Huntington Beach, Orange and Santa Ana. The company is working to create a strong solar community within Mission Viejo by offering cash-back incentives with no upfront costs. These incentives are higher than the state and federal rebates and accessible only to Mission Viejo property owners.  

While all solar incentives available to homeowners have spurred the growth of renewable energy throughout our region and state, they will eventually come to an end. The Mission Viejo Solar Program incentive is the closest to our community, but the first to expire when it closes on June 3, 2013. 

To learn more about how you can take advantage of the Mission Viejo Solar Program while these incentives are still available, visit www.MissionViejoSolarProgram.org.