San Francisco Solar Energy Incentive Program

The San Francisco Solar Energy Incentive Program is a municipal incentive programme to encourage the installation of photovoltaic (PV) systems both by residents and businesses. Different incentive levels are available whether the property is residential, commercial, low-income residential, non-profit, or multi-family residential owned and operated by a non-profit. In general, systems must be at least one kilowatt (kW) in capacity, and there is no maximum size limit to participate.

For 2010-11, basic installations of residential systems are eligible for incentives of between USD 2,000 and USD 3,000; lower-income participants may be eligible for incentives of up to USD 7,000. Commercial businesses and non-residential buildings owned by a non-profit, or occupied by a non-profit and owned by government entities receive a capacity-based incentive of USD 1,500 per kW. Commercial businesses can receive a maximum amount of USD 10,000, while there is no cap for non-profits. Multi-unit residential buildings that are operated by a non-profit may receive USD 3,500 per kW up to a maximum of USD 60,000.

For 2016-17, basic installations of residential systems are eligible for incentives of between USD 500 and USD 2,800; lower-income participants may be eligible for incentives of up to USD 7,000. Non-residential buildings owned by a non-profit, or occupied by a non-profit and owned by government entities receive a capacity-based incentive of USD 1,000 per kW with a maximum amount of USD 50,000 per service site. Commercial businesses can receive a capacity-based incentive of USD 500 per kW and a maximum amount of USD 10,000 per meter and USD 50,000 per service site. Multi-unit residential buildings may receive USD 500 per kW up to a maximum of USD 50,000.

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