When you install a solar panel system, you are likely eligible to receive cash rebates from your state, and energy tax credits from the U.S. Treasury IRS.

The U.S. Treasury allows Energy Tax Credits for homeowners and business owners. Taxpayers are allowed one tax credit equal to 30 percent of the qualified investment in solar panels, and another equivalent 30% credit for investing in a solar water heating system.  This does not include solar heating for pools or hot tubs.

State Rebate programs. Dozens of states offer cash rebates for solar panels and other incentives like sales or property tax exemptions when you install solar panels. Use these links to learn about the solar power rebates and incentives offered in your state.

Arizona Solar Power Rebates   California Solar Power Rebates  Colorado Solar Power Rebates  Connecticut Solar Power Rebates  Delaware Solar Power Rebates  Louisiana Solar Power Rebates  New Jersey Solar Power Rebates  New York Solar Power Rebates  Massachusetts Solar Power Rebates  Maryland Solar Panel Rebates
 

The California Solar Initiative (CSI)
 allows for a cash rebate incentive for your residential solar panel system. All electric customers in California are eligible to apply for incentives. 
For your existing home and all non-residential facilities, a solar installer typically will contact a California Solar Incentive program administrator on your behalf to apply for an incentive and arrange for your system to be connected to your utility company's power grid. The installer may also apply for local permits, if applicable.

The California Solar Initiative Handbook
The California Solar Initiative Handbook (Acrobat PDF file, 147 pages, 1.7 megabytes) provides detailed information on the CSI eligibility, application requirements, payment process, and more.

IMPORTANT Be sure to read all of the terms of your installation contract to see if it requires you to sell or transfer your "Renewable Energy Credits" as a condition of installation. These are credits you could be eligible to receive from your utility if you produce more energy than you consume. As the owner of your RECs, you do not need to agree to any contract language that requires you to sell or transfer your RECs as a condition of installation.