Customers serviced by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) have not been able to take advantage of solar rebates because the program was suspended in January, 2011.

Beginning September 1, 2011, LADWP will offer new rebates to reduce the cost of going solar. LADWP’s rebate structure is amongst the most generous in the nation with $2.20 per watt, which translates to almost 35% savings. For homeowners who purchase a system, an additional 30% federal tax credit may apply.

For an average 5.5 kW system, the rebate will reduce the system cost by approximately $12,100. If you qualify for the federal tax credit, you may be able to recoup an additional $6,270. With these incentives, LADWP customers pay 35% less than their neighbors in IID and other utilities.

SunWize estimates that there are sufficient rebate funds for approximately 2,000 homes. LADWP services 1.4 million homes.

SunWize is advising homeowners to act before August 27, 2011 to take advantage of the limited rebates. This year, LADWP suspended solar project funding for eight months; once this round of funding is depleted, the rebate program will be suspended again until next year.