Free & Low-Income Solar Programs in California
“Free solar” ads are mostly misleading — but genuine no-cost rooftop solar does exist for households that qualify by income and location. This guide covers the real programs (DAC-SASH, SOMAH, the CARE/FERA discounts that gate them, and community solar), who qualifies, and what “free” actually means in 2026.
- Genuine no-cost rooftop solar is limited to specific income-qualified, location-qualified, utility or nonprofit programs — it is not generally available to the open market.
- DAC-SASH is California’s primary statewide no-cost rooftop-solar program for qualifying low-income homeowners in disadvantaged communities served by the three large investor-owned utilities.
- CARE and FERA are bill discounts, not solar — but meeting their income limits is one requirement for the solar programs.
- Much of Los Angeles is served by LADWP (municipal), which is not covered by the IOU programs below.
DAC-SASH — no-cost rooftop solar (if you qualify)
DAC-SASH (Disadvantaged Communities – Single-family Affordable Solar Homes), administered by GRID Alternatives, provides no-cost rooftop solar to income-qualified homeowners in disadvantaged communities. It is funded through 2030.
Eligibility requires all of the following — meeting the income limit alone is not enough:
- Single-family homeowner, owner-occupied;
- Located in a disadvantaged community (or a qualifying pilot community);
- Served by PG&E, SCE, or SDG&E;
- Meets CARE or FERA income eligibility.
Meeting CARE or FERA income eligibility is one of the DAC-SASH requirements; it does not by itself guarantee program eligibility. Apply through GRID Alternatives (eligibility form or (866) 921-4696). Important for Los Angeles: DAC-SASH is a CPUC program for the investor-owned utilities, so homes served by LADWP (a municipal utility) are not covered by it.
Sources: GRID Alternatives — DAC-SASH eligibility · CPUC — Solar in Disadvantaged Communities · verified August 4, 2026.
SASH is closed — DAC-SASH is the successor
The older CSI Single-family Affordable Solar Homes (SASH) Program is closed. If you see references to “SASH,” the active program for qualifying households today is DAC-SASH, above.
Source: CPUC — SASH Program (Closed) · verified August 4, 2026.
SOMAH — solar for multifamily affordable housing
SOMAH (Solar on Multifamily Affordable Housing) provides incentives to install solar on multifamily affordable housing and delivers bill credits to residents. It is aimed at property owners and tenants of qualifying affordable housing, not single-family homeowners.
Source: CPUC — Low-Income Solar Programs · verified August 4, 2026.
CARE and FERA — the bill discounts that open the door
These are rate discounts, not solar programs — but meeting CARE or FERA income eligibility is one of the requirements for DAC-SASH; it is not automatic program approval.
- CARE (California Alternate Rates for Energy): about a 30–35% discount on the electric bill for households at roughly 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
- FERA: for households just above the CARE limit (up to about 250% FPG); an 18% discount on the electric bill, and at SCE a discounted Base Services Charge (about $12/month).
Income limits are set by the CPUC and updated annually. For the cycle June 1, 2026 – May 31, 2027:
| Household size | CARE income limit | FERA upper limit |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | $54,640 | $68,300 |
| 4 | $66,000 | $82,500 |
| 5 | $77,360 | $96,700 |
Sources: CPUC — CARE/FERA · CPUC — CARE/FERA income limits · verified August 4, 2026.
Community solar (for renters or roofs that can’t host solar)
If rooftop solar isn’t possible, DAC-GT (Disadvantaged Communities Green Tariff) provides qualifying residential customers in disadvantaged communities with utility-scale renewable electricity and a 20% bill discount. The broader CSGT (Community Solar Green Tariff) program was largely discontinued, although legacy projects may continue; availability depends on your utility or CCA. This is a bill benefit, not a free rooftop installation.
Sources: CPUC — Community Solar · CPUC — 2026 community-solar update · verified August 4, 2026 (DAC-GT moved to a new funding mechanism effective July 1, 2026).
Income-qualified battery help (SGIP)
For batteries, the income-qualified path is the state SGIP RSSE tier, which is largely reserved/waitlisted. We cover it in detail on our SGIP battery incentives page rather than repeating it here.
What about the federal tax credit?
Under current IRS guidance, the federal Residential Clean Energy Credit (§25D) is not allowed for expenditures made after December 31, 2025 (repealed by Public Law 119-21, July 4, 2025). Tax treatment depends on the facts and applicable law; homeowners should confirm eligibility with a qualified tax professional.
Source: IRS Form 5695 instructions · verified August 4, 2026.
The honest version of “free solar”
If an ad promises “free solar panels” to the general public, be skeptical. Real no-cost rooftop solar in California runs through income- and location-qualified programs like DAC-SASH, or nonprofit and utility-specific programs — not the open market. Every program is subject to eligibility, funding availability, and program rules, and funding can close. Check your eligibility directly with the program administrator before relying on any benefit.
Frequently asked
Is there really free solar in California?
Who qualifies for DAC-SASH?
What is the difference between CARE and FERA?
Can renters get help going solar?
Is the federal solar tax credit still available in 2026?
Related reading
Sources & methodology
Figures on this page come from the primary sources below and, where noted, from Cali Energy calculations using the stated assumptions. Rates, incentives, and program terms change; each was verified August 4, 2026.
About this guide
This reference is maintained by the Cali Energy research team to help California households find legitimate low-income and no-cost solar options. Program rules, income limits, and funding change — confirm current eligibility directly with the program administrator.
Prepared by Cali Energy, August 4, 2026. This article is for general educational purposes only and is not legal, tax, financial, engineering, or utility advice. Rates, incentives, codes, permit requirements, equipment specifications, prices, and program terms may change; figures and timelines are estimates, not guarantees. Confirm current requirements with the applicable utility, AHJ, program administrator, manufacturer, or a licensed professional. See our Content Disclaimer. Cali Energy · 19201 Parthenia St Unit E, Northridge, CA 91324 · CSLB #1032379 (B, C-10, C-39)