Seaside solar panels

Solar panels seen on the roofs of some Seaside homes.

With President Donald Trump signing the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill” on July 4, federal incentives for alternative energy upgrades now have an expiration date.

Among those are the $7,500 incentive for certain new electric vehicles and $4,000 for used, which will end on Sept. 30.

On July 7, the Monterey Bay Air Resources District announced it launched its EV incentive program for residents in Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito counties, offering various incentives, including $2,500 for new hydrogen vehicles and $1,500 for new battery electric vehicles, along with lesser amounts for used vehicles.

“Fully electric vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions,” said Richard Stedman, air pollution control officer at MBARD. “By encouraging and incentivizing their use, significant long-term air quality benefits can be achieved.”

Central Coast Community Energy (3CE) offers rebates that can be paired with the federal incentives, including up to $4,000 for a new electric vehicle (depending on income) and $750 for a home charger.

The agency’s Electrify Your Home Program, which provides rebates for electric water heaters and HVAC equipment, is currently on pause due to a “significant increase in applications,” says Chris Cook, director of energy programs. The program will reopen in October, with applications able to be retroactively approved from July.

“Since 3CE is locally governed, our rebates are not impacted by federal energy incentives or tax credits going away,” Cook says. “However, for customers looking to stack 3CE rebates with federal incentives and tax credits, it is important to act this year.”

The up to 30 percent federal tax credit for installing solar panels on homes is also on the chopping block, with the incentive ending Dec. 31.

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