Rancho Mirage Energy Authority to offer $500 residential solar rebates

The city of Rancho Mirage is hoping to encourage more residents to install solar panels on their home by offering a new rebate program. The program, approved by the Rancho Mirage City Council last week, will give eligible residents a $500 rebate after the completion of a new solar project.

Councilman Ted Weill said the move is just another example of what the city can do for its residents. He said the program’s approval further shows that the city is a proponent of sustainability and solar energy.

“We do this with our residents in mind and we are fortunate we can afford to do this,” Weill said. Officials said solar installations tend to immediately lead to lower electricity bills for residents and higher property values.

Rancho Mirage City Manager Isaiah Hagerman estimates the program will cost the city $150,000 a year, with the dollars coming from the Rancho Mirage Energy Authority funds. The cost to the city is estimated based on the annual average number of solar permits the city has issued in prior years. Hagerman said the city typically issues 300 solar permits per year.

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