Solar Savings Calculator for California

California homeowners pay an average of $250/month for electricity at 32¢/kWh. With 5.8 peak sun hours per day, solar can dramatically cut your energy costs.

$250
Avg Monthly Bill
32¢/kWh
Electricity Rate
5.8h/day
Peak Sun Hours
$94,902
Est. 25-Year Savings

Calculate Your Savings in California

Adjust Your Details for California

$
$50$1,000
50010,000
5¢50¢

Your Estimated Solar Savings

System Size
4.8 kW
Panel Count
12 panels
Total System Cost
$13,680
Federal Tax Credit (30%)
-$4,104
Net Cost
$9,576
Annual Savings
$3,000
Payback Period
3.2 years
25-Year Savings
$94,902
Return on Investment
991%

* Estimates based on 5.8 peak sun hours/day in California, system cost of $2.85/watt, 30% federal ITC, 3% annual electricity inflation, and 0.5% annual panel degradation over 25 years. Actual results may vary.

Solar Incentives in California

Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC)

Reduces federal income tax liability by 30% of the total cost of a solar energy system, including equipment and installation.

30% of system cost

Net Energy Metering (NEM 3.0)

Credits solar owners for excess energy exported to the grid at time-of-use rates. Paired with battery storage for maximum benefit.

Export rate varies by time of use

Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP)

Provides rebates for installing battery storage systems paired with solar panels.

Up to $1,000/kWh for battery storage

Property Tax Exclusion for Solar

Solar energy systems are excluded from property tax assessments through 2025, potentially extended.

100% property tax exclusion

Cities in California

Select your city for a more precise estimate with local electricity rates and utility information.

Los Angeles

33¢/kWh · 5.6h sun/day

Avg bill: $260/mo · Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP)

San Francisco

34.5¢/kWh · 5.1h sun/day

Avg bill: $240/mo · Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E)

San Diego

38¢/kWh · 5.7h sun/day

Avg bill: $280/mo · San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E)

San Jose

34¢/kWh · 5.4h sun/day

Avg bill: $255/mo · Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E)

Sacramento

28¢/kWh · 5.8h sun/day

Avg bill: $230/mo · Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD)

Fresno

32¢/kWh · 6h sun/day

Avg bill: $245/mo · Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E)

Long Beach

30.5¢/kWh · 5.5h sun/day

Avg bill: $235/mo · Southern California Edison (SCE)

Oakland

34¢/kWh · 5.2h sun/day

Avg bill: $245/mo · Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E)

More Solar Resources for California

California Solar IncentivesTax credits, rebates, and SRECsCalifornia Cost ComparisonSolar vs. grid costs over 25 yearsCalifornia System SizingHow many panels your home needsCalifornia Permits & RegulationsLocal permit requirements and HOA rulesIs Solar Worth It in California?Data-driven analysis for your stateCalifornia Financing OptionsCompare loans, leases, and PPAs

Go Solar in California

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