According to the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, solar technology will be used to help energy consumers transition to clean electricity systems by 2035.
While cost savings are among the benefits of using solar energy in your home, how much can Californians spend on installation and maintenance?
Here's what the California Public Utilities Commission and the California Solar and Storage Association told us:
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How much do solar panels cost in California?
According to Bernadette Del Chiaro, executive director of the California Solar Energy and Storage Association, a solar panel system for a single-family home costs $3.75 per watt.
“The average output of a residential complex is 7 kilowatts or 7,000 watts,” Del Chiaro wrote in an email to The Bee.
The average cost for a solar system can be about $26,250, while for batteries it can be about $15,000, Del Chiaro said.
How long does it take to pay for a solar installation in California?
Terry Prosper, a spokesman for the California Public Utilities Commission, said the commission's new net rates, which provide solar credits, help homeowners in eligible areas pay for their systems over about nine years.
Eligible service areas include Pacific Gas & Electric, Southern California Edison and San Diego Gas & Electric.
“Before purchasing solar panels, consumers are encouraged to consider energy efficiency improvements,” Prosper wrote in an email to The Bee.
When purchasing solar panels, Prosper said that a home that is already energy efficient doesn't need as many solar panels to use energy.
For customers in the greater Sacramento area, Del Chiaro said solar systems will take more than 12 to 15 years to pay for themselves.
How much money can Californians save with solar panels?
According to the Home Depot website, using solar energy saves homeowners about 20% on electricity bills.
However, some features may impact overall costs and savings, including:
Region: The weather in your region can affect the efficiency of solar energy systems.
System Size: Smaller systems can help reduce your utility bills. Larger systems can power a larger portion of your home.
Number and type of panels. The size of your home can affect the number of solar panels and their efficiency.
Roof and module position: Depending on the amount of sunlight on the roof, this may affect the performance of the module.
Seasonal Effects: Seasons can change the performance of solar panel systems. Homeowners can typically save the most in the spring and summer, while the colder months are less effective.
How much homeowners save depends on where they live and whether they add batteries, Del Chiaro said.
Although solar panels require sunlight to generate electricity, adding a battery can help the system function in all weather conditions, the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy says on its website.
How much are the additional costs?
According to Prosper, solar panel system maintenance can include replacing the inverter or cleaning the panels.
“Customers should discuss these requirements with installers and are encouraged to incorporate this information into their project plans and budgets,” Prosper wrote.
According to Yelp, solar panels should be cleaned annually.
“The average cost of professional solar panel cleaning is $200,” the website states.
The cost of solar panel cleaning in California can be influenced by a number of factors, including the size of the solar panel system, the cleaning company and the location of the solar panel, the website says.
The inverter, which converts direct power from solar panels into AC power for indoor use, comes with a 10-year warranty. After that time, a replacement could cost about $5,000, Del Chiaro said.
“All systems are covered by a 10- to 20-year manufacturing and product warranty in the event of unexpected problems,” Del Chiaro wrote.
Can Californians get solar grants?
Aside from low-income households whose family income is less than $40,000, Del Chiaro said the only incentive available to Californians is a federal tax credit that reduces the cost of the system by 30 percent.
According to the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, California residents who switch to solar energy can receive tax credits that they can claim on their income taxes in the year the system is fully installed.
When creating a tax credit, the following expenses are taken into account:
Solar panels or photovoltaic solar cells
Labor costs and contractor compensation
System devices such as cables
Energy-saving devices with a capacity of 3 kWh or more
Sales tax on eligible expenses
In 2022, Congress increased the solar income tax credit to 30% through 2032. This figure will rise to 26% by 2033 and 22% by 2034.
According to the bureau's website, the tax credit will expire in 2035 unless Congress extends it.
“Another way to look at it is that the federal tax credit essentially covers the cost of installing the battery into your solar system,” Del Chiaro said.
For low-income families, the California Low-Income Weatherization Program provides free solar photovoltaic systems and energy efficiency upgrades.
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