EnergyPros connects California homeowners with vetted, A-rated, licensed installers for solar (with battery backup) and roof replacement. One quick check — we do the work of finding the right team so you don't have to.
Get My Solar Quote → (832) 384-4323Most sites won’t show you a number. Here is what California homeowners actually pay — all-in, meaning supply plus delivery plus riders, not the supply rate on its own. That is the figure solar has to beat.
| Utility | Rate | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| SDG&E | ~42¢ | Highest of the big three. On-peak runs 62–80¢ |
| PG&E | ~35¢ | Northern and central California |
| SCE | ~34¢ | Southern California outside LA and San Diego |
| LADWP | municipal | Los Angeles — sets its own rules, NOT on NEM 3.0 |
| SMUD | municipal | Sacramento — own Solar and Storage Rate, NOT on NEM 3.0 |
| California statewide | 33.3¢ | EIA, May 2026 — second highest in the country |
California moved new solar customers onto the Net Billing Tariff (NEM 3.0) in April 2023, and the NEM 2.0 grandfathering window closed permanently on April 15, 2026. Exported power now earns an avoided-cost rate of roughly 5 to 8¢ per kWh rather than the ~30¢ it earned before — a reduction of about 75%. Meanwhile imported power still costs 30 to 55¢ at peak. That gap is why a battery is no longer optional in California: the value is in using your own production during the 4pm–9pm peak rather than exporting it.
Rates as published August 2026, drawn from California Public Utilities Commission filings, utility tariffs, CAISO market data and U.S. Energy Information Administration Electric Power Monthly figures. Utilities reset on their own schedules — check your own bill.
The 30% federal Residential Clean Energy Credit under Section 25D ended for systems purchased after December 31, 2025. If you buy with cash or a loan in 2026, you cannot claim it. Any site still advertising a 30% federal credit for a homeowner purchase is running outdated information.
What remains is Section 48E, the commercial investment credit. It applies to third-party-owned systems — leases and power purchase agreements — where the system owner claims it rather than the homeowner. That is precisely what makes $0-down possible.
EnergyPros does not provide tax advice — confirm your situation with a tax professional.
California is the largest solar market in the country, with high rates from PG&E, SCE, and SDG&E. Under California's Net Billing Tariff (NEM 3.0), homeowners earn credit for exported solar power, and pairing solar with battery storage is especially valuable. California also offers the SGIP battery incentive and a property-tax exclusion for added solar value.
Net metering credits you for the surplus solar power your system sends to the grid: when your panels make more than you use, you bank a credit; at night you draw it back — for a lower, more predictable monthly bill.
In California, net metering is offered through utilities like PG&E, Southern California Edison, and SDG&E. Learn why your electric bill keeps rising →
California rates keep climbing — lock in lower power with $0 down.
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Yes. EnergyPros matches California homeowners with vetted, A-rated installers offering $0-down solar (lease/PPA) options — no purchase or loan required.
California is the largest solar market in the country, with high rates from PG&E, SCE, and SDG&E. Eligibility varies — consult a tax professional.
Net metering credits you for the surplus solar power your system sends to the grid: when your panels make more than you use, you bank a credit; at night you draw it back — for a lower, more predictable monthly bill. In California, it's offered through utilities like PG&E, Southern California Edison, and SDG&E.
Incentive programs and eligibility vary by utility and change over time. EnergyPros does not guarantee eligibility for any tax credit, exemption, or incentive — consult a licensed tax professional.
See why your electric bill keeps rising →