CA · Solar + Battery

Solar + battery installation in California

Battery-coupled solar is the package that closes most often in California. Federal Clean Tech ITC (30%) on storage stacks with state net metering. Free quote, ~2 minutes.

Get my free solar + battery quote
6.5 kW
Average system size
$2.85/W
Average cost (USD)
7 yrs
Average payback
412+
Local installers

Why solar in California

California has the largest residential solar market in the United States, driven by some of the country's highest retail electricity rates and 280+ days of sun per year. The 2023 shift to NEM 3.0 reduced export compensation versus the old NEM 2.0 rules, but solar paired with a home battery still produces strong returns thanks to time-of-use rate spreads. The federal Residential Clean Energy Credit (Section 25D, 30%) ended on December 31, 2025 - homeowners who buy a system in 2026 no longer receive that credit, though leased / PPA / Propel systems can still indirectly access the 30% commercial credit (Section 48E) through their third-party owner. California's SGIP rebate continues to subsidize batteries for eligible customers. Most California cash-purchase systems now break even in roughly 7-10 years (longer than before, given the lost federal credit).

Incentives & rebates

Net metering: NEM 3.0

Under NEM 3.0 (effective April 2023), exported solar energy is credited at the avoided-cost rate rather than the retail rate, with values varying by hour, season, and utility. Batteries become much more valuable: storing daytime production to offset peak evening usage typically delivers better returns than exporting.

Related California resources

Battery + Storage

Why solar + battery in California

California has the largest residential solar market in the United States, driven by some of the country's highest retail electricity rates and 280+ days of sun per year. The 2023 shift to NEM 3.0 reduced export compensation versus the old NEM 2.0 rules, but solar paired with a home battery still produces strong returns thanks to time-of-use rate spreads. The federal Residential Clean Energy Credit (Section 25D, 30%) ended on December 31, 2025 - homeowners who buy a system in 2026 no longer receive that credit, though leased / PPA / Propel systems can still indirectly access the 30% commercial credit (Section 48E) through their third-party owner. California's SGIP rebate continues to subsidize batteries for eligible customers. Most California cash-purchase systems now break even in roughly 7-10 years (longer than before, given the lost federal credit).

✓ Federal Clean Tech ITC 30% on storage ✓ Outage resilience

Start your California quote

Tell us where your home is and we will match you with a vetted local installer.

How payback works in California

System cost
$18,525
Estimated net cost
$18,525
Estimated payback
~11.4 years
25-year net savings
~$21,975

These figures are illustrative; your actual quote reflects your roof, sun exposure, and local utility rates.

Cities we serve in California

23cities with vetted local solar + battery installers.

Frequently asked questions

How much do solar panels cost in California?
A typical 6.5 kW system in California costs around $18,000-$22,000 installed (about $2.85/W). The 30% federal Residential Clean Energy Credit ended December 31, 2025, so cash and loan purchases in 2026 no longer get that credit; leased/PPA systems can still indirectly capture the 30% via the surviving commercial Section 48E credit. Cost also varies by panel choice, roof complexity, and whether you add a battery.
Is NEM 3.0 worth it for solar in California?
Solar is still profitable under NEM 3.0, but the payback period stretched from ~5 years (NEM 2.0) to ~7 years for a typical system. Adding a battery often improves the economics by storing daytime production for use during expensive peak hours.
Do I need a battery to make solar worth it in California?
Not strictly, but batteries materially improve NEM 3.0 economics and add backup power during wildfire-season outages. A system with battery typically pays back 1-2 years faster than solar alone.
How long does solar permitting take in California?
Permitting and interconnection typically take 4-10 weeks from contract signing to activation. SB 379 requires many jurisdictions to offer instant online permitting for systems under 38.4 kW.
Are there income-qualified solar programs in California?
Yes. DAC-SASH offers free or heavily-subsidized solar for low-income households in disadvantaged communities, and SGIP offers higher battery-rebate tiers for income-qualified customers.