Elk Grove is Sacramento County's second-largest city — served by SMUD with its own net metering program. Elk Grove's newer construction (2000s–2010s) has solar-ready infrastructure; large suburban lots with great southern exposure. SMUD rates are lower than PG&E but Sacramento summers drive high AC bills that solar addresses effectively.
Elk Grove is Sacramento County's second-largest city — served by SMUD with its own net metering program. Elk Grove's newer construction (2000s–2010s) has solar-ready infrastructure; large suburban lots with great southern exposure. SMUD rates are lower than PG&E but Sacramento summers drive high AC bills that solar addresses effectively.
Utility: SMUD. Avg bill: $120–$180/month. Sacramento County — 30% federal ITC + CA property tax exclusion (Rev. & Tax § 73) + SGIP battery incentive + NEM 3.0 net billing.
Under NEM 3.0 (for new installations after April 2023), exported solar earns ~$0.02–$0.08/kWh. Battery storage is essential — store production, use it at night during peak rate hours, maximize self-consumption.
SGIP provides per-kWh incentives for battery storage through SMUD. Up to $1,000/kWh for qualifying low-income or high fire risk customers. Your installer applies on your behalf.