Irvine is Orange County's premier master-planned city — highly educated population, large newer homes, and SCE rates under NEM 3.0 make battery + solar the right call. Irvine's newer construction (2000s–2020s) often has solar-ready electrical infrastructure. SGIP battery incentive available through SCE. The 30% federal ITC and CA property tax exclusion apply.
Irvine is Orange County's premier master-planned city — highly educated population, large newer homes, and SCE rates under NEM 3.0 make battery + solar the right call. Irvine's newer construction (2000s–2020s) often has solar-ready electrical infrastructure. SGIP battery incentive available through SCE. The 30% federal ITC and CA property tax exclusion apply.
Utility: SCE. Avg bill: $150–$232/month. Orange 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 SCE. Up to $1,000/kWh for qualifying low-income or high fire risk customers. Your installer applies on your behalf.