Palo Alto has its own municipal utility — City of Palo Alto Utilities (CPAU) — not PG&E. CPAU has its own solar interconnection process and net metering program. Palo Alto homes are among the most valuable in the US; solar ROI here is excellent. CPAU's rates are lower than PG&E but still high enough to make solar very worthwhile.
Palo Alto has its own municipal utility — City of Palo Alto Utilities (CPAU) — not PG&E. CPAU has its own solar interconnection process and net metering program. Palo Alto homes are among the most valuable in the US; solar ROI here is excellent. CPAU's rates are lower than PG&E but still high enough to make solar very worthwhile.
Utility: City of Palo Alto Utilities (CPAU). Avg bill: $140–$220/month. Santa Clara 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 City of Palo Alto Utilities (CPAU). Up to $1,000/kWh for qualifying low-income or high fire risk customers. Your installer applies on your behalf.