San Diego County has the strongest solar ROI in California — SDG&E's rates ($0.30–$0.55/kWh) are the highest of any IOU in the US. Under NEM 3.0, every kWh of self-consumed solar production displaces extremely expensive grid power. Battery + solar in SDG&E territory delivers the fastest paybacks in CA — often 7–9 years for solar + one battery. SGIP battery incentive available through SDG&E. CA property tax exclusion applies throughout.
San Diego County has the strongest solar ROI in California — SDG&E's rates ($0.30–$0.55/kWh) are the highest of any IOU in the US. Under NEM 3.0, every kWh of self-consumed solar production displaces extremely expensive grid power. Battery + solar in SDG&E territory delivers the fastest paybacks in CA — often 7–9 years for solar + one battery. SGIP battery incentive available through SDG&E. CA property tax exclusion applies throughout.
Utility: SDG&E. Average monthly bill: $170–$280/month.
Note: California has no state solar income tax credit. The federal 30% ITC is the primary tax incentive.
No — California does not have a state income tax credit for residential solar. The federal 30% ITC is the primary tax incentive, plus CA's permanent property tax exclusion and SGIP battery incentive.
Under NEM 3.0 (effective April 2023 for new installations), exported solar earns ~$0.02–$0.08/kWh instead of the full retail rate. Battery storage is now essential — store excess production and use it at night during peak rate hours instead of exporting at low rates.
The Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) provides per-kWh incentives for battery storage in California — up to $1,000/kWh for qualifying low-income or high fire risk customers. Your installer applies through SDG&E on your behalf.