San Jose is Silicon Valley's largest city — PG&E rates, high household income, and CA's excellent sun make it a top solar market. Under NEM 3.0, battery + solar is standard. Battery storage qualifies for the 30% ITC and SGIP incentive through PG&E. Many San Jose homeowners are high earners who maximize federal ITC value.
San Jose is Silicon Valley's largest city — PG&E rates, high household income, and CA's excellent sun make it a top solar market. Under NEM 3.0, battery + solar is standard. Battery storage qualifies for the 30% ITC and SGIP incentive through PG&E. Many San Jose homeowners are high earners who maximize federal ITC value.
Utility: PG&E. Avg bill: $175–$270/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 PG&E. Up to $1,000/kWh for qualifying low-income or high fire risk customers. Your installer applies on your behalf.