Solar energy: the clean, renewable

resource of the Golden State

 

 

The state of solar in California

 

The number of sunny days per year ranges between 250 and 290 for most locations in the Golden State, placing California among the top five sunniest states.* In contrast, the national average is only 210 sunny days per year.

According to Project Sunroof, a whopping 91% of buildings in California are solar-viable, with a total of 11.5 billion square feet of roof space fit for solar installations.*

This promising data, coupled with the state’s commitment to reach a 100% zero-carbon energy goal by 2045 and multiple statewide clean energy incentives, makes it easy to understand why California occupies the top spot on the Solar States Top 10.* Currently, over 8.5 million homes in California rely on solar energy.

How much solar energy does California produce?

California’s total solar energy production (both photovoltaic and thermal) for 2020 reached close to 30,000 gigawatt-hours (GWh), or over 15% of the state’s total energy generation. The state boasts 770 active solar power plants, with an installed capacity approaching 14,000 megawatts.

What are the advantages of going solar in California?

California’s abundant sunshine, combined with the state’s high electricity costs of nearly 22.5 cents per kilowatt-hour, makes solar panel installation an attractive option for Californians.* Furthermore, following state legislation, all homes built after January 1, 2020, must have a solar system.

California residents who invest in solar panels can expect their home PV system to pay for itself within 5.4 to 6.6 years on average.* Over 25 years after installing a home solar system, the average California homeowner may save up to $58,000.*

An additional bonus of having a home solar system in California is extra energy independence. Every year, summer heatwaves bring the danger of power outages to the Golden State. A solar system with energy storage will keep working even while the grid is down.

Finally, a solar system reduces a properties carbon emissions by about 80% on average.* Switching to solar energy is a win-win for both property owners and the planet.

How much does solar cost in California?

The cost of a home solar system can vary, even within the same state, due to a range of factors, including:

• Type of installation (e.g., roof mount vs. ground mount)
• Roof type and angle
• Quality of the solar panels
• Interconnection costs

In California, we found that the investment to own a 5 kW solar system ranges from $12,550 to $55,300, or in other words, from $2.51 to $11.06 per watt, and that’s before considering the benefits of any available tax credits or incentives.

Over the last decade, solar installation costs dropped by 70% on average,* making solar system installation a lot more financially viable than in 2010. A California homeowner today can expect to pay around $14,000 on average for a home solar system.*

Meanwhile, government incentives spur more and more Californians to go solar. California residents can enjoy a 30% federal tax credit* on solar system installation.

 

 

What’s the best way to go solar in California?

To ensure your solar system works effectively, allows you to recoup installation costs, and serves you well over the years, it’s vital to choose a quality system from a reputable solar provider.

Your safest bet is to select a licensed solar company with many years of industry experience in your area. A reliable contractor will advise you on available solar incentives and work with you to create an individually customized solar plan that suits your property design, energy needs, and budget.

Finally, ensure that your solar provider only installs quality solar panels and other solar system parts from reputable manufacturers. A top-quality solar system will endure for many years and save you a lot of repair and replacement costs.

At Solar by EnFin, we’re committed to helping you learn about home solar and if it works for you. Get started exploring solar for your home by requesting a consultation with us below. You can also contact us directly at info@spus1.com.

 

Start saving with solar! Schedule your online appointment with Solar by EnFin.