For homeowners in Bay Point, high Pacific Gas & Electric Co electricity bills are a constant pressure, especially during hot Contra Costa summers. With rates around $0.323 per kWh, finding ways to reduce that cost is critical. In 2026, the economics of rooftop solar have shifted. It's no longer just about generating power, but about how you use it. Under California's current rules, using your own solar power is far more valuable than sending it back to the grid.
Want the payoff timeline? Jump straight to the interactive calculator.
Open calculatorBenchmark Cost Analysis
Estimated Solar System Costs in Bay Point (2026)
The total price for a professionally installed rooftop solar system depends on its size and whether you include battery storage. For a typical home in the area, here are the modeled estimates before any local rebates, keeping in mind the 30% federal tax credit for homeowners is no longer available for systems installed in 2026.
- Solar-Only System (6.4 kW): An estimated gross cost of $16,320. This system is sized to offset a significant portion of an average local electricity bill.
- Solar + Battery System (6.4 kW panels, 10 kWh battery): An estimated gross cost of $31,320. Adding a battery increases the upfront investment but dramatically improves your ability to use your own solar power after sunset, maximizing savings.
These figures are based on a typical cost per watt of $2.55. Your final price will depend on your specific roof, equipment choices, and installer.
Incentives & Tax Credits
California Solar Incentives for 2026
While the well-known 30% federal ITC for homeowners has ended for systems installed in 2026, California homeowners still have valuable financial advantages that support the switch to solar.
The most significant is the Active Solar Energy System Property Tax Exclusion. Installing a solar system will not increase your property taxes. This means you get the benefit of a home improvement that can lower your bills and potentially enhance resale appeal without the downside of a higher tax assessment.
The primary financial driver, however, is avoiding PG&E's high and often rising electricity rates. By generating your own power, you insulate yourself from future price hikes, making your investment more valuable over time.
Net Metering: Pacific Gas & Electric Co
Net Billing (low export)
Recommended 🔋
Understanding Export Rates with PG&E
Under California's net billing system, the rules for selling excess solar power back to the grid have changed. You no longer get a one-for-one credit for the energy you export. The electricity you buy from PG&E costs around $0.323 per kWh, but the credit you receive for exported solar is much lower—modeled here at about $0.113 per kWh.
This is why self-consumption is key. A solar battery allows you to store the solar power your panels generate during the day. Instead of exporting it for a low value, you use that stored energy in the evening, avoiding the need to buy expensive power from the grid. This strategy is essential for maximizing your solar savings in the current PG&E environment.
Projected Savings
How Much Can You Save on Your PG&E Bill?
With PG&E rates, every kilowatt-hour you generate and use at home is direct savings. The addition of a battery makes a substantial difference in how much you can save annually.
- A 6.4 kW solar-only system in Bay Point is modeled to save approximately $1,970 per year, with a payback period of about 7.6 years.
- Adding a 10 kWh battery to that system boosts the estimated annual savings to $2,921. While the upfront cost is higher, the payback period is still competitive at around 8.8 years, and it provides backup power during outages.
The extra savings from the battery come from avoiding expensive evening electricity from PG&E. Instead of exporting your excess solar for a low credit, you store it and use it yourself when grid power is most expensive.