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Is Solar Worth It in Cameron Park, California?

We analyzed Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) rate books, NREL irradiance data, and California tax codes to calculate the real ROI for homeowners in 95682.

Market Snapshot

Elec. Rate
$0.27/kWh
Sun Hours
5.78
Utility Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E)
Tax Exempt Yes
Battery Required

Analyst Note: The "4kW Benchmark"

The analysis below uses a standardized 4kW system to provide a fair baseline comparison across cities. However, the average electric bill in Cameron Park is $194.4.

⚠️ Most homes here will need a larger system (8kW–12kW) to reach 100% offset. Use the calculator below for your exact numbers.

Is going solar still a smart investment in Cameron Park in 2026?

With PG&E's rates continuing to rise and hot Sierra foothill summers driving up A/C usage, many are looking for relief. The answer is yes, but the strategy has changed. Due to California's Net Billing (NEM 3.0) policy, pairing solar panels with a home battery isn't just an upgrade—it's essential for achieving significant financial savings and energy resilience against power shutoffs.

Benchmark Cost Analysis

2026 Solar & Battery System Costs in Cameron Park

Investing in a complete energy storage system is the standard for homeowners under NEM 3.0. Here’s a typical cost breakdown:

  • Solar + Battery System: The average system is priced around $23,500 before incentives. The 30% federal tax credit effectively reduces this by $7,050, for a final net cost of about $16,450.
  • Payback Period: With this combined system, you can expect a payback period of roughly 10 years, followed by 15+ years of nearly free power.

A solar-only installation may appear cheaper at first glance (~$8,050 net), but its lackluster annual savings of ~$1,149 make it a far less effective investment compared to the ~$1,620 saved annually with a battery.

Incentives & Tax Credits

Available Solar Incentives for Cameron Park Homeowners

Your main financial tool is the 30% Residential Clean Energy Credit, which you claim on your federal income taxes. It applies to the total cost of both the solar panels and the battery storage. In addition, California's Property Tax Exclusion for solar systems means that while your home value increases, your property tax bill does not. This state-level incentive ensures your investment doesn't trigger higher taxes.

Net Metering: Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E)

Policy Status

NEM 3.0 (2023)

Battery Priority

Critical 🔋

Understanding PG&E's NEM 3.0 in El Dorado County

PG&E's Net Billing Tariff (NEM 3.0) drastically reduced the value of excess solar energy you export to the grid. Instead of getting a credit worth nearly $0.30-$0.40/kWh, you now get just a fraction of that, often around $0.06/kWh. This makes sending power back a losing proposition. A battery solves this problem by letting you store that energy for your own use during peak evening hours, effectively allowing you to 'sell' your solar energy to yourself at the full, expensive retail rate.

Projected Savings

Projected Monthly and Lifetime Savings

A properly sized solar and battery system in Cameron Park is designed to offset the most expensive electricity from PG&E. By using your stored solar power from 4 PM to 9 PM, you avoid paying peak prices. This self-consumption strategy generates around $1,620 in electricity bill savings per year. Over the 25-year lifespan of the solar panels, this can equate to over $40,000 in total savings, insulating your family budget from PG&E's unpredictable rate hikes.

Local Questions Answered

Are batteries useful for PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS)?
Yes, this is a major benefit for residents in the foothills. A home battery can be configured to provide backup power for essential appliances like your refrigerator, lights, and medical devices during a grid outage, providing critical peace of mind during wildfire season.
Why is the payback with a battery 10.2 years instead of shorter?
The battery adds to the upfront cost, which extends the payback period compared to older, solar-only systems under NEM 2.0. However, under NEM 3.0, the battery is what makes the strong annual savings possible in the first place. Without it, the payback would be much longer, if ever.
How can I get an exact price for my home?
The best way is to use our online calculator. By entering your address and average PG&E bill, it can provide a tailored estimate of your system cost, available incentives, and long-term savings.

Calculate Your Solar Savings

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* Calculations based on Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) residential rates (0.27/kWh).

Data Transparency & Methodology

Estimates for Cameron Park, California are produced by the SunCents Solar Engine (v1.2). We combine the following verified or standard industry sources:

Performance (PV production)

NREL PVWatts — modeled annual and hourly AC output (kWh), solar radiation, and system losses for a standardized array size so cities can be compared fairly.

nrel.gov

Electricity rates (tariffs)

U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) — state-level average retail electricity prices ($/kWh) and supporting series for economic context.

eia.gov

Incentives & programs

DSIRE — state and local rebates, net metering, and policy programs (summarized for readability; always confirm eligibility with a tax or solar professional).

dsireusa.org

Federal tax credit (ITC)

Investment Tax Credit — federal residential solar credit (e.g. 30% of qualified costs where applicable); rules change with statute—verify with a qualified advisor.

energy.gov

Utilities & interconnection

Where shown, local utilities (e.g. APS, PG&E, FPL, and other IOUs or munis) are mapped from public interconnection, tariff, or service-territory references so net metering and rider rules match your area—not generic national averages.