With strong Central Valley sun and high Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) rates, many homeowners in Shafter are looking for ways to control their electricity bills. In 2026, going solar is about generating your own power to avoid buying expensive grid energy, especially during peak hours. Because exported solar power is credited at a lower rate, the strategy has shifted toward using as much of your own solar as possible.
From rates to ROI—continue in the savings calculator.
Open calculatorBenchmark Cost Analysis
Solar & Battery System Costs in Shafter (2026)
The total cost for a residential solar installation depends on the system size and whether you include battery storage. Here’s a modeled estimate for a typical home in the Shafter area, designed to offset an average electricity bill.
- 6.3 kW Solar-Only System: The estimated gross cost is around $16,065. This setup is designed to cover a significant portion of your daytime energy usage.
- 6.3 kW Solar System with a 10 kWh Battery: The estimated combined cost is $31,065. Adding a battery allows you to store excess solar power generated during the day for use at night, which significantly increases your energy independence and savings under current PG&E rules.
These figures are modeled estimates. The final price can vary based on your specific roof, equipment choices, and installer.
Incentives & Tax Credits
California Solar Incentives for 2026
While the long-standing federal solar tax credit is no longer available for systems installed in 2026, California homeowners still benefit from important state-level policies that support the switch to solar.
The most significant financial perk is the Active Solar Energy System Property Tax Exclusion. This state rule prevents your property taxes from increasing due to the added value of your solar system. For systems installed through June 30, 2026, this is a valuable benefit that keeps your long-term costs down. An owned solar system can also be a strong selling point for potential buyers, potentially improving your home's resale appeal down the road.
Net Metering: Pacific Gas & Electric Co
Net Billing (low export)
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How PG&E's Net Billing Affects Your Savings
Under California's net billing structure, the value of the electricity you consume directly from your panels is much higher than the value of the electricity you export to the grid. When your system produces more power than your home is using, that excess energy is sent to PG&E for a bill credit. However, that credit (modeled here at around $0.113 per kWh) is significantly less than the retail rate you pay for electricity (around $0.323 per kWh).
This is why adding a battery is now strongly recommended. A battery lets you store your valuable solar energy instead of exporting it for a low credit. You can then use that stored energy in the evening, avoiding the need to buy expensive power from PG&E after the sun goes down.
Projected Savings
Estimated Annual Savings with Solar
Installing solar panels is a long-term investment that can reduce your dependence on PG&E's rising rates. The amount you save depends heavily on whether you can use your solar energy onsite or have to export it to the grid at a lower value.
- With a solar-only system, you could see an estimated $1,994 in electricity bill savings in the first year. The system is projected to pay for itself in about 7.4 years.
- Adding a 10 kWh battery boosts the estimated first-year savings to $2,960. While the initial cost is higher, the payback period is still competitive at around 8.6 years, and it provides much greater control over your energy costs.
If grid electricity becomes more expensive over time, rooftop generation can offset costlier power in future years, making the system an even better investment.