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Is Solar Worth It in Lomita, 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 90717.

Market Snapshot

Elec. Rate
$0.27/kWh
Sun Hours
6.09
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 Lomita is $243.0.

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

Many Lomita homeowners are wondering if solar still makes financial sense in 2026. You see the high electricity bills from Southern California Edison (SCE) and know the sun is strong, but recent changes under a policy called NEM 3.0 have made the situation confusing. The answer is yes, solar is still an excellent investment, but only if you pair it with a battery. Without one, you're giving away your valuable energy for next to nothing.

Benchmark Cost Analysis

What Does the Recommended System Cost?

A solar-plus-battery system designed to maximize savings in Lomita typically costs around $23,500 before any incentives. After the significant federal tax credit, the net cost comes down to $16,450. This investment achieves a payback period of around 9.5 years, after which you enjoy decades of electricity at a tiny fraction of the utility cost.

Incentives & Tax Credits

Key Financial Help: The Federal Solar Tax Credit

The primary incentive making this possible is the 30% federal Residential Clean Energy Credit. This is not a deduction but a dollar-for-dollar credit against your federal tax liability, reducing the cost of your system by $7,050. California also ensures that your property tax bill won't increase, even though the system adds significant value to your home.

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

Policy Status

NEM 3.0 (2023)

Battery Priority

Critical 🔋

The Big Problem: SCE's Net Billing Rules (NEM 3.0)

Under California's current Net Billing Tariff, the value of surplus solar energy you send to the grid is extremely low—about 75% less than what you paid for that same power under the old net metering rules. SCE now credits you a mere 5-8 cents per kWh for your exports. This means a "solar-only" system generates minimal savings. The solution is energy independence: by adding a battery, you store all the excess solar power you generate during the day. When the sun goes down and SCE's rates skyrocket, you use your own stored, virtually free energy instead of buying it from the grid.

Projected Savings

Your Savings with a Solar + Battery System

By storing and using your own power, you bypass SCE's low export rates and can slash your monthly electricity bill by 75% or more. For a typical household in Lomita, this translates to an average annual savings of $1,734. This strategy directly combats SCE's Time-of-Use rates by ensuring you draw minimal power from the grid during expensive peak hours from 4 PM to 9 PM.

Local Questions Answered

Will coastal fog or 'May Gray' significantly reduce my solar production?
No. While the marine layer does reduce production on some mornings, modern panels are very efficient in diffuse light. Lomita receives more than enough annual sunlight to generate a huge amount of power, and system designs always account for local weather patterns to ensure you meet your energy goals.
Why is a battery so crucial now when it wasn't a few years ago?
The change is due to the switch from Net Metering (NEM 2.0) to Net Billing (NEM 3.0). Under the old rules, SCE credited you at the full retail rate for exported power, making a battery optional. Under NEM 3.0, the export credit is so low that storing your energy for personal use is the only way to get its full value.
How long do solar panels and batteries last?
Tier-1 solar panels are warrantied for 25 years for both production and hardware. Most home batteries come with a 10-year warranty, which aligns perfectly with the system's payback period.

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 Lomita, 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.