Facing High PG&E Bills in Marina?
For homeowners along the Monterey Bay, electricity from Pacific Gas & Electric isn't cheap. With average rates around $0.323/kWh, monthly bills of $250 or more are common. In 2026, the economics of rooftop solar have shifted. While the default federal tax credit for homeowners has ended, high grid prices mean that producing your own power is more relevant than ever, especially when paired with a home battery.
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2026 Solar & Battery System Costs in Marina
The cost of a solar installation depends on whether you include a battery for energy storage. A battery is highly recommended under PG&E's current rules to maximize the value of the energy you produce. Here are the estimated costs for a typical 7.2 kW system designed for a Marina home.
- Solar Panels Only: The estimated gross cost is around $18,360. This system focuses on offsetting your daytime energy usage.
- Solar Panels + 10 kWh Battery: The estimated gross cost is $33,360. This combination allows you to store excess solar energy generated during the day and use it during the evening, avoiding expensive grid power from PG&E.
These figures are modeled estimates for 2026 and do not include a federal tax credit. Your final cost will depend on the installer and equipment chosen.
Incentives & Tax Credits
California Solar Incentives for 2026
While the 30% federal tax credit for residential solar installations concluded at the end of 2025, California homeowners still have access to important financial benefits that support the switch to solar.
- Property Tax Exclusion: In California, installing a solar system does not increase your property taxes. This exclusion, active for systems installed through at least June 30, 2026, ensures you get the home value benefits without the tax burden.
- High Self-Consumption Value: With PG&E's high retail rates, the most powerful incentive is avoiding their charges. Every kilowatt-hour of solar energy you use at home is a kilowatt-hour you don't have to buy for over 32 cents.
- Home Resale Appeal: An owned solar and battery system can be a significant selling point for future buyers in California, adding long-term value beyond the monthly bill savings.
Net Metering: Pacific Gas & Electric Co
Net Billing (low export)
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Understanding PG&E's Net Billing Rules
Marina operates under Pacific Gas & Electric's Net Billing Tariff (NBT). This system is different from older net metering programs. In simple terms, the electricity you buy from PG&E is far more expensive than the credit you receive for sending excess solar power back to the grid.
- Retail Rate (what you pay): ~$0.323 per kWh
- Export Rate (what you get paid): ~$0.113 per kWh
This difference is why a battery is so valuable. Storing your excess solar energy to use at night is worth nearly three times more than selling it to the utility. A battery helps you keep that value for yourself, directly lowering your PG&E bill.
Projected Savings
How Much Can You Actually Save?
Savings come from two main sources: using your own solar power instead of buying it from PG&E, and storing excess energy in a battery for later use. Because PG&E pays a low rate for exported energy, using that energy yourself provides a much bigger financial benefit.
- With a solar-only system, you could see an estimated annual savings of $1,970, leading to a payback period of about 8.4 years.
- Adding a battery system significantly increases your ability to use your own power, boosting estimated annual savings to $2,921. The payback period is around 9.2 years, but the long-term savings are greater.
As PG&E rates continue to climb, the value of each kilowatt-hour you produce at home increases, potentially shortening your payback time and improving your return on investment over the system's 25+ year lifespan.