High electricity bills from Southern California Edison (SCE) are a common challenge in North Tustin. While solar panels are a powerful way to generate your own clean energy, the rules for getting credit for surplus power have changed. In 2026, simply sending excess solar energy back to the grid isn't as valuable as it once was. This makes maximizing self-consumption—using the power you generate directly in your home—the smartest strategy for savings. Pairing solar panels with a home battery is now the most effective way to achieve this, giving you control over your energy and your bill.
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Open calculatorBenchmark Cost Analysis
2026 Solar & Battery Costs in North Tustin
Here are the estimated costs for a typical 7.2 kW solar installation designed to offset an average local electricity bill. Since the federal solar tax credit for homeowners is no longer available for systems installed in 2026, the gross cost is the net cost.
- Solar-Only System (7.2 kW): The estimated cost is around $18,360. This system is designed to significantly reduce your reliance on SCE during daylight hours.
- Solar + Battery System (7.2 kW solar with 10 kWh battery): The combined system is estimated at $33,360. The additional investment in storage is designed to maximize your savings under current SCE rules and provide backup power.
Incentives & Tax Credits
Key California Solar Benefits for 2026
While the 30% federal tax credit has ended for new residential systems, California still offers meaningful financial advantages that make going solar a smart move.
The most significant 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 panel system. For a system valued at over $30,000, this can translate into hundreds of dollars in property tax savings every year. An owned solar system can also be a compelling feature for potential buyers, potentially supporting your home's resale appeal down the line.
Net Metering: Southern California Edison Co
Net Billing (low export)
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Understanding Export Rates with Southern California Edison (SCE)
Under California's net billing tariff, the value of exported solar energy is a critical factor. When your panels produce more electricity than your home is using, that excess power flows to the grid. However, SCE credits you for that power at a rate much lower than what you pay to buy electricity. Based on current models, you might pay SCE $0.323 per kWh for electricity but only receive around $0.113 per kWh for your exports. This difference is why storing your solar power in a battery for later use is so financially effective—you avoid selling your energy cheap and buying it back expensive.
Projected Savings
How Solar Translates to Real Savings
Your savings depend on how much of the solar energy you use yourself versus how much you export. With SCE's current rates, the power you use at home is far more valuable than the credit you get for sending it to the grid.
- A solar-only system is modeled to save a North Tustin homeowner about $2,216 annually, with an estimated payback period of 7.6 years.
- Adding a 10 kWh battery dramatically increases self-consumption. By storing solar energy for evening use, the modeled annual savings jump to $3,308. While the initial cost is higher, the payback period is only slightly longer at 8.3 years, and your long-term savings are greater.
These savings also act as a buffer against future utility rate hikes. If grid electricity from SCE becomes more expensive over time, the value of your self-generated solar power increases, improving your return on investment.