For homeowners in La Habra dealing with high Southern California Edison (SCE) bills, rooftop solar remains a powerful tool for managing costs in 2026. However, the financial landscape has changed. With the primary federal tax credit for homeowners no longer available for new systems, the strategy shifts from simple export to smart self-consumption. The key is to use the solar energy you generate directly in your home, which is where adding a battery becomes a compelling option.
Understanding the costs and payback periods for both a solar-only system and a solar-plus-battery system is the first step toward energy independence.
See payback and NEM impact with your inputs in the calculator.
Open calculatorBenchmark Cost Analysis
2026 Solar System Costs in La Habra
Based on local estimates, here are the expected costs for a typical 7.1 kW solar system designed to offset a significant portion of an average La Habra household's electricity usage. Note that these figures reflect pricing in 2026 and do not include the expired federal tax credit.
- Solar-Only System (7.1 kW): The estimated gross cost is around $18,105.
- Solar + Battery System (7.1 kW with 10 kWh battery): The estimated gross cost is around $33,105.
These costs are upfront investments that lead to long-term savings by reducing your reliance on SCE's grid. An owned solar system can also be a valuable feature if you decide to sell your home in the future.
Incentives & Tax Credits
California Solar Incentives in 2026
It's important for homeowners to know that the 30% federal residential clean energy credit is not available for systems placed in service in 2026. The financial benefits of going solar in California now come from state-level policies and direct bill savings.
The most significant state incentive is California's Property Tax Exclusion for Active Solar Energy Systems. This law prevents your property taxes from increasing due to the added value of your solar installation. This exclusion is a valuable, long-term financial benefit.
Beyond that, the primary incentive is locking in your energy costs. As grid electricity becomes more expensive over time, the value of your rooftop-generated power increases, offering a hedge against future SCE rate hikes.
Net Metering: Southern California Edison Co
Net Billing (low export)
Recommended 🔋
Understanding Export Rates with Southern California Edison
Under California's current Net Billing Tariff, the value of the electricity you export to the grid is lower than the price of the electricity you buy from SCE. Our model estimates the export credit at around $0.11 per kWh, while you might pay SCE upwards of $0.32 per kWh for power you use from the grid.
This difference is why a battery is highly recommended. Instead of selling your valuable solar energy to the grid for a low credit, a battery lets you store it for your own use later. This maximizes self-consumption and delivers greater control over your monthly electricity bill.
Projected Savings
Projected Energy Bill Savings
Installing solar is about replacing a recurring utility expense with a fixed asset. With SCE's high electricity rates, the savings can be substantial, but they differ based on whether you add a battery.
- A solar-only system is modeled to save approximately $2,216 annually, with a payback period of about 7.5 years. This system works by offsetting your daytime energy use and exporting surplus power to the grid for a partial credit.
- A solar-plus-battery system increases those savings significantly to around $3,308 annually. The payback period is slightly longer at 8.3 years, but the long-term financial return is stronger. The battery allows you to store your excess solar energy from the day and use it during the evening, avoiding the need to buy expensive power from SCE after the sun goes down.