With intense sunshine and high cooling costs, Sun City homeowners are often faced with substantial electricity bills from Southern California Edison (SCE). Is going solar still a smart financial move in 2026? The answer is yes, but the strategy has shifted. The key to maximizing value now lies in using as much of your own solar power as possible, which is why pairing solar panels with a battery has become the recommended approach for many in Riverside County.
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Estimated Solar Costs in Sun City (2026)
For a home in Sun City with average electricity needs, a 6.1 kW solar system is a common size. The upfront investment varies based on whether you include battery storage, which is recommended to maximize your savings under SCE's current rules.
- 6.1 kW Solar-Only System: The estimated cost is approximately $15,555.
- 6.1 kW Solar System + 10 kWh Battery: The combined system cost is estimated at $30,555.
While the battery adds to the initial price, it's engineered to generate significantly higher bill savings each year, improving the long-term financial return of the system.
Incentives & Tax Credits
Key California Solar Incentive for 2026
With the 30% federal residential solar tax credit having expired, California's state-level benefits are crucial. The most significant financial advantage for Sun City homeowners is the Property Tax Exclusion.
This state law ensures that adding a solar system does not increase your property's assessed value for tax purposes. You get the benefit of lower electricity bills and an upgraded home without the penalty of a higher property tax bill. An owned solar system can also be an attractive feature for potential buyers, adding value beyond the monthly bill savings when it comes time to sell.
Net Metering: Southern California Edison Co
Net Billing (low export)
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Navigating Solar Rules with Southern California Edison
SCE operates under a net billing tariff, which means there's a big difference between the price you pay for electricity and the credit you receive for exporting it. You might pay $0.323 per kWh to pull power from the grid, but you'll only get an estimated $0.113 per kWh for the excess solar energy you send back.
This "buy high, sell low" scenario is precisely why a battery is so valuable. It allows you to store your excess solar energy instead of selling it for a low price. You can then use that stored energy at night, avoiding the need to purchase expensive power from SCE. This strategy of self-consumption is the most effective way to reduce your electricity bills with solar in 2026.
Projected Savings
How Much Can You Save on SCE Bills in Sun City?
Going solar is about generating your own electricity to avoid buying it from SCE at high rates (around $0.323/kWh). A battery system dramatically improves these savings by storing your cheap solar power for use during expensive evening hours.
- A solar-only system is modeled to save a Sun City homeowner around $1,994 annually, with a payback period of about 7.2 years.
- By adding a 10 kWh battery, the estimated annual savings jump to $2,960. This represents nearly $1,000 in additional savings each year compared to the solar-only option.
This extra saving comes from avoiding low-value export credits and instead using your stored solar energy when grid power is most expensive. Furthermore, if grid electricity becomes more expensive over time, rooftop generation can offset costlier power in future years.