How much does it really cost to install solar panels in Loma Linda in 2026? With Southern California Edison (SCE) rates among the highest in the country, many homeowners are looking for ways to reduce their bills, which often exceed $290 per month. The answer depends on whether you just install panels or add a battery, a choice that has a major impact on your savings under SCE's current rules.
From rates to ROI—continue in the savings calculator.
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Estimated Solar System Costs in Loma Linda (2026)
For a home in the Loma Linda area, a system designed to offset the majority of a typical electricity bill will have the following estimated costs. These prices are for a fully installed system before any incentives are applied.
- Solar-Only System (7.0 kW): The estimated gross cost is $17,850.
- Solar + Battery System (7.0 kW with a 10 kWh battery): The estimated gross cost is $32,850.
These 2026 costs do not include a federal tax credit, as the residential credit is no longer in effect. The key to making these numbers work is maximizing the value of the energy you produce.
Incentives & Tax Credits
Key California Solar Incentive for 2026
With the federal tax credit no longer available for residential solar, California's state-level incentives are more important than ever. The most impactful benefit for Loma Linda homeowners is the Property Tax Exclusion for Active Solar Systems.
This valuable exclusion means your property taxes will not increase due to the added value of your solar panel system. For a system installed by mid-2026, you can enhance your home's value without the typical tax burden. Furthermore, an owned solar system is a modern feature that can improve resale appeal, adding value beyond just the monthly bill savings.
Net Metering: Southern California Edison Co
Net Billing (low export)
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Navigating SCE's Net Billing Tariff (NBT)
If you live in Loma Linda, your utility is Southern California Edison (SCE), which operates under a Net Billing Tariff (NBT). This is not a simple 1-for-1 exchange. When your solar panels produce more energy than you're using, that excess power is sent to the grid.
Under NBT, SCE credits you for that exported energy at a low rate (modeled here at $0.113/kWh), which is based on the 'avoided cost'—what the utility would have paid for wholesale power. This is much less than the retail rate (around $0.323/kWh) you pay for electricity. This rate difference makes a strong case for adding a battery to store and use your own power, ensuring you get the full retail value from every kilowatt-hour generated.
Projected Savings
Projected Annual Savings with Solar in Loma Linda
Your savings are directly tied to how much expensive SCE power you can avoid buying from the grid. Because exported solar power is worth significantly less than retail power, using your own energy is the best way to save.
- A 7.0 kW solar-only system is projected to save an average of $2,216 per year, leading to a payback period of around 7.4 years.
- By adding a 10 kWh battery, the same system can increase its annual savings to $3,308. The battery stores your cheap solar energy for use during expensive evening hours, improving your financial return and resulting in a payback period of about 8.2 years.
Solar is not only about today's bill. As utility rates continue to climb, the value of each kilowatt-hour your system produces increases, offering a buffer against future price hikes.