For homeowners in Suisun, high electricity bills from PG&E are a familiar reality. With rates around $0.323 per kWh, finding ways to reduce that monthly expense is a top priority. Rooftop solar offers a direct path to generating your own power, but the financial outcome in 2026 depends heavily on how your system is designed. Under current California rules, simply sending excess power to the grid isn't as valuable as it once was, making energy storage a key part of the conversation.
From rates to ROI—continue in the savings calculator.
Open calculatorBenchmark Cost Analysis
Solar System Costs in Suisun for 2026
The total price of a solar installation depends on its size and whether you include a home battery. Based on local electricity usage, a typical 4.5 kW solar system is a good fit for many Suisun homes. Here are the estimated costs for systems installed in 2026:
- Solar Panels Only: A 4.5 kW system is estimated to cost around $11,475.
- Solar Panels + 10 kWh Battery: Pairing the same system with a battery for energy storage brings the estimated cost to $26,475.
The battery increases the upfront cost, but it's designed to deliver higher long-term savings by helping you use more of your own solar power directly.
Incentives & Tax Credits
California Solar Incentives for 2026
As of 2026, the 30% federal tax credit for residential solar installations is no longer available. This makes state and local benefits more important than ever for homeowners considering solar.
The primary financial incentive available in California is the Property Tax Exclusion for Active Solar Energy Systems. This state rule prevents your property taxes from increasing due to the added value of your solar panel system. This exclusion is a significant benefit, ensuring your investment in energy independence doesn't lead to a higher tax bill.
Beyond direct incentives, an owned solar system can also be a strong selling point for future buyers, potentially supporting your home's resale appeal.
Net Metering: Pacific Gas & Electric Co
Net Billing (low export)
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Understanding PG&E's Net Billing Rules
Under the current net billing tariff, the value of excess solar energy you send back to the PG&E grid is much lower than the price you pay for electricity. Our model estimates the export compensation rate at around $0.113 per kWh, while the retail rate you pay is closer to $0.323 per kWh.
This difference is why a battery is now strongly recommended. Without a battery, any solar power your home doesn't use immediately is exported for low credit. With a battery, you can store that excess power and use it yourself later, effectively saving you the full retail rate of $0.323 per kWh for every kWh you don't have to buy from the utility.
Projected Savings
Modeled Annual Savings with Solar in Suisun
Installing solar is about replacing expensive grid electricity with your own clean energy. However, how you use that energy matters. If grid electricity becomes more expensive over time, rooftop generation can offset costlier power in future years, increasing the value of your investment.
- With a solar-only system, you could see an estimated $1,354 in savings in the first year, leading to a payback period of about 7.7 years.
- Adding a battery storage system significantly increases your ability to use your own solar power, boosting estimated first-year savings to $1,952. While the payback period extends to 10.5 years due to the higher initial cost, the annual savings are nearly 45% greater.
The battery allows you to store solar energy generated during the day and use it during the evening, avoiding the need to buy expensive power from PG&E after the sun goes down.