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Is Solar Worth It in Suisun, California?

We analyzed Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) rate books, NREL irradiance data, and California tax codes to calculate the real ROI for homeowners in 94585.

Market Snapshot

Elec. Rate
$0.27/kWh
Sun Hours
5.94
Utility Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E)
Tax Exempt Yes
Battery Required

Analyst Note: The "4kW Benchmark"

The analysis below uses a standardized 4kW system to provide a fair baseline comparison across cities. However, the average electric bill in Suisun is $148.5.

For homeowners in Suisun, dealing with PG&E's notoriously high and constantly climbing electricity rates is a constant financial pressure. The good news is that the area's ample sunshine makes solar a powerful solution. However, since PG&E shifted to the Net Billing (NEM 3.0) structure, the way to unlock real savings has changed, and it now requires including battery storage.

Benchmark Cost Analysis

Typical 2026 System Costs in Suisun, CA

A solar and battery system correctly sized for an average home in Suisun typically costs around $23,500 before incentives. The crucial next step is the 30% federal tax credit, which reduces your out-of-pocket cost to approximately $16,450.

While it's possible to install just solar panels for a lower net cost of about $8,050, this path is not recommended. Without a battery, your savings under PG&E's NEM 3.0 will be minimal, and the payback period will stretch on indefinitely.

Incentives & Tax Credits

Maximizing Your Savings with Tax Credits

The single most important incentive is the federal Residential Clean Energy Credit. This provides a dollar-for-dollar reduction on your federal income taxes equal to 30% of the total project cost. For a standard $23,500 installation, that means a direct $7,050 credit back in your pocket.

California also helps by making your solar system exempt from property taxes. You get the value of the home improvement without the tax burden that usually comes with it.

Net Metering: Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E)

Policy Status

NEM 3.0 (2023)

Battery Priority

Critical 🔋

How PG&E's Net Billing (NEM 3.0) Forces the Need for Batteries

PG&E's Net Billing Tariff is the defining rule for solar in Northern California. Under this policy, any excess solar energy you export to the grid is purchased by PG&E for a fraction of what they charge you. The export rate is based on the 'Avoided Cost Calculator,' which often works out to just 5-8 cents per kWh. When you have to buy that power back after sunset for 30-45 cents, the financial loss is obvious. A battery solves this by letting you store and use 100% of your own solar production.

Projected Savings

Offsetting PG&E's Rates for Long-Term Savings

By using your stored battery power during the evening, you directly avoid PG&E's most expensive Time-of-Use rates. This self-consumption model is the key to savings under NEM 3.0. A typical family in Suisun can expect to save around $1,681 per year on electricity bills. This leads to a realistic payback period of about 9 to 10 years, after which the electricity your system generates is virtually free.

Local Questions Answered

Does the Delta breeze or morning fog significantly impact solar production in Suisun?
While the marine layer can reduce production in the early morning, systems are designed with this in mind. Suisun still receives plenty of strong, direct sunlight throughout the day to fully charge a battery and power a home, more than compensating for any morning fog.
What is the primary difference between NEM 2.0 and PG&E's current NEM 3.0?
The export compensation rate. Under NEM 2.0, homeowners received nearly full retail credit for exported energy. Under NEM 3.0, the credit is slashed by ~75%, making it financially impractical to export power. The focus has shifted from exporting to self-consumption with a battery.
How does a battery protect me from future PG&E rate hikes?
By storing your own solar energy, you create your own supply of low-cost electricity. When PG&E inevitably raises its rates, especially for evening peak hours, you will be shielded from those increases because you'll be drawing power from your battery, not the grid.

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* Calculations based on Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) residential rates (0.27/kWh).

Data Transparency & Methodology

Estimates for Suisun, California are produced by the SunCents Solar Engine (v1.2). We combine the following verified or standard industry sources:

Performance (PV production)

NREL PVWatts — modeled annual and hourly AC output (kWh), solar radiation, and system losses for a standardized array size so cities can be compared fairly.

nrel.gov

Electricity rates (tariffs)

U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) — state-level average retail electricity prices ($/kWh) and supporting series for economic context.

eia.gov

Incentives & programs

DSIRE — state and local rebates, net metering, and policy programs (summarized for readability; always confirm eligibility with a tax or solar professional).

dsireusa.org

Federal tax credit (ITC)

Investment Tax Credit — federal residential solar credit (e.g. 30% of qualified costs where applicable); rules change with statute—verify with a qualified advisor.

energy.gov

Utilities & interconnection

Where shown, local utilities (e.g. APS, PG&E, FPL, and other IOUs or munis) are mapped from public interconnection, tariff, or service-territory references so net metering and rider rules match your area—not generic national averages.