Rethinking Your PG&E Bill in Woodland
With Pacific Gas & Electric rates at $0.323 per kWh, many Woodland homeowners see monthly bills averaging over $250, especially during hot Central Valley summers. Rooftop solar offers a path to reduce that cost, but the financial outcome in 2026 depends heavily on how your system is designed. Under current PG&E rules, using your own solar power is far more valuable than selling the excess back to the grid.
Compare bill offset and incentives—open the calculator next.
Open calculatorBenchmark Cost Analysis
2026 Solar & Battery Pricing in Woodland
The cost of a solar installation is based on its size and components. For a typical home in the 95695 area, here are the estimated costs for a 6.5 kW system designed to offset the average electricity bill. Note that these figures reflect pricing after the phase-out of the default federal 25D tax credit for new systems.
- Solar Panels Only: A 6.5 kW system has an estimated gross cost of $16,575. This setup focuses on offsetting your electricity usage during daylight hours.
- Solar Panels + Battery Storage: Adding a 10 kWh battery brings the estimated gross cost to $31,575. This configuration is recommended because it allows you to store excess solar energy generated during the day and use it during the evening, maximizing your savings under PG&E's net billing tariff.
Incentives & Tax Credits
Key California Solar Incentives for 2026
While the 30% federal tax credit is not available by default for systems placed in service in 2026, California homeowners still benefit from important state-level policies that make solar a strong investment.
- Property Tax Exclusion: In California, installing a solar panel system does not increase your property taxes. This exclusion for active solar energy systems is a major financial benefit, ensuring your investment in clean energy won't lead to a higher tax bill. This is scheduled to remain in effect for systems installed through at least mid-2026.
- No State Sales Tax: While not a direct rebate, the lack of a state sales tax on the equipment itself helps keep the upfront cost lower than it would be otherwise.
Net Metering: Pacific Gas & Electric Co
Net Billing (low export)
Recommended 🔋
How PG&E's Net Billing Affects Solar Value
Understanding how PG&E compensates you for exported solar energy is critical. Under the current Net Billing Tariff (NBT), the electricity you send to the grid is credited at a rate much lower than the retail price you pay for electricity. For example, you might pay PG&E $0.323 per kWh but only receive around $0.113 per kWh for your exports.
This structure makes self-consumption the most effective strategy. A solar battery allows you to store your excess daytime energy instead of selling it for a low price. You can then use that stored energy at night, avoiding the need to buy expensive power from the grid. This is why a solar-plus-battery system now delivers higher overall savings for most PG&E customers.
Projected Savings
Estimated Annual Savings and Payback Period
Installing solar panels creates savings by replacing expensive grid electricity with power you generate yourself. If utility rates continue to rise, the value of this self-generated power increases over time, improving your return on investment.
- With a solar-only system, you could see an estimated $1,970 in savings per year, leading to a payback period of approximately 7.7 years.
- Adding a battery system significantly increases your ability to use your own solar power, boosting estimated annual savings to $2,921. The payback period for the combined system is about 8.8 years, but it delivers greater long-term financial benefits and energy independence.
Beyond bill savings, an owned solar system can also be a significant asset, potentially enhancing your home's resale appeal to future buyers looking for lower energy costs.