Solar power in Fairfield, California
PG&E offers a net metering program for its customers in Fairfield making solar a simple choice.
If you have a taxable income you can claim a large proportion of the system cost (26% in 2020, and 22% in 2021) on your taxes. This can be spread over several years.
With utilities and some legislatures trying to kill off solar, the time to switch is now!
Net Metering Broken Down
Net metering means you are billed or credited - usually credited - for the net amount of power going to the grid from your solar system. This is worked out from kWhs exported to the grid minus kWhs bought from the grid.
If more power is exported than pulled from the grid, PG&E will credit you at their retail power rate.
With high solar production even in northern California net metering is an amazing incentive.
The average cost of installing residential solar panels in Fairfield,
California in 2024 is
$2.72 per watt. The average system size
in the US is 6 kilowatts, which means the average price of a solar system
in Fairfield, CA
is $13,600.
(after claiming 26% tax credit and other rebates)
The 26% federal solar tax credit explained
If you have a federal income tax liability, 26% of the cost of your solar system can be claimed as a deduction to your taxes. This incentive is claimed when you do your taxes. In order to receive the tax credit quicker it's best to do your taxes as soon as possible after installation.
What if my tax liability is less than 26% of my systems costThere is the option to claim this incentive over several years if your tax liability is less than 26% of the system cost.
How much will solar panels on my home save me?
The answer to this question depends on your electricity usage. Generally speaking the greater your power usage the greater the potential savings from installing solar.
The average monthly usage in California is only 573kWh per month however, you are most likely using a lot more than this since this average includes condos and small apartments.
The Fairfield solar panel savings calculator below will convert your monthly power spend into power usage (in kWh's) and then work out exactly how many solar panels you need to offset your usage, how much they will cost based on the prices of local solar companies and the amount you will save. Our California solar savings calculator can do this because it contains a database of the electric rates charged by Pacific Gas & Electric Co
How much can solar panels save you in Fairfield
What does the cost of a real solar system look like?
Facts about installing a 8.12kW solar system in Fairfield, CA
This system would offset 100% of your energy usage if your typical monthly bill is $232, however your situation may vary so try our Fairfield solar calculator to get a result tailored to you.
$15,623
Net cost of system
5 Years 1 Month
Average payback time
11,697 kWh
Annual power production
5¢/kWh
Levelized cost of solar energy
42¢/kWh
If you don't get solar
Cash flow graph based on cash purchase of this 8.12kW system
Life-time savings on this system over the next 25 years
$101,363
(Prices shown after repayments of capital)
89
Solar companies in Fairfield, CA that provide pricing through the SolarEstimate marketplace.
Average total cost of solar panel installation in Fairfield
| System Size |
Cash purchase After 26% solar tax credit |
Financed purchase After 26% solar tax credit |
|---|---|---|
| 3kw | $6,416 | $6,929 |
| 4kw | $8,377 | $9,047 |
| 5kw | $10,286 | $11,109 |
| 6kw | $12,077 | $13,043 |
| 7kw | $13,831 | $14,937 |
| 8kw | $15,451 | $16,687 |
| 9kw | $17,050 | $18,414 |
| 10kw | $18,500 | $19,980 |
Find out what system size you need for your home
Going solar in California
Check out all of the ways energy providers of California can help you be more energy efficient and save money.
The following programs are available:
| Incentive Name | Eligibility | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit | Federal | Personal Tax Credit |
| Property Tax Exclusion for Solar Energy Systems | State | Property Tax Incentive |
| Sonoma County - Energy Independence Program | Local | PACE Financing |
| NEM 2.0 | State | Net Metering |
Find your local rebates and incentives
Please keep in mind that the best source of up-to-date information on incentives are the solar installers who specialize in your area.
