Calculate how much it will cost to install solar panels for your home in Irvine
Our estimates used by
Solar power in Irvine, California
SCE offers full 1 for 1 net metering to their customers in Irvine, making it easy to completely eliminate your electric bill in Irvine.
The federal ITC allows for part of the system costs - 26% in 2020 - to be claimed as a deduction to your federal tax liability. There is also the option to use this incentive in increments.
There is no good reason not to go solar in Irvine and with incentives set to step down and power prices set to rise it's best not to wait. A free estimate by entering your address in our calculator can never hurt!
Net Metering Broken Down
Each kWh of exported energy offsets the cost of another. When more power is sent to the grid than drawn credit is still provided at retail value to future bills. At the end of the yearly billing cycle remaining credit is deposited into your account at 3-4 cents per kWh.
Unfortunately, NEM-2 rules require SCE customers to switch to time of use billing causing a decline in returns by about 10%; however, with great sunshine in Irvine, net metering is still very profitable.
The average cost of installing residential solar panels in Irvine,
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 Irvine, 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 Irvine 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 City of Anaheim, San Diego Gas & Electric Co, Southern California Edison Co
How much can solar panels save you in Irvine
What does the cost of a real solar system look like?
Facts about installing a 6.99kW solar system in Irvine, CA
This system would offset 100% of your energy usage if your typical monthly bill is $180, however your situation may vary so try our Irvine solar calculator to get a result tailored to you.
$13,064
Net cost of system
5 Years 5 Months
Average payback time
10,285 kWh
Annual power production
5¢/kWh
Levelized cost of solar energy
37¢/kWh
If you don't get solar
Cash flow graph based on cash purchase of this 6.99kW system
Life-time savings on this system over the next 25 years
$77,273
(Prices shown after repayments of capital)
249
Solar companies in Irvine, CA that provide pricing through the Solar-Estimate marketplace.
Average total cost of solar panel installation in Irvine
| System Size |
Cash purchase After 30% solar tax credit |
Financed purchase After 30% solar tax credit |
|---|---|---|
| 3kw | $6,069 | $6,555 |
| 4kw | $7,924 | $8,558 |
| 5kw | $9,730 | $10,508 |
| 6kw | $11,424 | $12,338 |
| 7kw | $13,083 | $14,130 |
| 8kw | $14,616 | $15,785 |
| 9kw | $16,128 | $17,418 |
| 10kw | $17,500 | $18,900 |
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 Clean Energy Tax Credit | Federal | Personal Tax Credit |
| Property Tax Exclusion for Solar Energy Systems | State | Property Tax Incentive |
| Net Billing (NEM 3.0) | State | Net Metering |
| Self-Generation Incentive Program | State | Battery Rebate |
| City of San Francisco - Low-Income Solar Inverter Replacement Program | City | Low-Income Program |
| LADWP - Net Metering | Utility | Net Metering |
| Disadvantaged Communities – Single-Family Solar Homes (DAC-SASH) program | Residential | Low-income solar program |
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.
