Solar in California: companies, incentives, net metering and cost
I counted 68,800 home solar systems in utility records across 8 California cities I cover. Pick a city to see which companies installed them, or read on for California incentives, export credits, prices and payback in 2026.
| City | Systems (years) | Companies with 30+ systems | Most active | Utilities | kWh a year per kW |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego | 25,912 (2022–2023) | 97 | Rec Commercial | San Diego Gas & Electric | 1,716 |
| Fresno | 12,823 (2022–2023) | 48 | Sunrun | Pacific Gas & Electric | 1,654 |
| San Jose | 9,081 (2022–2023) | 44 | Sunrun | Pacific Gas & Electric | 1,624 |
| Bakersfield | 5,025 (2022–2023) | 28 | Sunrun | Pacific Gas & Electric | 1,684 |
| Clovis | 2,443 (2022–2023) | 18 | Sunrun | Pacific Gas & Electric | 1,659 |
| Chula Vista | 6,392 (2022–2023) | 35 | Rec Commercial | San Diego Gas & Electric | 1,728 |
| Oceanside | 3,819 (2022–2023) | 23 | Rec Commercial | San Diego Gas & Electric | 1,698 |
| Carlsbad | 3,305 (2022–2023) | 21 | Baker Electric Solar | San Diego Gas & Electric | 1,669 |
Net metering in California: what utilities pay for exported power
Net Billing Tariff for customers applying for interconnection since 2023-04-15: exports are credited at CPUC Avoided Cost Calculator values (usually lower than import rates), with the tariff locked for nine years. SDG&E customers are excluded from the export compensation adder.
| Utility | Program | Credit | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pacific Gas & Electric | Solar Billing Plan (Schedule NBT): Energy Export Credit at hourly Avoided Cost Calculator values; residential customers must take the E-ELEC (Electric Home) rate | no single rate | tariff |
| San Diego Gas & Electric | Net Billing Tariff (Avoided Cost Calculator export values) | no single rate | tariff |
California solar incentives and tax credits in 2026
- Federal tax credit: the 30% Residential Clean Energy Credit is not available for property placed in service after December 31, 2025 (IRS). What changed.
- State tax credit: California has no state income tax credit for home solar. Utility and low-income programs change often — check your utility before you sign.
- Property tax: Revenue and Taxation Code section 73 (BOE Letter to Assessors 2024/031): an active solar energy system is excluded from new-construction assessment if completed before 2027-01-01; the exclusion lasts until a change in ownership. Construction added in 2026 qualifies only if completed before 2027-01-01.
How much do solar panels cost in California?
Average quoted prices before incentives in the California cities I cover, and what that means for a 7 kW system:
| City | Price per watt | 7 kW system | Source, updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego | $2.56/W | $17,920 | EnergySage, 2026-09-04 |
| Fresno | $2.70/W | $18,900 | EnergySage, 2026-09-04 |
| San Jose | $2.52/W | $17,640 | EnergySage, 2026-09-11 |
| Bakersfield | $2.56/W | $17,920 | EnergySage, 2026-09-11 |
| Clovis | $2.71/W | $18,970 | EnergySage, 2026-09-11 |
| Chula Vista | $2.57/W | $17,990 | EnergySage, 2026-09-11 |
| Oceanside | $2.56/W | $17,920 | EnergySage, 2026-09-11 |
| Carlsbad | $2.56/W | $17,920 | EnergySage, 2026-09-11 |
More California companies by systems installed: California solar installers (429).
Check a California solar company's license
- Contractor licenses: California Contractors State License Board.
Checked on 2026-09-13. How I calculate.
Have a quote already?
Check its price per watt and payback against your utility's current rates.