Solar Panel Savings in California (April 2026)
In California, a typical 6.0 kW rooftop solar system produces about 9,566 kWh/year, saving you roughly $3,372 per year on electricity. Estimated payback after the 30% federal tax credit: 3.7 years. 20-year net savings (after install cost): $54,840. Federal ITC value: $5,400. Plug in your own system size and the electricity rate you actually pay. Calculations update instantly. Formula: California averages 5.6 peak sun hours per day, derived from NREL’s solar resource data. Combined with the California residential electricity rate of 35.25¢/kWh (EIA, April 2026), this gives a typical 6.0-kW system the production and savings figures above. Compared to the U.S. average, California’s sun resource is 24% above the national mean. Estimates assume a roof-mounted system with the PVWatts default performance ratio (0.78), $3.00/watt installed (national average), and the U.S. federal Investment Tax Credit at 30% (in effect through 2032). Affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no cost to you. No estimate is — your actual savings depend on roof orientation, shading, your specific utility plan, and how much of the solar production you self-consume versus export. The numbers here represent a well-sited, unshaded south-facing roof. One peak sun hour = the energy equivalent of 1 hour at 1,000 W/m² irradiance. A 5.6-PSH location delivers, on an annual average, the same total energy each day as 5.6 hours of full-strength sunlight. The savings calculation assumes you offset retail electricity at the displayed rate. In states with full retail net metering, this is accurate. In states with reduced export rates, savings on grid-exported kWh will be lower — check your utility’s policy. Use the customization box above to enter your actual rate. The math is yours, so the result will match your bill.Customize for your home
annual_kWh = system_kW × peak_sun_hours × 365 × 0.78 · annual_savings = annual_kWh × rateAbout solar in California
Solar savings across other states (same 6.0-kW system)
State Peak sun hrs Annual savings Hawaii 5.7 California 5.6 Connecticut 4.0 Massachusetts 3.9 Rhode Island 4.0 New York 3.8 Maine 3.9 District of Columbia 4.3 New Hampshire 3.9 Arizona 6.5 New Jersey 4.2 New Mexico 6.3 Solar & energy gear
FAQ
Are these savings guaranteed?
What does “peak sun hours” mean?
Do these numbers include net metering?
What if I am in California but my utility charges a different rate?