The average California household needs a 7.33 kW system to offset enough energy costs to make solar viable. Depending on your household energy usage, you might need a smaller or larger system. Average solar panel cost by system size in California
Read more about how we make money. Solar panels in California cost about $17,350 for a 5 kilowatt solar panel system. California has higher electric rates than most states, and residents could save more than $1,700 each year on energy bills with California solar panels.
EnergySage, “ The cost of solar panels in San Francisco, CA (2024).” Accessed March 25, 2024. Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), " A New Reality: The Path Forward for California’s Solar and Storage Industry.” Accessed March 2, 2024. Residential solar panel installations are usually $10,000 to $30,000 in California.
This is lower than the average price of residential solar power systems across the United States which is currently $3.00 per watt. The size of a solar panel system also plays a role in how much the installation will cost. Larger solar installations will typically have a lower cost per watt, because the panels can be purchased at a ‘bulk price’.
The average cost for solar panels in Sacramento, California, is $23,780, though typical prices range between $16,980 and $30,900. Sacramento residents can earn a solar incentive of $300 through the Sacramento Municipal Utility District’s solar rebate program.
Solar panels are worth it in most areas, including California. Certain factors, including the cost of electricity, incentives, climate, and the angle at which the sun hits your roof impact how quickly you break even on your investment relative to other areas around the U.S.