Elk Grove, California

Elk Grove, California goes solar with SunPower®

Save with solar power in Elk Grove

The state of solar in Elk Grove

Elk Grove sees about 266 sunny days per year,* well above the national average, and nearly all the rooftops in the city, 98%, are solar viable.* A point that should prove useful for Elk Grove’s goal of switching an additional 2,354 households and 598 businesses to solar power by 2030.


How much solar energy does Elk Grove produce?

As of 2019, Sacramento County has 139.7 MW of solar capacity. Elk Grove has 11 large solar installations, ranging in size from 1 to 18 MW. The city also has a fair number of smaller solar installations.

According to the latest data released by the city, 670 solar permits were issued between 2005 and 2015, and Google’s Project Sunroof estimates there are currently roughly 2,400 existing solar installations in the area.*

What are the advantages of going solar in Elk Grove?

Elk Grove is a family-oriented city with a booming business sector and award-winning schools. However, one of the drawbacks of living here is the high electricity rates. Electricity Local estimates the residential cost of electricity is 4.29% higher than that of the national average.*

The average solar system pays for itself within a decade as a result and offers nearly $30,000 in energy cost savings over the first 20 years of use.* That’s on top of the environmental advantages of solar power. Solar power is emission-free and an effective way to reduce pollution.

Solar customers in Elk Grove can also benefit from numerous solar policies in California, such as net metering, incentives, and other rebates, designed to make solar installations more accessible and help the state meet its 100% clean power objective by 2045.

How much does solar cost in Elk Grove?

The cost of a home solar system can vary, even in the same city, due to a range of factors. These include:

  • Household's energy needs

  • Shaded roof space

  • Quality of the solar system

  • Local weather

To help you understand the price of going solar in your area, we've analyzed SunPower price quotes, as well as quotes gathered by third-party sources for thousands of homeowners across the country.* In Elk Grove, we found that the cost of purchasing a 5 kW solar system ranges from $13,300 to $42,500, or in other words, from $2.66 to $8.50 per watt. And that's before considering the benefits of any available tax credits or incentives.

The tax credits, rebates, and incentives available to Elk Grove residents include* :

  • 30% federal solar tax credit: When you purchase a solar system, you may be able to claim 30% of your total solar installation costs as a credit on your federal taxes. There is no maximum credit amount, and rebates from the California state government don't affect your federal tax credit eligibility.

  • Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) Solar Incentive: SMUD residential customers can claim a $300 stipend per installation. Commercial clients can claim between $1,000-$5,000, depending on system size.* SMUD offers other incentives as well, such as the Commitment to Operate incentive, which offers $300 per site for solar battery installation.*

  • Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP): The SGIP program is state-based and offers incentives for solar battery installation determined by a “step” system for various territories. PG&E is the program administrator for SMUD territory, which is currently in step six with an incentive of $0.20 per watt for small residential battery installations.

If you don't use all the electricity your solar PV system generates, you can also earn a credit on your electricity bill by sending that excess energy back to the grid with a billing mechanism called net metering.*

SMUD has a generous net metering program. Your credit is calculated yearly, and you have the option to retain the credit and use it to offset any energy usage from the grid throughout the year or receive a payment for your net overage.*

What is the best way to go solar in Elk Grove?

Every solar system is unique in terms of capacity, quality, durability, and appearance. Working with a reputable solar provider ensures that your new PV panels meet all your energy requirements.

The number of solar panels and overall system size you’ll need depends on various factors, including your energy needs, budget, and available roof space. You may also want to generate additional electricity to store for power outages or to earn electricity credits with your utility company.

Reputable solar companies will help you choose the perfect solar system through in-person or online consultations and custom solar designs. During the consultation, and before signing a contract, you should receive a system design, monthly electric bill savings estimate, price quote, and an overview of available incentives and tax credits.

SunPower can help you assess your energy needs and recommend the most effective system size for your home or business. Simply request a free custom solar design below to see how you’d benefit from going solar. You’re also welcome to call us directly at (800) 786-7693.

Start saving with solar! Schedule your online appointment with SunPower.

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