Sustainable solar energy to power Orange County

The state of solar in Garden Grove

Garden Grove enjoys an impressive amount of sunshine at around 275 days a year, nearly 35% more than the national average.^*Best Places. Climates Garden Grove. April 2021. Unsurprisingly, 96% of the buildings in the city are solar viable, totaling over 53 million square feet of roof space.^*Google, Project Sunroof data explorer (November 2018). In efforts to meet the state's goal of relying on 50% green energy by 2025, the City of Garden Grove has added numerous clean-energy initiative goals into its General Plan.

How much solar energy does Garden Grove produce?

Orange County as a whole has 2.8 MW of installed solar capacity. While no statistics regarding how much of that total is produced by Garden Grove are available, the city finalized 826 solar permits between 2018 and April 2021: 49 in 2021 so far, 305 in 2020, 275 in 2019, and 197 in 2018. This shows steady solar growth in Garden Grove; finalized solar permit rates increased 54.82% between 2018 and 2020.

What are the advantages of going solar in Garden Grove?

Southern California Edison (SCE) rates, Garden Grove’s electricity utility provider, were the 42nd highest among 200 private electricity providers nationwide in 2019, and those rates are projected to continue going up.

According to the California Public Utilities Commission, SCE rates are expected to increase roughly 3.5% per year over the next decade. In contrast, the price of solar in California has plummeted 45% over the last five years.^*Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). California Solar. Q4 2020. Switching to solar has the potential to offer significant electricity cost savings. A 5 kW system could pay for itself in as little as 5-6 years and offer over $48,000 in savings over 20 years.^*Energy Sage. Solar Panels in Garden Grove, CA, April 2021.

Solar PV systems with battery banks also allow for more grid independence. You won't have to worry about losing power during a blackout or emergency, eliminating concerns over lost food, cooking, staying warm, and more for those relying on electric appliances.

How much does solar cost in Garden Grove?

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

• Solar system quality

• Available roof space

• Roof angle and shading

• State incentives

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.^*Local Solar Installers 2020/2021, Solar Reviews 2021, Energy Sage 2021, Wood Mackenzie 2020, National Renewable Energy Laboratory 2020 In Garden Grove, we found that the cost of installing a 5 kW solar system ranges from $2.77 to $5.53, or in other words, from $13,850 to $27,650 per watt. And that's before considering the benefits of any available tax credits or incentives.

While Garden Grove specifically isn’t currently offering any solar incentives, California offers numerous programs, such as the single-family affordable solar homes (SASH) program. This program is open to SCE customers and offers a $3 per watt rebate for installed solar capacity up to 5 kW.

There is also the Self Generation Incentive Program (SGIP), which offers a per-watt rebate for solar battery storage installation. Rebates vary based on a step-down system, with rates decreasing over time.

Additionally, with the Investment Tax Credit, you may be able to claim a 30% credit on your federal taxes.^*Tax credits subject to change. Consult your tax advisor regarding the solar tax credit and how it applies to your specific circumstances. Visit dsireusa.org for detailed solar policy information.

What’s the best way to go solar in Garden Grove?

The first step in going solar is to find a reputable solar provider. While solar systems vary in quality, power output, and durability, the skill of your installer will play a significant role in the longevity and return on investment you see from your system.

They can help you evaluate your home’s energy usage, available roof space, and more, to select a system that will meet your needs and budget. Your solar provider can also provide you with a system design, price quote, electricity savings estimate, and overview of available incentives.

Get started now by requesting a free consultation below. We'll contact you to find a time that works best with your schedule. You can also call us directly at (800) 786-7693.