The future is bright for solar energy in Irvine, CA

How much solar energy does Irvine produce?

In 2019, Orange County had 2.8 MW of photovoltaic (PV) solar installed with 4,906 net MWh. The county aims to increase clean energy production by 25% by 2040. Irvine is the top solar producer in Orange County and ranks 26th among cities in California for solar energy capacity according to rankings by the California Solar & Storage Association.

What are the advantages of going solar in Irvine?

California has set a goal of 100% zero-carbon energy by 2045. Solar power provides a straightforward and accessible way to make that dream a reality. Not only do solar panels efficiently harness the sun's energy, but they can also help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and your electricity bill.

The cost savings are the biggest advantage of making the switch to solar. Electricity rates in Irvine are just over 4% higher than the California average and about 35% over the national average.^*Irvine, CA Electricity Rates, Electricity Local, February 2021 Solar systems in Irvine often pay for themselves.

Irvine also offers net metering^*The availability of net metering varies by location and is subject to change. You can also visit the dsireusa.org website for detailed solar policy information., meaning any excess energy your system produces can be fed back into the grid for a credit on future electricity bills. That credit can then be used to cover any energy usage at night or other times of low-production.

How much does solar cost?

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

• Quality of the solar system's panels and parts

• Household's energy needs

• Angle and type of the roof

• Roof space

• Amount of roof that's shaded

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,^*Local Solar Installers 2020/2021, Solar Reviews 2021, Energy Sage 2021, Wood Mackenzie 2020, National Renewable Energy Laboratory 2020 for thousands of homeowners across the country.

In Irvine, we found that the cost of owning a 5 kW solar system ranges from $14,000 to $28,800, or in other words, from $2.80 to $5.76 per watt. And that's before considering the benefits of any available tax credits or incentives.

The Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), for example, currently allows homeowners who purchase rather than lease a solar system to claim a 30% credit.^*Tax credits subject to change. SunPower does not warrant, guarantee or otherwise advise its partners or customers about specific tax outcomes. Consult your tax advisor regarding the solar tax credit and how it applies to your specific circumstances. You can also explore the various state and local-level incentives online via the Solar Energy Industries Association site.^*https://www.seia.org/state-solar-policy/california-solar

The state of California also offers the Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP). Established in 2001, this program uses a step-down system with rebates decreasing with each step. The program is currently in step six, with rebates of up to $200 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of installed solar battery storage. Only customers of PG&E, SCE, SCG, or SDG&E, can apply.

What's the best way to go solar in Irvine?

Going solar offers a practical and effective way to deliver clean energy while reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. At SunPower, we're committed to making solar and storage more accessible to everyone. Our energy consultants make it easy for homeowners to start generating their own clean energy and maximize their savings with solar.

We offer free consultations so you can get answers to your solar and battery questions, a custom system design and savings estimate, price quote, and review available incentives and tax credits.

Get started now by requesting a consultation below. We'll reach out to schedule a time.

You can call us directly at (800) 786-7693 or submit a consultation request.