California solar policy planning
Solar savings depend on two values: electricity you avoid buying from the grid and exported solar energy your utility credits back. This page explains how SolarCalcNow models export value as a planning assumption, not a final utility-specific tariff.
Source coverage: PG&E · SCE · SDG&E
New applications from April 15, 2023 generally enter net billing. Export credits vary by time and differ from retail purchases. Obtain your utility's hourly export schedule.
Read the primary source — CPUC Net Billing TariffSource checked: · Next review due: 2026-10-04
10%, 35% and 100% of retail are author-selected sensitivity scenarios, not this utility's tariff. Same inputs: 900 kWh/month, 100% annual energy target, 55% direct solar use, low shade, 400 W panels. Change only export value to see its effect on energy savings and gross-cost payback.
| Export / retail | Annual energy savings | Simple gross-cost payback |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $2,232 | 6.0 years–9.0 years |
| 35% | $2,654 | 5.1 years–7.6 years |
| 100% | $3,752 | 3.6 years–5.4 years |
Annual totals cannot reproduce hourly export prices, monthly credit expiry, demand charges or utility-specific minimum bills. Match the utility and interconnection date before selecting a scenario. For an actual proposal, request a bill simulation under that tariff.
After checking export value, compare the same assumptions against installer proposals and incentive claims.