Cost overview
How much does solar cost in Pasadena?
The average Pasadena home requires a 8.5 kW system to offset its PWP bill. At the current Greater Los Angeles average of $2.62 per watt, gross cost is approximately $22,270 before incentives.
| System size | Installed cost (2026, no federal credit) | Monthly savings est. |
|---|---|---|
| 7 kW | $18,340 | $180–$230 |
| 8.5 kW (avg Pasadena) | $22,270 | $300–$345 |
| 12 kW | $31,440 | $340–$420 |
| + Battery (13.5 kWh) | +$10,000–$15,000 | +$125–$250 |
Install in 2026: California's property tax exclusion — which prevents solar from raising your property tax bill — expires for systems installed after December 31, 2026. Start now to qualify; typical installations take 6–12 weeks from signed contract to Permission to Operate.
PWP Net Metering in Pasadena
How does PWP credit my solar power in Pasadena?
Pasadena Water and Power still offers traditional net energy metering with full retail-rate credits for exports, plus net surplus compensation for annual overproduction — significantly better than NEM 3.0 at the state's investor-owned utilities. Under current PWP time-of-use rates, peak hours run 4–9 PM at $0.28–0.38/kWh. Every kilowatt-hour of solar you self-consume saves you significantly more than one you export ($0.08–0.12/kWh).
| Scenario | Annual savings | 25-yr total | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| No solar | $0 | $0 | N/A |
| Solar only (no battery) | ~$2,520/yr | ~$74,295 | 8.8 yrs |
| Solar + battery | ~$3,600/yr | ~$114,300 | 9.7 yrs |
What solar incentives are available in Pasadena, CA in 2026?
- Federal residential tax credit (Section 25D) — Expired December 31, 2025. Not available for homeowner cash or loan purchases in 2026.
- California Property Tax Exclusion — solar does not increase your property tax assessment. Expires for systems installed after December 31, 2026. Income-qualified households (CARE/FERA or below 80% AMI) may access the SGIP RSSE battery rebate waitlist.
- PWP electricity credits — Pasadena Water and Power still offers traditional net energy metering with full retail-rate credits for exports, plus net surplus compensation for annual overproduction — significantly better than NEM 3.0 at the state's investor-owned utilities.
- California Property Tax Exclusion — Solar does not increase your property tax assessment. Expires for systems installed after December 31, 2026 — install this year to lock it in permanently.
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