Solar power in Hayward, California
Pacific Gas & Electric offer a net metering program to its customers who choose to install solar.
Hayward residents can also take full advantage of the federal solar tax credit. A large percentage - 26% in 2020 - system costs can be claimed as a tax deduction. This incentive carries no size limitation and can be spread over as many years as you like.
Incentives in Hayward make solar a must have and with PG&E trying to kill off net metering no good is gonna come from waiting!
Net Metering Broken Down
Net metering credits surplus solar generation exported to the grid 1 for 1 with the retail power price eg. 1,000kWh exported would cancel out 1,000kWh drawn and the customer would receive no bill.
In northern California, solar production is very high and usually more power is exported than what is drawn. Each kWh is credited at the retail power price. Surplus credit can be used on future bills up to one year later, or be deposited into your account at the end of the 12 month billing cycle.
Unfortunately the NEM-2 rules require new solar customers to switch to time of use billing, reducing returns by about 10%. Luckily, this isn't a big difference and with equipment becoming cheaper and great sun exposure solar is still a great investment.
The average cost of installing residential solar panels in Hayward,
California in 2025 is
$2.72 per watt. The average system size
in the US is 6 kilowatts, which means the average price of a solar system
in Hayward, CA
is $13,600.
(after claiming 26% tax credit and other rebates)
The 26% federal solar tax credit explained
If you have a federal income tax liability, 26% of the cost of your solar system can be claimed as a deduction to your taxes. This incentive is claimed when you do your taxes. In order to receive the tax credit quicker it's best to do your taxes as soon as possible after installation.
What if my tax liability is less than 26% of my systems costThere is the option to claim this incentive over several years if your tax liability is less than 26% of the system cost.
How much will solar panels on my home save me?
The answer to this question depends on your electricity usage. Generally speaking the greater your power usage the greater the potential savings from installing solar.
The average monthly usage in California is only 573kWh per month however, you are most likely using a lot more than this since this average includes condos and small apartments.
The Hayward solar panel savings calculator below will convert your monthly power spend into power usage (in kWh's) and then work out exactly how many solar panels you need to offset your usage, how much they will cost based on the prices of local solar companies and the amount you will save. Our California solar savings calculator can do this because it contains a database of the electric rates charged by City of Alameda, Pacific Gas & Electric Co, Port of Oakland
How much can solar panels save you in Hayward
What does the cost of a real solar system look like?
Facts about installing a 8.32kW solar system in Hayward, CA
This system would offset 100% of your energy usage if your typical monthly bill is $211, however your situation may vary so try our Hayward solar calculator to get a result tailored to you.
$15,946
Net cost of system
5 Years 7 Months
Average payback time
12,057 kWh
Annual power production
5¢/kWh
Levelized cost of solar energy
37¢/kWh
If you don't get solar
Cash flow graph based on cash purchase of this 8.32kW system
Life-time savings on this system over the next 25 years
$89,669
(Prices shown after repayments of capital)
123
Solar companies in Hayward, CA that provide pricing through the SolarEstimate marketplace.
Average total cost of solar panel installation in Hayward
| System Size |
Cash purchase After 26% solar tax credit |
Financed purchase After 26% solar tax credit |
|---|---|---|
| 3kw | $6,416 | $6,929 |
| 4kw | $8,377 | $9,047 |
| 5kw | $10,286 | $11,109 |
| 6kw | $12,077 | $13,043 |
| 7kw | $13,831 | $14,937 |
| 8kw | $15,451 | $16,687 |
| 9kw | $17,050 | $18,414 |
| 10kw | $18,500 | $19,980 |
Find out what system size you need for your home
Going solar in California
Check out all of the ways energy providers of California can help you be more energy efficient and save money.
The following programs are available:
| Incentive Name | Eligibility | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit | Federal | Personal Tax Credit |
| Property Tax Exclusion for Solar Energy Systems | State | Property Tax Incentive |
| Sonoma County - Energy Independence Program | Local | PACE Financing |
| NEM 2.0 | State | Net Metering |
Find your local rebates and incentives
Please keep in mind that the best source of up-to-date information on incentives are the solar installers who specialize in your area.
