Solar power in Modesto, California
Modesto Irrigation District offer a net metering program for their solar customers. This makes going solar a smart, easy choice for Modesto residents.
If you have taxable income, a large part of the system cost — 26% in 2020, and 22% in 2021 —can also be claimed as a deduction to federal taxes. The federal solar tax credit has no system size limit and can be used in increments over several years, depended on what works best for you.
A good net metering policy and a large tax credit on the system cost makes solar a no brainer for your home or business in Modesto.
Even if you're only in the early stages of considering solar it doesn't hurt to get a free estimate. Enter your address itno out calculator to see how much the average solar system costs in Modesto, your payback time and consider different financing options.
Net Metering Broken Down
Each kWh of unused solar generation sent to the grid is credited at the retail power rate. If in a given month your solar system sends 300kWh to the grid and your home draws 300kWh then you will have no bill.
If more energy is exported than consumed credit is still given at 1 for 1 and is applicable to future bills within the same 12 month billing cycle. Any remaining credit at the end of the 12 months is deposited into your account.
Unfortunately MID have switched their net metering program to NEM-2, resulting in about a 10% loss to net metering returns. Despite the change, the decline in equipment costs has compensated for this, and with solar production in northern California being fairly high, solar remains a great deal.
The average cost of installing residential solar panels in Modesto,
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 Modesto, 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 Modesto 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 Modesto Irrigation District, Pacific Gas & Electric Co, Turlock Irrigation District
How much can solar panels save you in Modesto
What does the cost of a real solar system look like?
Facts about installing a 7.81kW solar system in Modesto, CA
This system would offset 100% of your energy usage if your typical monthly bill is $243, however your situation may vary so try our Modesto solar calculator to get a result tailored to you.
$15,142
Net cost of system
4 Years 9 Months
Average payback time
11,571 kWh
Annual power production
5¢/kWh
Levelized cost of solar energy
45¢/kWh
If you don't get solar
Cash flow graph based on cash purchase of this 7.81kW system
Life-time savings on this system over the next 25 years
$107,946
(Prices shown after repayments of capital)
106
Solar companies in Modesto, CA that provide pricing through the SolarEstimate marketplace.
Average total cost of solar panel installation in Modesto
| 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.
