Solar ROI Calculator for El Monte, CA

Stop guessing. See exactly how much the 30% Federal Credit saves you in 91731.

Calculate Savings for El Monte (91731)

$150

Fetching NREL Solar Data for El Monte...

25-Year Savings

$57,563

Break-Even

4.6 Years

Net Cost

$8,564

Get 3 Official Quotes for 91731 →

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Is Solar Worth it in El Monte?

Homeowners in El Monte sit in the "Solar Sweet Spot." You have high electricity rates (30.4¢) combined with excellent southern sun exposure. This combination maximizes ROI faster than almost anywhere else in the country.

Homeowners in El Monte are currently paying an average of 30.4 cents per kWh. Solar is a "No-Brainer" investment in California right now. With a payback of under 5 years, the returns drastically outperform the S&P 500 average.

With the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) currently set at 30%, a typical 6kW to 10kW residential system in the 91731 area can typically pay for itself in just 4.5 to 9 years. After this "break-even" point, your system generates effectively free electricity for the remainder of its 25-year lifespan.

Key El Monte Statistics

  • Avg Rate: 30.4¢ / kWh
  • Sun Exposure: High (Southern US)
  • Est. Payback: 4.5 Years
  • Incentive: 30% Federal ITC

State Incentives for CA

Beyond the federal credit, residents of El Monte should check for local net metering policies offered by their specific utility provider. These policies determine how much you get paid for sending excess energy back to the grid.

Frequently Asked Questions in El Monte

Is solar worth it in El Monte, CA?

Yes. With electricity rates in El Monte currently averaging 30.4 cents/kWh, most homeowners see a break-even point between 6-9 years. This is significantly better than the national average.

Does the 30% Tax Credit apply to residents of CA?

Absolutely. Homeowners in El Monte are eligible for the 30% Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC). This is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in the income tax you owe.

How long do solar panels last?

Modern tier-1 solar panels are warrantied for 25 years but often last 30+ years. Our calculator accounts for a 0.5% annual degradation in efficiency.

What is Net Metering?

Net metering allows you to sell excess electricity back to the grid. Policies vary by utility company in your area, but it is a key factor in maximizing ROI.

Methodology: How We Calculated This

  • Irradiance: NREL PVWatts® V8 API data for coords 34.0686, -118.0276.
  • Escalation: Conservative 2.5% annual utility rate increase.
  • Degradation: 0.5% annual panel efficiency loss.

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