## Solar in California

California leads the nation in residential solar installations — and the numbers make it clear why. With electricity rates at **31.86 cents per kWh** and prices up **56% since 2020**, more homeowners are looking for ways to offset rising energy costs.

If you’re considering [solar panels for your home](/content/solar/solar-panels-for-home/index.html), this is a great place to start. This guide covers everything you need to know about solar installation in California — from how it works to what it costs.

### CALIFORNIA by the Numbers

[1st](https://www.eia.gov/electricity/data/eia861/) Most residential solar in the United States  
[1926k](https://www.eia.gov/electricity/data/eia861/) Households have installed solar panels  
[6.0](/content/local/peak-sun-hours/index.html) Average daily peak sun hours  
[~$105k](/content/local/california/#solar-cost-calculator/index.html) California average savings over 25 years

## California Solar Panel Cost

Wondering what solar actually costs in California? This calculator uses real data from Palmetto installations across the state — from San Diego to Sacramento, Fresno to Los Angeles — to show you two ways to go solar: a monthly lease payment through our LightReach program (no upfront cost, no maintenance worries) or an outright cash purchase. Enter your details to see your personalized estimate.

**Lease**  
**Cash Purchase**

### System Size

This system size is designed to offset approximately **100%** of the average electricity usage for a home in California.