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Energy independence in Monterey, CA

Monterey's 5.38 daily peak sun hours put it in a favorable position for solar. The question isn't if, but how much you can save. Your area receives an average of 5.38 peak sun hours per day.

Solar Authority Score™
70 Good

Nearby Areas

Pacific Grove 93950 Pebble Beach 93953 Monterey 93943 Carmel By The Sea 93921 Seaside 93955 Marina 93933
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Solar Coverage Map: Monterey, CA

6 nearby locations
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Your Estimated Benefit

$2,609 /yr
High ROI Expected
Investment Grade: A+

Verified Solar Potential

Production
7,583 kWh per year (Est.)

Payback Period

4.1 Years

Time until system pays for itself

25-Year Lifetime Savings

$54,600

Estimated net profit after system costs

Fed. Tax Credit (30%)

$4,550
Money back in pocket

Available Incentives & Rebates

Residents of Monterey may qualify for 6 active programs.

Federal Programs (Apply to Everyone)

Warning: 2026 Cliff
Inflation Reduction Act (Sec. 48E)
Benefit Value Pass-through Savings

If you lease your system (PPA), the solar company claims this credit and passes savings to you. Valid through 2032.

Warning: 2026 Cliff
Federal Residential Clean Energy Credit (ITC)
Benefit Value 30% (Expiring 2025)

30% Tax Credit for systems installed by Dec 31, 2025. CRITICAL: For 2026, this credit is set to expire for homeowner-owned systems unless extended. Leases (Third-Party) still qualify under Sec. 48E.

CA State Incentives

Variable Rate
Net Billing Tariff (NEM 3.0)

Exported energy is credited at avoided cost rates (variable). encourages battery storage.

Up to $3,000
DAC-SASH

Upfront incentives for low-income homeowners in disadvantaged communities.

~$200/kWh
SGIP Battery Rebate

Upfront rebate for installing energy storage systems (batteries).

100% Excluded
Property Tax Exclusion

Active solar energy systems are excluded from property tax assessment.

Efficiency

Code: 93944
EXCELLENT Score

5.38 Peak Sun Hours / day

Live Solar Forecast

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Production Efficiency --%

Fetching satellite data for Monterey...

Peak Sun Hours Comparison

Above Avg
Bar chart comparing Monterey's 5.38 peak sun hours to the national average of 4.5 hours Monterey National Avg State Avg 5.38 hrs 4.50 hrs 6.06 hrs 0h 2h 4h 6h

Monterey receives 20% more peak sunlight than the U.S. average, indicating excellent solar production potential.

Solar Physics Simulator

Sun path trajectory for Monterey

-9.1° Max Elevation
Sun path diagram showing summer vs winter trajectory in Monterey East South West Summer (June) -9.1° Altitude Winter (Dec) -38.4° Altitude

In Monterey, the sun is 29.3° lower in the sky during winter.
💡 Tip: Panels positioned at a 32.9° tilt will capture maximum energy year-round.

Why Solar in Monterey?

Homeowners in Monterey are positioned to benefit from 5.38 peak sun hours of daily sunlight. This translates to approximately $2,609 in annual electricity savings. With rates climbing 8% annually, every month of delay costs you money. Protection against continued rate increases

True Cost Calculator

Average System Cost $15,167
🇺🇸 Federal Tax Credit (30%)
- $4,550
🏛️ CA Rebate
- $1,000
Your Net Cost
$9,617
Financial Showdown

If you had $25k... Stock Market vs. Solar

Comparing a 20-year investment in the S&P 500 versus purchasing a solar system in Monterey.

S&P 500 (Historical 7%) $60,981 Net Profit
Taxable
Solar Energy System $68,596 Tax-Free Gain
Winner 👑
Savings: $70,096 + Property Value: $16,000

Solar Outperforms by 12%

Unlike stock market gains which are taxed at ~15-20%, the money you save on electricity is 100% tax-free. Plus, solar increases your home's resale value immediately.

With only 7 installers in Monterey, choose carefully. Verify NABCEP certification and check recent local references.