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Solar Background
Live Data Analysis

Your solar report for Stanford, CA

With 5.88 peak sun hours daily, Stanford is in the top tier for solar production. But not every roof qualifies for maximum savings. Your area receives an average of 5.88 peak sun hours per day.

Solar Authority Score™
72 Good

Nearby Areas

Palo Alto 94304 Palo Alto 94306 Palo Alto 94301 Menlo Park 94025 Atherton 94027 Portola Valley 94028
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Solar Coverage Map: Stanford, CA

6 nearby locations
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Annual Electricity Offset

$2,860 /yr
High ROI Expected
Investment Grade: A+

Verified Solar Potential

Production
8,314 kWh per year (Est.)

Payback Period

4.1 Years

Time until system pays for itself

25-Year Lifetime Savings

$59,861

Estimated net profit after system costs

Fed. Tax Credit (30%)

$4,988
Money back in pocket

Available Incentives & Rebates

Residents of Stanford 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: 94305
EXCELLENT Score

5.88 Peak Sun Hours / day

Live Solar Forecast

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Production Efficiency --%

Fetching satellite data for Stanford...

Peak Sun Hours Comparison

Excellent
Bar chart comparing Stanford's 5.88 peak sun hours to the national average of 4.5 hours Stanford National Avg State Avg 5.88 hrs 4.50 hrs 6.06 hrs 0h 2h 4h 6h

Stanford receives 31% more peak sunlight than the U.S. average, indicating excellent solar production potential.

Solar Physics Simulator

Sun path trajectory for Stanford

-8.7° Max Elevation
Sun path diagram showing summer vs winter trajectory in Stanford East South West Summer (June) -8.7° Altitude Winter (Dec) -38.7° Altitude

In Stanford, the sun is 30.0° lower in the sky during winter.
💡 Tip: Panels positioned at a 33.7° tilt will capture maximum energy year-round.

Why Solar in Stanford?

Homeowners in Stanford are positioned to benefit from 5.88 peak sun hours of daily sunlight. This translates to approximately $2,860 in annual electricity savings. With rates climbing 8% annually, every month of delay costs you money. Pairing with battery storage maximizes self-consumption

True Cost Calculator

Average System Cost $16,628
🇺🇸 Federal Tax Credit (30%)
- $4,988
🏛️ CA Rebate
- $1,000
Your Net Cost
$10,640
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 Stanford.

S&P 500 (Historical 7%) $60,981 Net Profit
Taxable
Solar Energy System $75,350 Tax-Free Gain
Winner 👑
Savings: $76,850 + Property Value: $16,000

Solar Outperforms by 24%

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.

A moderate installer base in Stanford gives you options without overwhelming choice. Focus on companies with local track records.