Case Study #1: Clovis Family Slashes $644 Monthly Bill with Rooftop Solar + Battery Backup
Home Overview:
- 2,600 sq. ft. home in Clovis, CA
- Includes a pool and central AC
- Electric usage averaged 14,000 kWh/year
- PG&E bill averaged $644/month, peaking over $900 in summer
The Problem:
This homeowner was stuck in a cycle—paying nearly $8,000 a year to PG&E. And every year, the rates went up. With a pool pump, two AC zones, and rising temperatures, electricity usage wasn’t going down anytime soon.
The Solution:
We designed and installed a 27-panel system (11 kW) paired with three Neovolta batteries (totaling 30 kWh of storage). This setup:
- Offset 120% of their annual electricity usage
- Included backup power for outages
- Enabled energy use during peak hours without drawing from the grid
System Specs:
- System size: 11 kW
- Panels: 27 (roof-mounted)
- Batteries: 3 Neovolta NV14 (10 kWh each)
- Offset: 17,000+ kWh/year
Total Investment:
- Out-of-pocket (after 30% tax credit): ~$33,000
- Financing: Cash purchase
- Payback period: Just over 4 years
The Result:
This homeowner’s first bill after going solar was just $15—and that was during a time when their usage would normally be spiking due to pool use and early summer AC loads. They now expect to pay nothing or close to it each month moving forward.
“We were paying almost $900 a month to PG&E during the summer. Now we’re paying nothing. This has been one of the smartest investments we’ve ever made.” – Homeowner
Why It Worked:
We didn’t just slap panels on the roof and call it a day. We:
- Sized the system correctly to handle current and future usage
- Used high-efficiency Tier 1 panels
- Designed battery storage for nighttime use and outage protection
- Helped the homeowner qualify for the 30% federal tax credit
Case Study #2: Fresno Townhouse Cuts Monthly Electric Bill by Over 50%
Home Overview:
- 1,500 sq. ft. townhouse in Fresno, CA
- No pool, but central AC
- Usage averaged 9,500 kWh/year
- PG&E bill averaged $430/month, sometimes reaching $600 in summer
The Problem:
This homeowner was avoiding using their AC because the bill was just too high. Like many homeowners, they didn’t want to sacrifice comfort just to avoid sticker shock from PG&E.
The Solution:
We installed a 21-panel (8.82 kW) system with two Enphase batteries (20 kWh total). The system:
- Offset 120% of their power needs
- Provided overnight usage with batteries
- Came with no money down financing
System Specs:
- System size: 8.82 kW
- Panels: 21
- Batteries: 2 Enphase Batteries (20 kWh total)
- Offset: ~11,500 kWh/year
- Financing: 25-year loan at 5.99% interest
Monthly Solar Payment:
$240/month (compared to previous $430/month average)
Savings from Day One:
Over $2,500 per year in savings, guaranteed by locking in a fixed payment.
“I love that I can finally budget for my power bill. No more spikes. And I was so happy you all came out in person and didn’t pressure me into anything.” – Homeowner
What Made It Successful:
We walked the homeowner through every step. Because she wasn’t comfortable signing things electronically, we met in person. We showed her the app, answered every question, and made sure she was confident about the investment. She now has:
- Peace of mind
- A more comfortable home
- A solar system that pays for itself in savings
Why These Stories Matter
These aren’t just happy customers—they’re real examples of how solar can solve a very real problem in Fresno: the cost of electricity.
According to a recent article from YourCentralValley.com, Fresno homeowners spend an average of $3,123 per year on electricity. That’s $260.25 per month, and it doesn’t factor in homes with pools, multiple AC units, or high summer use.
Worse yet, PG&E’s rates are expected to increase again in 2025. California homeowners are already paying among the highest rates in the nation—$0.45 to $0.50 per kWh in many areas.
How Solar Helps Cut That Cost
When you install solar, you essentially become your own utility. Here’s the breakdown:
What Solar Costs (2025 Estimate):
- Installed cost with batteries (After incentives): $3.25–$4.00/watt
- Average all-in cost (after tax credit): $18–$22 cents/kWh
- System lifespan: 25–35+ years
What You Save:
- Replace $0.45–$0.50/kWh from PG&E
- Lock in a fixed monthly cost (or pay cash and eliminate it altogether)
- Reduce grid dependence to 5% or less with the right battery system
Why It’s Working in Fresno
Fresno is one of the best areas in the country for solar thanks to:
- High sun hours year-round (1,550–1,850 kWh/kWp)
- Minimal cloud cover for most of the year
- Large rooftops and open spaces
- PG&E’s high utility costs
Even when temperatures soar above 100°F, solar panels still produce well. And with the right equipment—like Tier 1 panels and modern battery backup—you’re covered from both the sun and the grid.
Financing Options: Something for Everyone
Whether you’re looking to:
- Pay cash and eliminate your bill
- Finance with $0 down
- Lease for a fixed monthly rate
- Or use a prepaid PPA with tax credit built in
…there’s an option to fit your financial goals. Our team will walk you through all the numbers—realistic ones—so you can make the best decision for your home.
Ready to See What Solar Could Save You?
These case studies show what’s possible when you do solar the right way. At Supreme Solar and Electric, we don’t cut corners. We don’t give you the smallest system just to win the bid. We build a solution that covers your needs, reduces your bill, and protects your home with backup power—so you’re covered all year long.
If you’re tired of PG&E’s unpredictable rates and you’re ready to make the switch, let’s talk. We’ll give you a free custom proposal, answer your questions, and show you what solar can do for your home.