Is Solar Worth It in Fresno? Analyzing the ROI for Fresno Homeowners

PG&E Rates Are Among the Highest in the Nation

PG&E customers in Fresno are paying some of the most expensive electricity prices in the country. While the national average sits between 15 and 25 cents per kilowatt-hour, PG&E has climbed past 44 cents for many standard residential customers. These prices have continued to climb year over year, and it has become especially painful during the summer.

A few years ago, most families in Fresno were seeing bills in the 250 to 350 dollar range. Now it is not uncommon to see monthly electric bills spike to 500 or even 600 dollars, especially for homes with air conditioning running around the clock.

With these numbers, the amount of money you spend on electricity each month could easily fund a solar and battery system that eliminates your bill entirely.

Real ROI: What Fresno Homeowners Can Expect

One of the biggest drivers of solar adoption in Fresno is the actual return on investment. When you break down the numbers, most systems pay for themselves in five to six years. That is a faster payoff than nearly any other home improvement project, and after that, your system continues to produce free power for decades.

Here is a breakdown of typical ROI timelines based on the type of system:

• A standard roof-mounted solar system that offsets your full annual usage typically breaks even in about five and a half years when purchased with cash.
• If you add batteries for energy storage and backup, the ROI period stretches slightly to about six years, assuming proper system sizing.

These timelines are based on producing about 120 percent of your current electricity usage, which gives you a small buffer and accounts for future demand like EV charging or added appliances. And if you finance the system instead of paying cash, the savings still start immediately.

No Money Down, Savings from Day One

A big reason solar has taken off in Fresno is that you no longer need to pay out of pocket to get started. At Supreme Solar and Electric, we work with credit unions and clean energy financing partners that offer zero down loans with fixed monthly payments.

Here is a side-by-side look:

• Typical PG&E bill: $500 per month
• Typical solar loan payment: $275 per month
• Monthly savings: $225

And those savings begin right away. There is no waiting period and no risk of rate hikes like you would have with your utility company. Your monthly payment is fixed and protected against inflation, while PG&E has continued to raise rates year after year.

The Federal Solar Tax Credit Adds Even More Value

The 30 percent federal tax credit is one of the biggest contributors to the fast ROI of going solar. When you install a solar system, you can claim 30 percent of the total system cost as a credit on your federal income taxes.

That includes solar panels, batteries, inverters, labor, and even certain electrical upgrades. For example, if your system costs $30,000, you would be eligible for a $9,000 tax credit.

You can use the full amount in one year if your tax liability is high enough, or you can roll it over for up to five years. Either way, this credit dramatically reduces the effective cost of your solar system, which shortens your payback period and boosts your lifetime savings.

Fresno Has Ideal Solar Conditions Year-Round

If you are going to invest in solar, location matters. Fortunately, Fresno is one of the best places in the country to go solar. With over 275 sunny days per year and very little cloud cover, solar production is strong across all four seasons.

On average, homeowners in the Central Valley can expect 1,550 to 1,850 kilowatt-hours of annual production for every kilowatt of solar installed. That means a typical 10 kilowatt system would generate 15,000 to 18,000 kilowatt-hours per year, enough to offset 100 to 120 percent of most home’s energy usage.

High sun exposure paired with high utility costs is what makes Fresno such a great market for solar. You are maximizing both the production and the savings.

Batteries Help Optimize ROI and Provide Backup

Under California’s NEM 3.0 rules, batteries are now a key part of maximizing the financial return from solar. Rather than exporting excess energy to the grid for a low credit, you can store your power and use it later when rates are higher.

Here is why that matters:

1. PG&E charges the most during the evening hours when solar panels are no longer producing. A battery allows you to avoid those higher costs by using your own stored energy.
2. During outages or grid failures, your battery kicks in and keeps your essential appliances running. This includes refrigerators, lighting, internet routers, and more.
3. With the right battery and solar pairing, most homeowners see stronger ROI because they avoid giving power back to PG&E for pennies and instead use it to reduce their own bills.

Our standard system design includes a solar to battery ratio of about 2.5 to 1, which has proven to be the sweet spot for both cost and performance.

Financing Options That Make Sense

When it comes to paying for your system, most homeowners either finance with a loan or pay cash. Here is a quick overview of the common options:

Solar Loan

• You own the system
• You get the tax credit
• Fixed monthly payment
• Builds home value
• Strongest long-term ROI

Cash Purchase

• Highest upfront cost
• Fastest ROI
• No monthly payments
• Full tax credit eligibility

Lease or PPA

• Lower monthly cost than PG&E
• No ownership
• No tax credit
• Less home value benefit
• Typically includes escalators

At Supreme Solar and Electric, we strongly recommend ownership if you want the best savings and the strongest return on your investment. A leased system may appear simple, but you lose the tax credit and the home value benefit.

Local Financing Partners for Better Rates

One reason we can offer affordable solar financing is because of our trusted network of local credit unions and energy financing partners. These include:

• Self-Help Credit Union
• California Go Green Program
• EECU
• Travis Credit Union
• SunGage Financial
• Service Finance
• GoodLeap
• Credit Human

These lenders offer some of the most competitive interest rates in the market, with flexible terms and fast approvals. Whether you want to pay your system off in five years or stretch it over twenty, we can tailor a plan to meet your financial goals.

Solar Adds Value to Your Home

Studies from real estate platforms and national research groups show that solar adds an average of 2 to 3 percent to a home’s value. In a competitive real estate market, that can make a major difference when selling your home.

Because you own the system, the buyer is essentially purchasing a home with little to no electric bill. That is a major selling point, especially as energy costs continue to rise.

Keep in mind that leased systems do not offer the same benefit. If your solar system is leased, it may need to be transferred to the new buyer, which can sometimes complicate or delay the sale.

Work with a Trusted Local Partner

At Supreme Solar and Electric, we have helped hundreds of families throughout Fresno and the Central Valley make the switch to solar. Our team handles everything in-house, including design, installation, and service. We do not subcontract, and we are proud to be one of the highest rated local solar companies in California.

With over 200 five-star reviews between our Fresno and Palm Desert offices, we have earned the trust of homeowners who want real service, fast turnaround, and long-term support.

Unlike national solar companies that take months to respond or leave you hanging after the install, we are here for the long haul. We install it, we maintain it, and if something goes wrong, we fix it. That is what sets a local company apart.

Final Takeaway: Solar Is Absolutely Worth It in Fresno

If you are tired of PG&E rate hikes and you are ready to take control of your energy costs, solar is not just a smart move, it is a necessary one. With immediate savings, a short five to six year ROI, strong federal incentives, and reliable year-round sun, Fresno is one of the best places in the country to invest in solar.

When you pair solar with battery storage and local financing, the numbers make even more sense. And when you work with Supreme Solar and Electric, you get the peace of mind that your system is installed right and supported for the long term.

Ready for Your Free Solar Quote?

We will design a custom system that matches your usage, walk you through financing, and show you exactly how much you will save.

Reach out today and let us help you take control of your power.