SMUD / PG&E Service Area
Solar + Battery Storage in Sacramento County, CA
VoltSol gives 5 cities across Sacramento County a way to energy independence: residential solar paired with EG4 battery storage, from $8,700. Make your own power, store it, and keep the lights on through blackouts and PSPS shutoffs — instead of exporting it back to the grid for a fraction of what you paid under NEM 3.0.
County Snapshot — Sacramento County
Utility Rate
SMUD / PG&E: Estimated $0.18/kWh residential rate. SMUD (Sacramento Municipal Utility District) averages around $0.18/kWh — much lower than PG&E areas. Solar still makes sense for backup power and avoiding future rate increases, though payback periods are longer. Folsom (eastern county) is served by PG&E at ~$0.44/kWh.
Permit Office
Sacramento County Building Permits & Inspection Division / City of Sacramento (SolarAPP+) (Sacramento County / City of Sacramento). Typical turnaround: 2-4 weeks county-wide; same-day in City of Sacramento via SolarAPP+. The City of Sacramento uses SolarAPP+ for automated, same-day approval of eligible rooftop systems. County jurisdictions outside the city typically take 2-4 weeks.
Climate Zone
Zone 12: Hot-dry summer with mild winter. High cooling demand from June through September. Excellent solar production with minimal seasonal variation.
County Context
Sacramento County spans the valley floor with flat, unobstructed terrain ideal for solar. Most of the county is served by SMUD, which has lower rates than PG&E but has still seen increases. Eastern areas like Folsom fall under PG&E and have much higher rates. The county sees frequent summer heat waves, making backup power valuable during peak demand events.
Tax credit, exemption, and incentive information is general and subject to change. Consult a licensed tax professional and your county appraisal district (or equivalent local authority) for guidance specific to your situation.
Why Solar + Battery Storage in Sacramento County?
Homeowners in Sacramento County are served by SMUD / PG&E, which has seen significant residential rate increases in recent years. Residential solar + battery storage offers a way to lock in energy costs at installation prices and protect against future rate hikes.
Our systems combine rooftop solar panels, EG4 battery storage, and inverters to power your home's most energy-intensive loads — like heating, cooling, and major appliances — while maximizing the power you keep and use yourself. That means no utility buyback complexity under NEM 3.0, and backup power during PSPS shutoffs or outages.
Under California's current net-billing rules (NEM 3.0), the credit homeowners receive for solar energy they export is typically only a small fraction of the retail price they pay to buy electricity back. The smart economics in Sacramento County shifted to storing and using your own power instead of selling it back. The federal 30% residential solar tax credit ended for systems placed in service after Dec 31, 2025, but California programs like SGIP battery rebates may still apply. Consult a tax professional to confirm your eligibility.