Need help deciding if Solar is for me
I live in California and right now with all the incentives it seems like a pretty good deal to get Solar. My average house usage is 750 kWh a month. My solar plan would be either 8.64 kWh system with one Tesla powerwall 3 or 9.64 kWh with 1 powerwall 3. I’m also estimating future use of an EV. I’m considering it due to the fact that I am on the CARE act which is saving me a considerable amount a month off my bill approximately 150 to 275 worth of savings a month but it will be going away in 2027 and a normal bill for me even with that program is anywhere from 250 to 450 so after that program ends, I’ll be paying approximately 400 to over 600 for my electricity I am also in need of a new roof I spoke to a couple of companies for Solar, and they will include the roof with the solar package. My monthly cost for the solar will range from 200 to 275 and with the roof 350 to 400. At the moment, Tesla does have the best offer and the best bang for your buck with a 15 year loan at 7.4% with only 2400 down it’s one of the better deals. But no new roof. Some things to consider. I currently drive approximately 250 average miles a day for work. I make a pretty good wage off just mileage even better off hourly I can bring about 1000 a month minimum and up to 1800 in mileage income but in fuel alone I can use half or more, depending on prices but doing the math with an EV I can charge at a decent rate and it’ll cost me an average of $12-$16 a day (If I drive 250 miles) and even cheaper with the solar installed. I believe if I find a decent price Tesla long range (found some for under 24k) and with the solar, I can still come out with a bit of profit and have my solar and vehicle paid.
Average Electric for last year 274.02 but after the CARE ends it would add 100-150 or more
Solar payment would be 300-400 finance with new roof at 7.4%, used Tesla 350
Other quotes are still coming in
Calculations
Most California utilities offer Time-of-Use (TOU) plans with off-peak night rates as low as: • $0.18–$0.23 per kWh from 9 p.m. to 8 a.m. • Standard peak daytime rate: ~$0.30–$0.40+
Charging from 0% to 90% (67.5 kWh) even less if I can have at least 15-20% charge left.
Rate (TOU off-peak) Total Cost $0.18 / kWh = $12.15 $0.20 / kWh = $13.50 $0.23 / kWh= $15.53
If I charge at night ,day time would be even less due to panels
My current vehicle 16 gallon tank Going 250 a day 3-4 days a week Low efficiency (25 mpg) Gallons. Price Daily Total • Low gas: 10 × 3.71 = $37.10 • High gas: 10 × 4.30 = $43.00
High efficiency (28 mpg) • Low gas: 8.93 × 3.71 ≈ $33.13 • High gas: 8.93 × 4.30 ≈ $38.40
Posted Aug 14, 2025, 12:43 AM UTC