What the PWP pilot pays
These figures come from PWP's April 7, 2026 announcement of the pilot, which we read on October 2, 2026. Only residential PWP electric customers qualify, and the rebate is for a new, permanent rooftop system or an expansion of an existing one.
Solar panels
For a new permanent rooftop system, or for adding to an existing one.
Income-qualified solar
For customers enrolled in one of PWP's income-qualified bill assistance programs.
Battery storage
PWP calls its battery incentives tiered. The $550 is the top figure, and we could not read the tier amounts.
Fees waived
PWP is not charging plan review and inspection fees for solar and battery projects during the pilot. Building, structural and meter fees may still apply.
What that looks like in dollars
A 6,000-watt system earns 6,000 x $0.60 = $3,600. For an income-qualified customer it is 6,000 x $1.00 = $6,000. Batteries are harder to price, because the tiers decide the rate. A 13.5 kWh battery at the top figure would be 13.5 x $550 = $7,425, but PWP's lower tiers will pay less, so treat that as a ceiling and ask PWP for the tier table.
Why Pasadena is different from Southern California Edison
PWP is city-owned, so it makes its own rules for solar customers. Homes served by Southern California Edison, such as those in Long Beach and Santa Monica, are on the state's Net Billing Tariff instead. Pasadena's rules sit in the City's municipal code. Do not trust a generic California solar calculator for a Pasadena house, because it will use the wrong export rules.
PWP's own page on net surplus compensation explains the credit you get for extra power: you need a solar meter from PWP, you must sign PWP's enrollment form, and the credit shows up on your bill. The City cites Pasadena Municipal Code 13.04.177 for the details. PWP adds that a system sized to your past usage usually sends little power back, which is the right way to size a system under these rules.
How much sun Pasadena gets
For 2020 to 2024, Pasadena averaged about 5.4 peak sun hours a day, a measure of full-strength sunshine that the roof receives. That is generous, and it means a south-facing roof without shade does well here. The things that change your result are shade, the roof's age and angle, and how much power you use after dark. A battery helps with that last part, and the pilot is meant to encourage pairing the two.
The city's clean power goal
PWP said the pilot supports Pasadena's goal of 100% carbon-free electricity by the end of 2030. That matters to a buyer in a practical way: the City wants more local solar and storage, and a pilot can change. PWP has said these are pilot incentives, so confirm the amounts and whether funds remain before you sign.
What to do before you sign a contract
PWP publishes a Solar Consumer Protection Guide, and its solar page says to make the home energy efficient first so the system is sized right. Both are worth reading before you talk to a salesperson. Ask for the price per watt in writing, whether the quote includes the PWP interconnection and meter, and who handles the rebate application, which runs through PWP's PowerClerk system. Ask about a lease versus an owned system too, because the rebate is for purchased systems and PWP's page treats the two differently.
The federal credit
The federal 25D credit for residential solar ended for spending after December 31, 2025, so it does not apply to a 2026 install. The PWP pilot is the main source of incentive money for Pasadena homeowners right now.
Installers in Pasadena
These solar companies near Pasadena have the best Google ratings, listed by rating and then review count. We are not paid to list anyone. Ask each for the price per watt, the panel and inverter brands, and who files the PWP paperwork.
How to claim the PWP solar rebate
- Check that PWP is your electric utility. The name is on your electric bill.
- Make the home efficient first, and ask installers to size the system to your past usage.
- Hire a solar company and have them file the PWP application through PowerClerk, as PWP's solar page describes.
- Get the City permits. The pilot waives PWP plan review and inspection fees, but not building or structural fees.
- After the system is approved to run, apply for the rebate through PWP.
- Sign PWP's net metering and surplus compensation form if you want credit for extra power.
Common questions
How much is the solar rebate in Pasadena?
$0.60 per watt for a new or expanded rooftop system, and $1.00 per watt for customers enrolled in an income-qualified bill assistance program.
How much does PWP pay for a battery?
Up to $550 per kilowatt-hour. PWP describes its battery incentives as tiered, so a battery may earn less than the top figure.
Is Pasadena on the state's net billing rules?
No. PWP is a city utility and sets its own rules, shown in its net surplus compensation page and the City's municipal code.
Is this a permanent program?
PWP calls it a pilot, so the amounts and funding may change. Confirm before you sign.
Can I still claim the federal solar tax credit?
Not for a 2026 install. The 25D credit ended for spending after December 31, 2025.
What to do next
See PWP's solar power page for the application and the consumer guide, or compare all Pasadena offers on our Pasadena hub.
By Sam Menard. Sources, last read September 28, 2026: PWP solar and battery pilot announcement, PWP net surplus compensation, PWP solar power in Pasadena, PWP residential rebates and programs. All Pasadena rebates → Every Pasadena Water and Power rebate →