Adding solar panels and switching rate plans can lower your Riverside Public Utilities electric bill
Updated: October 22, 2020There are three ways you can reduce your RPU bill: changing your habits, switching your rate plan, and adding solar panels.
You've probably heard a lot about reducing energy consumption by doing things like switching to LED lightbulbs and adding insulation to your walls, but these fixes are relatively easy compared to the far more impactful step of making changes to your lifestyle.
The second thing you can do is switch your rate plan. RPU doesn't offer time-of-use billing that can help you save money by shifting your usage of energy-intensive appliances to off-peak hours, but there may be other options for you .
Finally, you can reduce or even eliminate your electricity bill by installing solar panels on your home.
On this page:
Solar panel cost calculator
How much can I reduce my Riverside Public Utilities bill by switching to a different rate plan
For some people, the savings from switching rate plans may only be a few dollars per month, but for many it can be $20-$100 per month. That's between $240 and $1,200 that you may now be paying to Riverside Public Utilities each year for no reason.
Finding out what's available to you is as simple as a phone call or email to Riverside Public Utilities. Even a small savings can be worth it.
Are solar panels worth it for Riverside Public Utilities customers?
Yes! With available solar property tax exemptions, battery storage incentive through the SGIP program, and available net metering, home solar panels make sense for Riverside Public Utility customers in California. Riverside’s net billing rate allows you to get full credit on your power bill for the excess solar electricity your panels produce which you can’t use onsite. Your credits accrue at the same rate as retail rates, and roll over onto your next month’s bill.
Does Riverside Public Utilities offer full 1 for 1 net metering credits for exported solar power
Yes, Riverside Public Utilities offers 1 for 1 net metering. This means you are paid the same rate for excess solar energy that you export to the utility grid during the middle of the day as what you pay for power purchased from the grid.
In the case of Riverside Public Utilities, this is approximately $0.13 per kWh.
Tirered rates determine compensation for renewable energy. The more you used to use, the more you will save. At the end of the year, Riverside utilities will "true-up" you bill and pay you a Net Surplus Energy Compensation Rate for any excess, currently $0.0720/kWh.
What incentives, tax credits and rebates are available to RPU customers for installing solar?
The major financial incentive currently available until the end of 2023 is the 30% federal solar tax credit. The way this works is that the full cost of the system needs to be paid to the installer, and this tax credit can then be claimed back as cash when you next do your taxes.
Many states, local governments and utilities also offer incentives for homeowners who go solar. This help can take the form of state tax credits, rebates, tax breaks, SRECs or even performance-based incentives. The best part is that all of these incentives apply in addition to the federal credit.
Here is every incentive you may be eligible for as a RPU customer:
Table 1: Incentives
| Upfront Incentives | Value* |
|---|---|
| Residential Clean Energy Tax Credit (Federal) | -$5,812 |
|
Disadvantaged Communities – Single-Family Solar Homes (DAC-SASH) program
(State)
DAC-SASH is a program that provides very low or no-cost solar to low-income residents of California's most disadvantaged communities. Eligible residents can apply through GRID Alternatives' Energy for All Program |
Varies |
|
LADWP - Net Metering
(State)
Retail rate net metering, calculated every month. Applies to all except Taxes and Minimum Charges |
Varies |
|
Self-Generation Incentive Program
(State)
Small Residential earns $.25/Wh of storage capacity |
Varies |
|
Property Tax Exclusion for Solar Energy Systems
(State)
Total cost of solar system is exempt from property taxes, for all systems installed before 1/1/2025. Properties that change hands after 2024 may not continue to be eligible. |
Varies |
|
City of San Francisco - Low-Income Solar Inverter Replacement Program
(State)
Eligible CARE and FERA customers can receive up to $3,000 to replace older, non-working solar inverters that were installed as part of the GoSolarSF program. |
Varies |
|
NEM 2.0
(State)
Change to net metering policy, mandatory interconnection fees, nonbypassable charges, and time of use rates |
Varies |
| TOTAL | -$5,812 |
*Based on 7.80 kW system, average installation cost $19,373
How much does installing solar panels save the average Riverside Public Utilities residential customer?
If you input the details for a RPU customer with a power bill of $210 per month into the best online solar panels calculator, it tells you that you need a 7.80 kW solar system that will produce 12,831 kWh per year and that this system will return the owner a $55,915 profit after repaying the cost of the system.
The solar savings possible for you as a RPU customer will depend on the amount of electricity you use and the cost of the solar system you buy. Savings also vary based on the direction of your roof or any shading of your roof that affects output.
Here is a monthly and lifetime solar savings estimate for the same relatively typical RPU customer with a $210 per month electric bill prior to solar and who installs a 7.80 kW solar system.
How much do residential solar panels cost for RPU customers?
Showing data for:
Prices based on a 8.2kW system, after 30% federal tax credit
Solar prices near you
Net profit (savings less system cost)
$52,623-$64,317
Payback period
6.6-8.1 years
Recommended size for the selected utility bill
8.2kW
Solar panel cost calculator
Detailed information about your estimate
Table 2: Estimate details
|
System Size (for 100% usage offset) 7.8 kW |
|
Annual Power Generation 12,831 kWh |
|
Pay-back time (assuming Cash purchase) 7 Years |
|
Internal Rate of Return (IRR) on Investment 11.7% |
|
Gross cost $19,373 |
|
Total Upfront Incentives and Rebates -$5,038 |
|
Net Cost of System after rebates and incentives $14,338 |
|
Total Cost of Utility Power Avoided over 25 years $70,253 |
Please note that the investment return figures do not include the possible increase in property value.
What are the environmental impacts of Riverside Public Utilities customers installing solar panels?
While most homeowners decide to install solar panels because of financial savings over time, the environmental impacts of this choice are the primary motive for others. Here is a breakdown of the environmental benefits from a Riverside Public Utilities customer installing a 7.8 kW solar system on their property:
A solar system generating 12,831 kWh per year will save you money AND make the world a nicer place
Saves you
$2,237
on average per year
Reduces CO2 emissions
6.35
tons per year
Equivalent to planting
44 trees
per year
Equivalent to driving
14,050 mi
less per year
CO2 emissions calculation based on the electricity generation and emissions data for your state in 2015 as published by the US Government Energy Information Administration.
What factors affect the price of solar panels for Riverside Public Utilities customers?
The cost of installing solar panels will vary with brands of solar panels and inverters you choose and also the installation company you choose to install them.
It is common to see really good systems, using quality brands of equipment, being sold for around $2.48 per watt or $14,338 for a standard 7.80 kW solar system after the customer claims the 30% federal solar tax credit.