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    Monterey County · Reported cost

    Solar Panel Cost in Pacific Grove, CA (2026): $4.30/W County Median

    By Updated 6 sources citedPacific Grove, Monterey County

    MethodologyHow we make moneyEditorial policy

    Homeowners in Monterey County who bought their own solar systems reported a median of $4.30 per watt between January 2025 and May 2026, across 729 systems. The middle half paid $2.71 to $6.04 per watt.

    Only 29 Pacific Grove owners reported a cost in the CPUC data, fewer than the 30 a figure needs here, so the one above is for Monterey County.

    A 5.29 kW system, the median size connected in Pacific Grove in 2025, comes to about $22,700 at that median, or $14,300 to $32,000 across the middle half.

    Those are reported costs, not a quote, and no federal credit comes off a Pacific Grove system finished in 2026: 26 U.S.C. §25D does not cover one whose installation is completed after December 31, 2025 (state and federal rules).

    Median reported cost
    $4.30/W
    Monterey County, IOU-served homes, 729 systems
    Middle half
    $2.71 to $6.04/W
    25th to 75th percentile
    Typical 5.29 kW system
    $22,700
    5.29 kW × $4.30/W, before any incentive
    Same system, middle half
    $14,300 to $32,000
    size: Pacific Grove addresses, 2025 median

    Source: California Distributed Generation Statistics (CPUC), Interconnected Project Sites data set, data through May 31, 2026, checked September 24, 2026. Homeowner-owned, solar-only systems of 1 to 25 kW; leases, PPAs and battery systems are left out (method). The CPUC notes these costs are not verified by the government.

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    What a solar permit costs in Pacific Grove

    Pacific Grove's published permit fee for a home rooftop system is $670 (solar voltaic system (flat), miscellaneous building permits).

    That is $220 over the $450 limit that Government Code §66015 sets for a home system up to 15 kW. A city may charge more only if it adopts a written finding, in a resolution or ordinance, with substantial evidence of its reasonable cost. Ask Pacific Grove for that finding if a quote passes the fee through.

    • What Pacific Grove publishes: The City's own page states plainly: "The Solar App+ System is not in service at this time for the City of Pacific Grove." In the absence of SolarAPP+'s automated fee calculation, the City's Master Fee Schedule (Community Development fees effective 11/4/2024) lists a flat "Solar voltaic system" fee of $670 under Miscellaneous Building Permits.
    • How to file: No. The City's own page states that SolarAPP+ is not in service for Pacific Grove at this time; applicants apply through the City's online Solar Permit Application portal (portal.iworq.net) or an over-the-counter form instead.
    • Automated permit platform: None named. The City says SolarAPP+ is not in service there.

    Sources: City of Pacific Grove SolarAppPlus.php page and Master Fee Schedule (Community Development fees effective 11/4/2024), checked September 22, 2026; Gov. Code §66015, checked September 24, 2026. Pacific Grove in the California Solar Cost Index sets this fee beside every other city's.

    Solar in Pacific Grove: installs, leases and batteries

    Home solar systems connected at Pacific Grove addresses: 23 in 2021, 55 in 2022, 82 in 2023, 50 in 2024 and 37 in 2025. So connections peaked in 2023 and 2025 ran 55% below that peak. Another 18 were connected from January to May 2026.

    Of the 37 systems connected in Pacific Grove in 2025, 14% were leased or on a PPA, so a solar company owns them, and 86% belonged to the homeowner. 46% had a battery, less often than the 55% statewide. The median Pacific Grove system was 5.29 kW, and 18 companies connected at least one.

    Pacific Grove beside Monterey County and Statewide, 2025
    Pacific GroveMonterey CountyStatewide
    Systems connected in 2025371,497145,404
    Leased or on a PPA14%49%45%
    With a battery46%50%55%
    Median system size5.29 kW4.54 kW6.15 kW
    Median reported costunder 30 reports$4.30/W (729)$4.14/W (58,628)
    Companies connecting systems181162,475

    Source: CPUC DG Stats, data through May 31, 2026. Counts are home systems given permission to operate each year; a city means the service city on the application.

    Your utility: PG&E

    Pacific Grove is billed by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E). PG&E's average residential rate is 33.7¢/kWh (June 2026 (unchanged since March 2026); rate tracker).

    Central Coast Community Energy (3CE) supplies generation for many Pacific Grove addresses while PG&E delivers and bills; your bill shows which.

    Before you sign

    In Monterey County the middle half of reported costs spans $2.71 to $6.04 per watt, and roof, panel work, equipment and contract terms explain most of that gap. California Solar Tax and Permit Rules for 2026 covers them, and the tax, lease and disclosure rules a Pacific Grove contract follows.

    Frequently asked questions

    How much does solar cost in Pacific Grove?

    About $22,700 for a 5.29 kW system, at the $4.30 per watt median that Monterey County owners reported (729 systems, January 2025 to May 2026; middle half $2.71 to $6.04). Source: CPUC DG Stats. No federal credit applies to a Pacific Grove system finished in 2026.

    What does a solar permit cost in Pacific Grove?

    $670 for a home rooftop system on Pacific Grove's published schedule (checked September 22, 2026); the state limit is $450 up to 15 kW under Gov. Code §66015.

    Which utility serves Pacific Grove?

    Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E). Its average residential rate is 33.7¢/kWh, as of June 2026 (unchanged since March 2026).

    Sources

    The tax, contract and permit rules every California city shares, with their statutes: California Solar Tax and Permit Rules for 2026.

    Pacific Grove in the California Solar Cost IndexIts permit fee, permit platform and utility beside every other city's.Compare solar companies in Pacific GroveWho installs in Pacific Grove and what each written proposal should include.

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