Solar Savings in Murrieta: What It Actually Costs and What You'll Save in 2026

Murrieta is one of the safest and fastest-growing cities in Riverside County, with a population of around 111,000 and a strong military-connected community thanks to its proximity to Camp Pendleton. Like most of the Inland Empire, Murrieta sits in SCE territory where electricity rates are among the highest in the nation. Here is what Murrieta homeowners need to know about their electric bills and solar options.

What Murrieta Residents Actually Pay for Electricity

The average Murrieta household pays approximately $271 per month for electricity, or about $3,252 per year. While slightly below the Inland Empire average (thanks to newer, more efficient homes), this is still well above the national average.

SCE's average residential rate is around 34.5 cents per kWh, with peak TOU rates of 58-74 cents during 4-9 PM. The $24.15 monthly fixed charge applies to all SCE customers regardless of usage.

Murrieta homes tend to be newer than in neighboring cities, which means better insulation and more efficient HVAC — but the Inland Empire heat still drives significant summer electricity usage.

Step 1: Check Your SCE Rate Plan (Free, 10 Minutes)

Before anything else, log into your SCE account and check which rate plan you're on. SCE offers several TOU (time-of-use) plans. Many households are on a default plan that isn't optimal. The rate comparison tool in your account shows what you'd pay on each plan based on your actual last 12 months of usage. Switching is free and takes minutes.

If you can shift heavy electricity use (laundry, dishwasher, EV charging, pool pump) to off-peak hours (before 4 PM or after 9 PM), you can save 10-15% just by being on the right TOU plan.

Step 2: Check If You Qualify for Discounts

SCE offers income-based discount programs that many qualifying Murrieta households haven't applied for. CARE provides a 30-35% discount on your entire bill if your household income is below certain thresholds. FERA offers an 18% discount for families of 3+ with slightly higher income limits. Check eligibility and apply at SCE's assistance page.

If anyone in your household relies on electricity-dependent medical equipment (CPAP, home dialysis, powered wheelchair, etc.), you may qualify for Medical Baseline, which gives you additional electricity at the lowest rate tier.

Murrieta's Solar Potential

Murrieta averages approximately 3,200 hours of sunshine per year with 5.7 peak sun hours per day. The city's relatively flat terrain and newer housing developments with well-oriented rooflines make most homes good candidates for solar. You can check your specific home's solar potential for free at Google Project Sunroof.

What Solar Costs in Murrieta (2026 Numbers)

The average Murrieta household needs a 8.6 kW solar system to cover their electricity usage. Here's what that looks like across different options.

Costs are approximate based on 2026 EnergySage data for Murrieta. Actual costs vary by roof, system size, and provider. PPA monthly costs include remaining utility charges ($24.15 fixed charge + any grid usage).

To compare quotes from local installers for a purchased system, EnergySage's Murrieta page lets you get multiple quotes side by side. Always get at least 3 quotes before committing to any option.

HOA Rules for Solar in Murrieta

Many Murrieta neighborhoods have HOAs, and homeowners often worry about getting approval for solar panels. Here's what you need to know: under California's Solar Rights Act (Civil Code § 714), your HOA cannot prohibit you from installing solar panels. They can impose reasonable aesthetic restrictions (like panel placement preferences), but any restriction that increases your system cost by more than $1,000 or reduces efficiency by more than 10% is legally unenforceable.

In practice, most Murrieta HOAs have streamlined their solar approval process because so many homeowners are going solar. You typically submit an architectural review application, and if the HOA doesn't respond with a written denial within 45 days, your application is deemed approved by default. If your HOA gives you pushback, the law is clearly on your side — and they can be liable for damages plus your attorney's fees if they unreasonably block your installation.

NEM 3.0 (Net Billing) and Battery Storage in Murrieta

Murrieta is on SCE's NEM 3.0 (Net Billing) tariff, which means the excess solar energy you send back to the grid earns only 5-8¢/kWh — far less than the 34.5¢+ you pay to buy it back during peak hours. This is why battery storage has become essential for maximizing savings.

With a battery, you store excess daytime solar and use it during peak evening hours (4-9 PM) when SCE rates are highest. A solar + battery system typically offsets 70-90% of your grid usage, compared to 40-60% with solar alone. For more detail on how this works, see our NEM 3.0 guide.

California's Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) may still offer rebates for battery storage — check current availability at selfgenca.com. SGIP funds are limited and allocated first-come, first-served.

When Solar Doesn't Make Sense in Murrieta

If your bill is under $100/month, you are renting, your roof has heavy north-facing shade, or you plan to sell within 1-2 years, solar may not be the best fit right now. For military families expecting PCS within a year, a PPA is usually better than a purchase since it transfers to the next homeowner.

Murrieta-Specific Tips

Military families: Murrieta has a large military community due to Camp Pendleton proximity. VA loans and military housing allowances can affect your solar financing options. PPAs are particularly popular with military families because there is no credit check or upfront cost, and the agreement can transfer if you receive PCS orders.

Newer communities: Many Murrieta neighborhoods were built after 2010 with solar-ready electrical panels and conduit. If your home was built after 2020, it likely already has builder-installed solar — check your closing documents to see if you own it or if it is under a lease/PPA.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the federal solar tax credit still available?

The residential tax credit (Section 25D) expired at the end of 2025. If you buy a system outright, there is no federal credit. However, the commercial credit (Section 48E) is still available, which is how PPA providers can offer $0-down solar at rates below utility prices. See our full guide on post-tax-credit options.

The Bottom Line for Murrieta

With SCE rates among the highest in the nation and strong sunshine year-round, Murrieta homeowners are well-positioned for solar savings. Start by checking your SCE rate plan and CARE/FERA eligibility, then evaluate your options.