At $0.38/kWh, San Bernardino electricity rates are among the highest in California — more than double the national average. Combined with 300+ sunny days and strong Inland Empire sun intensity, solar delivers faster payback here than in most California cities. Under NEM 3.0, the focus shifts from exporting to self-consuming as much solar as possible and using battery storage to cover SCE’s peak hours. Key factors shaping your outcome:
– Monthly SCE bills and summer air conditioning load (Inland Empire heat drives high summer usage)
– Battery storage to avoid SCE’s 4–9 PM peak pricing and maximize self-consumption
– Whether your household qualifies for DAC-SASH or SGIP Equity programs, which can dramatically reduce or eliminate upfront costs
– Roof condition and orientation — flat or south/west-facing roofs perform best
San Bernardino is served by Southern California Edison (SCE), one of California’s three investor-owned utilities subject to NEM 3.0.
*Southern California Edison (SCE) — NEM 3.0*
Under NEM 3.0 (also called the Solar Billing Plan), which took effect April 15, 2023, SCE credits excess solar exports at avoided-cost rates averaging $0.05–$0.08/kWh — a 75% reduction from the retail-rate credits of NEM 2.0. All new solar customers are placed on SCE’s time-of-use rate plan (E-ELEC), with peak pricing from 4–9 PM daily. At the end of each 12-month billing cycle, SCE issues an annual True-Up statement reconciling credits and charges; any remaining surplus credits are paid out at the Net Surplus Compensation Rate. Homeowners who received Permission to Operate before April 15, 2023 are grandfathered on NEM 2.0 for 20 years. A one-time interconnection application is required through SCE.
*Key implication for San Bernardino:* High electricity rates at $0.38/kWh mean every kWh of solar you consume directly saves nearly four times what you’d earn by exporting it under NEM 3.0’s avoided-cost structure. Battery storage — storing daytime solar for evening discharge during SCE’s 4–9 PM peak — is the most effective way to maximize savings under this structure.
San Bernardino solar installation costs are competitive with the broader Inland Empire market, typically $2.25–$2.75 per watt. A typical 7–8kW system runs $16,000–$22,000 before incentives. Permitting is handled by the City of San Bernardino’s Development Services department; straightforward residential solar permits typically take 1–2 weeks. Total timeline from contract to SCE Permission to Operate generally runs 8–12 weeks. For income-qualified homeowners in San Bernardino’s designated disadvantaged communities, the DAC-SASH program can reduce or eliminate upfront system costs entirely — making this one of the most accessible solar markets in California for low-income households.
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