Adding solar panels and switching rate plans can lower your PacifiCorp (Pacific Power) electric bill
Updated: October 22, 2020There are three ways you can reduce your Pacific Power 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. Pacific Power 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 PacifiCorp (Pacific Power) 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 PacifiCorp (Pacific Power) each year for no reason.
Finding out what's available to you is as simple as a phone call or email to PacifiCorp (Pacific Power). Even a small savings can be worth it.
Are solar panels worth it for PacifiCorp (Pacific Power) customers?
It's possible. Pacific Power is set up to pay you less for every kWh you send back onto the grid during the day than they'll charge you for every kWh you buy from them. This isn't an ideal situation for people who own solar panels.
Of course, if your solar panels produce up to (but not more than) what your home needs while the sun is shining, you will save the full retail rate for all that energy. Unfortunately, desigining a system to do that is difficult if not impossible without batteries.
For now, any energy you purchase from Pacific Power will cost about $.11/kWh, and excess solar energy you send back to the grid will earn you $.0369/kWh at off-peak times and $.05167/kWh at peak times. Read more about Pacific Power California solar billing here.
Does PacifiCorp (Pacific Power) offer full 1 for 1 net metering credits for exported solar power
No, PacifiCorp (Pacific Power) does not offer full 1 for 1 net metering. This means that when you export surplus power from your solar panels, you will be paid less by the utility than what you are charged to buy the equivalent amount of power from the grid.
The amount you are paid by the utility is known as a feed-in tariff. In the case of PacifiCorp (Pacific Power), this feed-in rate is $0.04 per kWh.
What incentives, tax credits and rebates are available to Pacific Power 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 Pacific Power customer:
Table 1: Incentives
| Upfront Incentives | Value* |
|---|---|
| Residential Clean Energy Tax Credit (Federal) | -$9,156 |
|
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 1/1/2026. 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 |
|
Net Billing (NEM 3.0)
(State)
Change to net metering policy, new special solar rate plans, and avoided cost buyback rates |
Varies |
| TOTAL | -$9,156 |
*Based on 14.05 kW system, average installation cost $30,521
How much does installing solar panels save the average PacifiCorp (Pacific Power) residential customer?
If you input the details for a Pacific Power customer with a power bill of $170 per month into the best online solar panels calculator, it tells you that you need a 14.05 kW solar system that will produce 19,061 kWh per year and that this system will return the owner a $40,462 profit after repaying the cost of the system.
The solar savings possible for you as a Pacific Power 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 Pacific Power customer with a $170 per month electric bill prior to solar and who installs a 14.05 kW solar system.
How much do residential solar panels cost for Pacific Power customers?
Solar prices near you
Net profit (savings less system cost)
$31,320-$38,280
Payback period
11.6-14.2 years
Recommended size for the selected utility bill
13.5kW
Solar panel cost calculator
Detailed information about your estimate
Table 2: Estimate details
|
System Size (for 100% usage offset) 14.05 kW |
|
Annual Power Generation 19,061 kWh |
|
Pay-back time (assuming Cash purchase) 11.2 Years |
|
Internal Rate of Return (IRR) on Investment 2.9% |
|
Gross cost $30,521 |
|
Total Upfront Incentives and Rebates -$7,937 |
|
Net Cost of System after rebates and incentives $22,591 |
|
Total Cost of Utility Power Avoided over 25 years $63,053 |
Please note that the investment return figures do not include the possible increase in property value.
What are the environmental impacts of PacifiCorp (Pacific Power) 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 PacifiCorp (Pacific Power) customer installing a 14.05 kW solar system on their property:
A solar system generating 19,061 kWh per year will save you money AND make the world a nicer place
Saves you
$1,618
on average per year
Reduces CO2 emissions
9.44
tons per year
Equivalent to planting
66 trees
per year
Equivalent to driving
20,872 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 PacifiCorp (Pacific Power) 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 $2.17 per watt or $22,591 for a standard 14.05 kW solar system after the customer claims the 30% federal solar tax credit.