25 Years of Change: The Story of Solar and the Power of Choice

Back in the year 2000, solar energy was more of a dream than a household reality. The technology was still young, the panels were expensive, and few families could imagine powering their homes with the sun. Why? because at that time, installing a solar system cost around $10 per watt, so a typical 7 kW system would set you back about $70,000.

Fast forward to 2025, and that same system now costs roughly $28,000, a remarkable 60% drop. What was once a luxury is now one of the smartest investments a homeowner can make. Solar has become more than just affordable energy, it’s a way for families to take charge of their electricity, save money, and secure a brighter, more independent future.

The Rising Tide of Utility Costs

While solar prices were falling, PG&E’s rates were moving in the opposite direction.

In 2000, the average cost of electricity was about $0.11 per kilowatt-hour, or roughly $0.20 when adjusted for inflation. By 2025, that same power costs around $0.45 per kilowatt-hour.

The difference is striking. With every watt solar became more affordable, while utility power became more expensive. Families who chose solar early didn’t just embrace cleaner energy, they insulated themselves from decades of rising costs.

To understand what that means for you, consider this: in 2000, a typical family using about 7,200 kWh of electricity per year paid just under $400 annually to PG&E.

Today, that same household pays more than $3,000 annually for the exact same amount of electricity. Over 25 years, that adds up to more than $60,000 spent on grid power alone, money that could have been invested in owning your own energy system instead of renting it from the utility.

For the past 25 years, our team at Cal-Solar has been dedicated to helping our neighbors save money and take control of their energy costs. From the early days of high solar prices to today’s affordable and efficient systems, we’ve made it our mission to provide smart, sustainable solutions that keep more money where it belongs in your pocket. Every installation represents more than just clean energy; it’s a long-term investment in financial freedom, stability, and a brighter future for families across our community.

25 years of proving solar pays off for the long haul.

Here’s where the long-term story gets even clearer. A traditional utility customer paying PG&E for electricity from 2000 through 2025 will have spent over $67,000 just to keep the lights on.

A homeowner who installed a 7 kW solar system back in 2000 spent roughly $30,000 upfront, and some minor maintenance cost, that’s it. They’ve generated their own clean energy for decades, often with little or no utility bill at all. That’s a savings of more than $37,000 over 25 years, and the panels are still producing power.

This long-term perspective makes one thing crystal clear: investing in solar is not just about reducing your monthly bill today, it’s about securing decades of savings and energy independence. Families who went solar early have not only protected themselves from rising utility costs, they’ve built lasting value in their homes while contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable future. With each year, the benefits continue to grow, proving that solar truly pays off for the long haul. Are you ready to start your Solar Journey? 

The Roller Coaster of Rate Hikes

PG&E’s rate increases haven’t followed a smooth curve. They spiked dramatically during the energy crises in the early 2000s, again between 2006 through 2009, and once more from 2016 through 2020. On average, rates have gone up about 5–7% per year, far faster than inflation. For families tied to the grid, that means watching bills climb unpredictably year after year.

Solar, on the other hand, brings stability. Once your system is installed, your energy costs are essentially locked in. No rate spikes, no surprises, just steady, reliable power from your roof, powered by the abundance of the sun’s energy. Over time, that stability adds up to peace of mind. Instead of worrying about the next utility rate hike, solar homeowners like you can focus on what matters most, enjoying your home and investing your savings elsewhere. It’s a difference you can feel month after month, year after year, knowing your energy future is in your own hands. Are you Ready to take control of your energy costs? Discover how Cal-Solar can help you lock in long-term savings and freedom from unpredictable utility rates.

The Big Picture

When you step back and look at the full story, it’s easy to see just how much has changed. Over the past 25 years, the cost of going solar has dropped nearly 60%, making it far more accessible to families across our community. During that same time, PG&E rates have risen about 300%, leaving many households facing unpredictable and steadily increasing electricity bills. 

As solar technology has improved, the economics have become undeniable. What started as a bold, forward thinking move in 2000 has transformed into the obvious choice in 2025. A way to invest in your home, protect your family’s budget, and take control of your energy future. Solar isn’t just about savings today; it’s about building lasting value, reducing your environmental impact, and creating energy independence that lasts for decades.

Looking Toward a Brighter Future: The Next Chapter in Solar

The story of solar is one of innovation, perseverance, and progress. For 25 years, our team at Cal-Solar has been proud to help families across our community embrace clean energy, take control of their power, protect their budgets, and invest in solutions that truly pay off. Each solar system installed represents more than energy savings—it represents independence, foresight, and a commitment to a sustainable future.

And the best part? This story is far from over. The next 25 years promise even greater efficiency, smarter solar systems, and bigger savings for those who choose to make the switch today. Technology continues to advance, incentives remain available, and the opportunity to lock in predictable energy costs has never been stronger. If you’ve been thinking about going solar, there’s no better time to act. Join the growing number of families taking control of their energy future, ready to get started? 

Proudly serving communities across Northern California and beyond, we’re here to help you with all your renewable energy needs. Our service areas include Grass Valley, CA, Auburn, CA, Loomis, CA, Granite Bay, CA, Lincoln, CA, Rocklin, CA, Roseville, CA, Cameron Park, CA, Diamond Springs, CA, Placerville, CA, Pollock Pines, CA, El Dorado Hills, CA, Truckee, CA, Tahoe City, CA, and South Lake Tahoe, CA. Contact us today to learn more about our residential solar solutions, such as a solar powered system, backup batteries/battery storage, smart energy management, home standby generators, electrical vehicle chargers, and solar system servicing (system check & repair) available in your community.