How to Read Your SCE Electric Bill (And Why It Matters for Solar)

Before getting a solar quote, the most important thing you can do is understand your current electric bill. It tells you exactly how much energy you use, when you use it, and what you're paying for it — all critical inputs for designing the right solar system.

Key Numbers on Your SCE Bill

1. Total kWh Used

This is the most important number for solar sizing. It's usually displayed as "Total Energy Charges" or in a usage graph. A typical Southern California home uses 600–1,200 kWh/month. Your solar system should be sized to produce roughly this amount annually.

2. Your Rate Plan

SCE offers several rate plans. The most common for residential customers is TOU-D-PRIME (Time-of-Use). Under this plan, rates vary by time of day:

• Off-peak (9 PM – 4 PM): ~$0.28/kWh
• Mid-peak (4 PM – 9 PM, weekdays): ~$0.45/kWh
• On-peak (4 PM – 9 PM, summer weekdays): ~$0.55/kWh

This is why battery storage is so valuable — you store cheap daytime solar energy and use it during the expensive 4–9 PM window.

3. Baseline Allowance

SCE gives you a "baseline allowance" of electricity at a lower rate. Usage above the baseline is charged at higher "above baseline" rates. High-usage homes pay significantly more per kWh for their upper tiers.

4. Minimum Delivery Charge

Even with solar, you'll still pay SCE's minimum monthly delivery charge — currently about $10–15/month. This is the cost of staying connected to the grid.

What to Look for Before Getting a Solar Quote

When you call Pell Solar for a quote, have your last 12 months of bills ready (or your annual kWh usage). We'll use this to:

• Size your system to cover your actual usage
• Calculate your estimated savings under NEM 3.0
• Determine the right battery size for your usage pattern
• Show you a month-by-month production vs. usage comparison

The SCE Annual True-Up

Under NEM 3.0, SCE calculates your net energy usage annually. If you generated more than you used over the year, you receive a credit (at the low export rate). If you used more than you generated, you pay the difference. A well-designed system with battery storage minimizes what you owe at true-up.

Quick Tip: The $300+ Bill Rule

If your average SCE bill is $300 or more per month, solar almost certainly makes financial sense — especially with a battery. At $300/month, you're spending $3,600/year on electricity. A properly sized solar + battery system can reduce that to near zero.

Get a free analysis based on your actual bill →