Solar vs. the Stock Market

Which Will You Choose?

Jim has been thinking about his financial future. He pays around $4,200 annually to PG&E for electricity. That’s an average of $350 per month, like clockwork, with no return and nothing to show for it in the long term.

Then, Jim learns that switching to solar could cut his PG&E bill down to $700 a year. This would save him about $3,500 annually. While the average solar system costs around $35,000, the 30% federal solar tax credit—available only through the end of this year—reduces the net price to just $24,500.

So Jim starts wondering… Is a solar system a good investment? Or should he put that money into the stock market instead? Let’s break it down.

If Jim puts $24,500 into home solar:

He installs a custom solar system tailored to his home and energy needs.

• He saves $3,500 per year on his power bill.
• That’s a guaranteed return—locked in, predictable, and useful.
• No speculation. Just less money sent to PG&E.

Now let’s compare this to a classic “safe” investment…

If Jim puts $24,500 into stocks:

Let’s be generous and assume he gets an 8% annual return (which is optimistic, but possible).

• He gets $1,960 per year in gains.
• However, those gains are taxed—federal, state, maybe even capital gains.
• Realistically, after these taxes, he puts away around $1,500.

That’s less than half of what he’d save with solar. And that’s the best-case stock market scenario.

Naturally, Jim thinks $24,500 is a lot of money to spend on something like solar. But he’s already spending $4,300 every year on electricity. In just six years, he’ll have paid PG&E more than $25,000 anyway—no return, no ownership, just a neverending bill.

But would $1,500 in market gains cover a $3,500 electric bill? Nope. Not even close. But solar does. Every year.

Here’s the bottom line:

• Solar offers more return, more safety, and more value than most stock investments.
• It directly offsets a real expense… an expense you’re already paying. 
• It’s not just a feel-good upgrade. It’s a financial strategy.

Plus, utility rates have never gone down. In fact, during major financial crises—like the 2008 crash or COVID lockdowns—PG&E rates went up roughly 20%. The reality is that you’ll likely save even more than these estimates can predict.

If you’re waiting for your PG&E bill to go down… you’ll be waiting forever. Going solar isn’t just smart. It’s an ultra-safe investment in your future—and far more reliable than gambling on the stock market.

We can help you get started. Contact us to get a FREE estimate on a custom solar system to invest in your financial future today.

Reminder: Federal Tax Credit Ends Soon

If you want to take advantage of the 30% federal solar tax credit—and get FREE money from the government to offset your investment—don’t wait. After December 31, 2025, this cash incentive is going away. Talk to us and see how we can help you put some green back into your pocket.