The average cost to finance a solar system in California is between $50-$150/month. For most homeowners, this is significantly less than their current SDGE bill. Take a look at your SDGE bill to see how many kilowatts you use during the month. Costs can vary depending not only on the size of the system but also on its components.

That depends on your energy consumption. Your energy bill from SDGE can give you an idea of how much power you use. You’ll need enough solar panels to cover that usage. Your solar installer in San Diego can use that information to calculate the number of panels you’ll need. If you choose a battery system, you’ll also need the right size or number of batteries to cover your needs.

Solar panels typically last 25 to 35 years.

The answer is yes! The Federal Inflation Reduction Act, signed into law by President Biden, includes a 30% tax credit on all aspects of your solar installation. That includes batteries and main panel upgrades.

Tax incentives and rebates are constantly in flux, so the US Department of Energy has created a guide to Federal Tax Credit for Solar Photovoltaics. Be sure to check before you buy, since some programs may have expired, while new solar incentive programs may have been created.

The answer is yes. Often, the cost of financing each month is less than your SDGE bill. There are many options for financing a solar system, and your solar installer should be able to help you.

For optimal performance, solar panels need to be pointed South, with full sun. Large shade trees might need to be trimmed back if they are shading your roof. If your home’s roof is not facing south, there are workarounds. For example, you could do a freestanding solar system.

Also, your roof must be in good condition. It must be strong enough to support the weight of the solar panels. If your roofing needs to be replaced in the next few years, do it before you install solar. If your solar installer is also a roofing contractor, they can evaluate your roof, and design a solar system to meet your needs.

You can use lead-acid, lithium-ion, or lithium-iron-phosphate batteries. Lead acids are the most affordable, but they also have the shortest lifespan. Also, you may need to add water to the cells.

Lithium-ion and lithium-iron-phosphate batteries have a much longer lifespan and do not need to be watered. However, lithium batteries are much more expensive than lead-acid batteries.

Yes. Once your solar installer has a detailed plan drawn up, you’ll need to get permits. Your solar system will need to comply with local building, electrical, and fire codes. You may also need special permits if you live in a historic district or are part of a homeowner’s association. SDGE will also inspect your new solar system before it is connected to the grid.

Most homeowners clean their panels once or twice a year. Solar panels will continue to perform, even with a light coating of dust and grime. You can clean them yourself, or have a service do it. Often, spraying them with a hose is enough to keep them clean.

The solar panels are only one part of the system. You’ll also need a power inverter. Solar panels produce DC, and that needs to be converted into AC electricity to run your home and appliances. A power inverter converts DC into AC. The inverter needs to be wired into your home’s electrical panel.

You may also need a battery system to store extra power. Typically, lithium batteries are used. These are often set up on the side of the house or in a garage. If you have batteries, you’ll also need a battery monitoring system. This indicates the level of charge in the batteries.

Yes, you can. But, you may need additional panels, and you’ll need to install an EV charging station in your garage. Electric vehicles can be power-hungry, so make sure your solar system is large enough to cover your energy usage.

Yes, as long as you have a qualified solar installer to do the work. A qualified solar installer in San Diego will ensure that your system meets all building, fire, and electrical codes.

That depends if you have a grid-tied or an off-grid system. If you have a grid-tied solar system, your lights will go out, since it is tied to the grid. But, if you have a backup battery, your lights will stay on. If you’re concerned about power outages, spend the extra money on a solar system with a backup battery.

California leads the nation when it comes to renewable energy. However, the best way to take advantage of solar in San Diego is with a home solar system with battery backup. With battery backup, your home will keep running even if the grid goes down. While the grid is up, you’ll save a ton of money on your monthly SDGE bill.

As you probably know, SDGE has some of the highest energy rates in the country. Moreover, despite paying hefty electrical bills every month, San Diego residents still experience power outages and rolling blackouts. By investing in a solar system with a battery, your home will not be affected by power outages. Add into that a generous 30% federal tax credit on your solar installation, your system can quickly pay for itself.
With an average of 266 sunny days in San Diego, your home solar system can generate all the power your home will need. With a battery, your home will have power even on overcast and rainy days. That’s because when the sun is shining, any extra power generated by your solar panels is stored in the battery, literally for a rainy day.

There has never been a better time to invest in a residential solar system. A solar installer in San Diego can design the ideal system for your home, and help you to understand any rebates or tax credits. Financing is also available, with down payments that are often less than your current SDGE bill.

A grid-tied solar system in San Diego feeds electricity into the SDGE grid. In return, SDGE will give you renewable energy credits. This can save you money, but if the SDGE grid goes down, you’ll still be without power. This is because your home is still hooked up to the SDGE power grid.

On the other hand, an off-grid solar system includes a battery. The electricity generated by the solar panels is stored in the battery. Remote, rural properties often depend solely on the power stored in the solar system batteries. But, urban homes in cities like San Diego may only use the battery as a backup, if the grid goes down. If your goal is energy independence, you’ll need a system that includes batteries.