Question 1

How much do solar panels cost in California?

Accepted Answer

As of 2026, the average installed cost in California is roughly $2.51/watt, putting a typical 9 kW system around $22,700 before incentives. Lease and PPA financing options can deliver day-one savings with zero upfront cost.

Question 2

What is net metering (NEM 3.0) in California?

Accepted Answer

NEM 3.0 — the Net Billing Tariff — took effect April 15, 2023 for PG&E, SCE, and SDG&E customers. Export credits dropped roughly 75% versus the old rules, which is why pairing solar with battery storage is now essential to maximize savings.

Question 3

How much can I save with solar in California?

Accepted Answer

The average California homeowner saves around $132,000 over 25 years with solar. A 6 kW system can save $60K+, a 10 kW system $90K+, and 15 kW high-usage systems can exceed $120K in lifetime savings.

Question 4

Is solar worth it in San Diego?

Accepted Answer

Yes — San Diego has the fastest solar payback in California (5–7 years with battery) because SDG&E rates are the highest in the state at ~$0.415/kWh.

Question 5

What's the main benefit of going solar?

Accepted Answer

Saving money. You make your own power instead of paying the utility full price, and you lock in your rate for 25+ years. Plus it's clean energy that reduces pollution.

Question 6

How long do solar panels last?

Accepted Answer

Most quality panels last 25–30 years. They don't stop working — they slowly produce slightly less. Even after 25 years, premium panels still produce around 80% of their original output.

Question 7

Do I need a battery with solar in California?

Accepted Answer

Under NEM 3.0, batteries have gone from a nice-to-have to a near-requirement if you want full bill offset. Without a battery, your excess daytime production earns about 75% less than it used to under NEM 2.0. Pairing solar with a battery (Tesla Powerwall, Enphase, FranklinWH) lets you store cheap daytime power and use it during peak evening rates — which is where the real savings live now.

Question 8

Is there still a federal solar tax credit?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The federal Residential Clean Energy Credit (commonly called the ITC) remains at 30% of the installed system cost through 2032, then steps down. It applies to both solar panels and batteries — including standalone batteries added to an existing solar system — and is claimed on IRS Form 5695 when you file your taxes.

Question 9

How long does solar installation take in California?

Accepted Answer

From signed contract to panels producing power, expect 6–10 weeks on average. The physical install is usually one day on the roof; most of the time is paperwork: HOA approval (if applicable), city permitting, utility interconnection, and the Permission-to-Operate (PTO) letter from PG&E / SCE / SDG&E that lets you flip the switch.

Question 10

Can I go solar if I rent or have an HOA?

Accepted Answer

Renters can't install permanent solar on a home they don't own, but California has programs like community solar and landlord-participation agreements that let renters save on utility bills without an install. HOAs can request design changes but cannot block a solar install outright — California's Solar Rights Act (Civil Code §714) protects homeowners from HOA denial as long as the system meets reasonable aesthetic and safety guidelines.

Question 11

What happens if the power goes out?

Accepted Answer

Grid-tied solar without a battery shuts off automatically during an outage for utility-worker safety — even if the sun is shining. That's one of the biggest reasons Californians are adding battery backup: Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) and wildfire-season outages can last hours or days, and a properly sized battery keeps essential circuits (fridge, lights, internet, some outlets) running through the outage.

Question 12

Do solar panels work on cloudy days or in winter?

Accepted Answer

Yes — solar panels still produce power on overcast days, just at roughly 10–25% of peak output depending on cloud density. Winter production is lower because daylight hours are shorter and the sun sits lower in the sky, but California's mild winters mean solar still delivers meaningful bill savings year-round. Your estimate accounts for seasonal variation with a 25-year annual average.

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