Powering your home with solar can impact your energy bill, the electric grid and your local community.
Read below and consult the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) California Solar Consumer Protection Guide for more information.
Generate clean energy and contribute to a more sustainable San Diego
Energy from natural resources, like solar, is clean and renewable. By generating solar power, you’re reducing your carbon footprint as well as your reliance on fossil fuels. And by adding battery storage, you can store solar energy during the day to use even after the sun has gone down.
Help increase the resiliency of your community’s electric grid
If you choose to add battery storage to your solar system, you are able to store excess energy and use it at times of high energy demand to support the local energy grid, or in the event of a power outage.
Save on your energy bill
Solar and battery storage can help you offset your energy bill — and if your solar system generates more than you consume, San Diego Community Power will pay you for adding clean energy to your local electric grid.
Is your home well-suited for solar?
Consider factors like whether your roof is overly shaded or in need of repairs before adding a solar system. Learn more with the US Department of Energy’s Homeowner’s Guide to Going Solar.
Are you eligible for any solar and battery rebates or offers?
Rebates and other incentives exist to reduce the cost of solar systems, battery storage systems and repairs needed to prepare a roof for solar panels. Visit our Rebates and Offers page to see what options are available to you.
What size solar system is best for your home?
Your household’s energy use can impact the ideal size of your solar system. If you plan to pair your system with a battery, you will need to consider how much excess energy your system must produce in order to charge the battery. Talk with your contractor to determine the best system size for you.
Research California state-licensed contractors in your area using tools like the California Distributed Generation Statistics search tool. Request multiple bids or quotes in order to find the best contractor for you.
Determine which financing option best fits your needs and circumstances: cash purchasing, loan purchasing, leasing or Power Purchase Agreements. View the CPUC Solar Consumer Protection Guide to compare potential financing options.
Your contractor will submit a permit and interconnection application on your behalf. Your city or county (the permitting authority) will perform an on-site inspection and provide the required permits. SDG&E will provide “Permission to Operate,” or PTO.
Installation times can vary, but it typically takes between one and six months from the time you sign a contract for the solar system to be installed. Your contractor can provide a more accurate estimate based on your specific circumstances.
After your solar system is installed and your interconnection application is approved, SDG&E will interconnect your system.
FALSE: You can get free solar panels.
While there are some rebates or offers that provide free or low-cost solar to low-income households, these are usually offered by government-run organizations.
FALSE: You will no longer receive an SDG&E bill after installing solar.
You will still receive a bill from SDG&E, even after installing solar. New solar customers will be enrolled in the Solar Billing Plan (SBP).
FALSE: You must immediately sign on an electric tablet to get solar.
California law requires that a salesperson show you the contract terms before you sign anything.
Did you install your solar system after April 15, 2023?
Did you install your solar system before April 15, 2023?
Interested in adding battery storage to your solar system?