If you have an existing solar panel system installed under NEM 2.0, congratulations on making a smart investment. NEM 2.0 allows you to receive credit for excess solar energy at the full retail rate, which significantly reduces your electricity bill. For example, on a sunny day in July, if your system generates 10 kWh of excess power, you receive a credit of $6 (assuming a rate of $0.60 per kWh). This is in stark contrast to NEM 3.0, where the same 10 kWh would only be credited at $0.70.
We can add more solar panels to a new system, ensuring that your current warranties remain intact. We’ll provide two proposals:
We can set up the new system so that it doesn’t send any power back to PG&E, thereby focusing solely on reducing your in-home electricity usage.
Your existing system will continue to send power back for credit under NEM 2.0.
Under the NEM 3.0 program, the landscape of solar energy has changed. Unlike NEM 2.0, where you could virtually eliminate your electricity bill, NEM 3.0 presents new challenges. While we can design a system to cover your energy needs for most of the year, the shorter winter days make it difficult to fully offset electricity usage.
We’ll design a system that produces 20-30% more power than your current usage, helping to cover your electricity needs throughout most of the year.
This proposal includes a system that generates 5-15% more power than your current usage, along with at least one battery to store excess energy for use during peak times and at night.
Whether you’re maximizing your NEM 2.0 benefits or navigating the new NEM 3.0 landscape, our battery storage options offer tailored solutions to keep your home powered and efficient.
For most NEM 2.0 customers, battery storage is primarily useful as an emergency backup. Given that your solar system can send excess power back to PG&E for a full retail credit, storing this power in a battery might not be cost-effective. However, in areas with frequent outages, a backup battery can provide peace of mind, though it comes with a considerable expense.
Most batteries store around 10 kWh, which can power essentials like lights, a TV, one refrigerator, and internet for 8-10 hours during an outage. However, for typical short outages, battery storage might be more of an expensive insurance policy than a necessity.
In the NEM 3.0 landscape, battery storage becomes a more viable option, although it's still not an automatic choice for everyone. We recommend starting with a solar-only system, as batteries can be added later. Batteries store excess solar power for use during peak electricity times or at night when the sun isn’t shining, helping to reduce reliance on the grid.
While battery costs are still high, they are decreasing as the technology and installation processes improve. However, it’s important to note that even with battery storage, completely eliminating your electricity bill is unlikely, especially during winter months.
We start by thoroughly assessing your energy needs and property to design the perfect solar solution for you. Our team will provide a customized proposal detailing system design, costs, and potential savings, tailored to your specific goals.
Once you approve the proposal, we meticulously design your solar system, selecting the best components for optimal performance. Our skilled installers then ensure a seamless installation process, so your system is up and running quickly.
After installation, we handle all necessary inspections to ensure your system meets the highest standards. Once activated, you'll start generating clean energy, and we’ll provide tools to monitor your system’s performance and savings in real-time.
Installing solar panels can significantly reduce your electricity bills, increase your home’s value, and reduce your carbon footprint. In California, you can also take advantage of various incentives, such as the Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and Net Energy Metering (NEM), which further enhance the financial benefits.
Net Energy Metering (NEM) allows homeowners to earn credits for excess electricity generated by their solar panels and sent back to the grid. These credits can be used to offset electricity costs when your system isn’t producing enough power, such as at night. California's NEM 3.0 program has reduced compensation rates, so adding a backup battery may make sense to provide power at night to your home. It's important to understand how these changes might affect your savings.
Homeowners in California can benefit from the Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which offers a 30% tax credit on the cost of installing solar panels. Additionally, state and local incentives, such as zero increase in property assessment is available.
The timeline for a residential solar installation can vary, but it typically takes about 1 to 2 months from signing a contract to the system being fully operational. This includes time for design, permitting, installation, and approval by the utility. However, the actual installation for most systems usually takes only 1 to 3 days.
Most roofs are suitable for solar panels, but the feasibility depends on factors like roof orientation, pitch, shading, and available space. A professional solar installer will assess your roof's condition and orientation to determine the optimal placement and potential energy production. Shading is a major factor in determining solar production. We highly recommend trimming back any tree limbs that shade the roof.
The cost of a residential solar system in California varies depending on the size of the system, equipment chosen, and installation complexity. On average, a typical residential system can cost between $25,000 and $35,000 before incentives. However, financing options & tax credits can significantly reduce the overall cost.
Solar panels require minimal maintenance. Solar Harmonics will pro-actively monitor your system, and these monitoring systems allow you to track performance and detect any issues. Regular inspections by a professional can also help ensure your system is operating at peak efficiency.
Most residential solar systems are connected to the grid, which means they will not operate during a power outage unless you have a battery storage system. A solar battery can store excess energy generated during the day for use during outages, providing backup power when the grid is down.
Solar panels are highly durable and typically come with a warranty of 25 years or more. Most panels continue to produce electricity at a high efficiency level for 25-30 years, and even after that period, they will still generate electricity but at a reduced efficiency.
Yes, most solar systems are scalable, meaning you can add more panels later if your energy needs increase as long as there is space available on the roof or ground. However, it’s important to design your initial system with this possibility in mind, as it might require additional space or an inverter that can handle the increased capacity.
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