California homeowner guide
California solar savings start with the right math
Use a California-focused planning estimate, then understand the utility rules, export credits, battery tradeoffs, and contract checks that can change a real solar decision.
Start My California Estimate →Free planning estimate · No required phone number · Not a contract or guaranteed quote
Why California needs a different check
Your bill, your utility, and when you use electricity matter
In PG&E, SCE, and SDG&E territory, newer systems use California's Net Billing Tariff—often called the Solar Billing Plan or NEM 3. Electricity your home uses while the panels produce can reduce purchases from the grid. Extra electricity sent to the grid is handled under a different, time-varying credit structure.
Read the California Solar Billing Plan guide →Use the estimate well
- 1.Start with your ZIP code, bill, and home size.
- 2.Keep 12 months of kWh use when you compare proposals.
- 3.Ask every installer to name the utility tariff and export assumptions.
Before you sign
Four California solar checks worth making
Compare cash price and financing separately
A monthly payment is not the full project cost. Ask for the cash price, financed amount, interest or escalator terms, total payments, and any dealer fees in writing.
Model solar-only and solar-plus-battery separately
A battery can shift solar into evening hours and add backup capability, but it has its own cost. A useful proposal shows what the battery changes instead of blending it into one payback claim.
Check the license and disclosure documents
California consumer protections include required solar disclosure documents and a consumer guide in major utility territories. Verify the contractor license and read the complete contract before signing.
Treat incentives as eligibility questions
Programs can depend on tax status, utility territory, income, equipment, timing, and available funding. Confirm each claimed incentive with the program administrator or a qualified tax professional.
Official California resources
Use primary sources before a purchase decision
- California Public Utilities Commission: Solar Consumer Protection Guide ↗
- CPUC: Net Energy Metering and Net Billing ↗
- CPUC: Resources for Solar Customers ↗
- California Contractors State License Board: License Check ↗
- IRS: Residential Clean Energy Credit ↗
Reviewed against public agency resources on August 15, 2026. Program rules and availability can change.
California reading list
Keep the research practical
PG&E bill and solar: five numbers to check
A bill-reading checklist before you accept a savings claim.
California NEM 3 / Solar Billing Plan explained
How onsite use, exports, and batteries affect the question.
See 100 transparent calculator scenarios
Understand what changes when a home's bill, size, or state changes.
Coverage directory
California installers in our public coverage list
Availability, pricing, licenses, and fit should always be confirmed directly with a company. SolarSavings does not represent that any company has endorsed this page.
Your home, your inputs
Start with a California estimate
Enter your bill, ZIP code, and approximate home size. Review a transparent planning estimate before deciding whether to request a proposal.
Calculate My California Savings →California solar questions
What is California's Solar Billing Plan?
For newer systems in the major investor-owned utility territories, California's Net Billing Tariff is commonly called the Solar Billing Plan or NEM 3. Solar used in the home can offset electricity purchases; exported solar receives time-varying bill credits that are often different from the retail price of electricity.
Do I need a battery with California solar?
Not automatically. A battery can store daytime production for later use and may provide backup power, but it adds cost. Compare solar-only and solar-plus-battery proposals using the same utility tariff, load assumptions, and financing terms.
Are California solar incentives available in 2026?
Eligibility depends on the program, utility, household, and available capacity. The IRS currently says the Residential Clean Energy Credit is unavailable for property placed in service after December 31, 2025. Check current official state, utility, and tax guidance before relying on an incentive in a purchase decision.
Is this a real solar quote?
No. SolarSavings provides a planning estimate using the details you enter. A real project quote requires a site review, roof and electrical assessment, production design, current utility tariff, and written proposal from a licensed installer.