Question 1

Is solar still worth it in 2026?

Accepted Answer

Yes, for most California homeowners on PG&E or SCE. The math shifted in late 2025 with the federal credit and NEM 3.0, but a TPO lease plus battery storage produces a lower monthly payment than most California utility bills, with zero down. Our quote shows the side-by-side for your home.

Question 2

Will solar lower my electric bill?

Accepted Answer

Almost always, yes. The size of the reduction depends on your roof, your current rate, and whether you add a battery. Systems are typically sized to cover 80–100% of your usage. With a battery, you also avoid evening peak rates, which is where most California utility bills hurt.

Question 3

How big a system do I need?

Accepted Answer

Most California homes need 5–10 kW of solar (roughly 12–25 panels). We size based on your last 12 months of usage plus 10–15% headroom for an EV or future expansion. Oversizing wastes money under NEM 3.0; undersizing leaves you paying utility bills you didn't have to. We get this exact in your custom quote.

Question 4

Will solar work on a north-facing roof?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but it produces 20–30% less than a south-facing roof of the same size. We'll show you the production numbers for every roof face during design. If your only viable roof faces are north, we'll tell you whether the math still works before you sign.

Question 5

What if my roof needs replacement?

Accepted Answer

Replace the roof first. We install a new roof, or refer you to a roofing partner, before mounting panels, because solar pairs poorly with a roof that needs replacement in the next 10 years. Most customers with roof concerns get that recommendation from us.

Question 6

Will solar damage my roof?

Accepted Answer

No, not when it's installed properly. We use flashed stanchion mounts that seal around every penetration. Our installs come with a 10-year workmanship warranty covering any roof leak caused by our install.

Question 7

What happened to the 30% solar tax credit in 2025?

Accepted Answer

It ended for cash and loan purchases. Section 25D, the credit for cash and loan purchases, ended December 31, 2025 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Section 48E, the credit for TPO leases and PPAs, survives at 30% through 2032; the leasing company takes it and passes it through your monthly rate. Battery storage keeps its 30% credit either way.

Question 8

Is TPO actually a good deal?

Accepted Answer

Yes, for most California homeowners in 2026. Zero down, a monthly payment below the utility bill, the federal credit used by the lessor, and a lease that transfers if you sell. The trade-off is that you don't own the system.

Question 9

What credit score do I need?

Accepted Answer

No minimum for a TPO lease in California. The financier evaluates your home and utility history instead. Solar loans generally need 650+. Cash purchases need no credit check.

Question 10

What's the monthly payment?

Accepted Answer

Monthly payments typically fall between $150 and $250 for solar+battery, depending on system size, and replace a $250–$400/month utility bill. The exact number depends on system size, financing, and your current bill. Your custom quote shows it in 24 hours.

Question 11

Are there state or local incentives?

Accepted Answer

Yes. California's SGIP program pays $1,500–$8,500 in battery rebates depending on your tier. PG&E and SCE each run their own programs (rate plans, ELRP, etc.). Our incentives page has the breakdown, and we cover what you qualify for during your consultation.

Question 12

How long does install take?

Accepted Answer

30–45 days from contract signature to powered-on system. That includes design (1 week), permits (1–2 weeks), install (1–2 days), inspection (3–5 days), and utility activation (5–7 days).

Question 13

Do I need to be home for install?

Accepted Answer

No, but you'll need to grant roof and electrical-panel access. Most customers like to be home for the start of day 1 to meet the crew. The install itself is 1–2 days on the roof plus a half-day for electrical.

Question 14

Will install disrupt my power?

Accepted Answer

Briefly. Power is off for 1–2 hours while we tie into your main panel. We schedule it for a daytime window when most homes need power least. Battery installs need an additional 30-minute shutoff.

Question 15

What permits do you handle?

Accepted Answer

All of them. City building permit, electrical permit, utility interconnection agreement, HOA approval (if applicable), and final city inspection scheduling. You sign once.

Question 16

Can you install on a tile roof?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Composition shingle, concrete tile, clay tile, and standing-seam metal are all standard CaliVolt installs. Spanish tile takes slightly longer and costs slightly more (special mounts) but works fine.

Question 17

What's the warranty?

Accepted Answer

Equipment: 25 years on the panels and inverter (manufacturer). Workmanship: 10 years on our install, including any roof penetration. Battery: 10–12 years depending on brand. If anything breaks in that window, we're the company that shows up.

Question 18

How do I monitor my production?

Accepted Answer

Through the free app from your inverter brand (Enphase Enlighten, SolarEdge mySolarEdge, and others). It shows real-time per-panel production. We set it up and walk you through it at activation.

Question 19

What happens if I move?

Accepted Answer

TPO lease: transfers to the new homeowner, no extra cost. Loan: stays with you (pay off at sale or continue paying). Cash: system stays with the house and adds resale value. California homes with solar typically sell faster and at a small premium.

Question 20

What if a panel fails?

Accepted Answer

Manufacturer ships a replacement under warranty. We come out and install it. No charge if you're under the 10-year workmanship window or if the panel itself is under its 25-year warranty (almost always covers labor too).

Common questions about solar.

About solar in California today

Financing & tax credits

Install + timing

After install

Question we didn't answer?