Getting started with solar

The whys and hows of solar and other clean energy

Calculate your solar savings potential.

Benefits of clean energy

Generate your own power

  • Reduce your monthly energy bill.
  • Help California's energy grid.

Improve the value of your property

  • Make an investment that last 25 years.
  • Improve the resale value of your home or business.

Reduce your carbon footprint

  • Help California reduce fossil fuel usage.
  • Reduce your carbon footprint.

Prepare for solar

Prepare your home

Make your home energy efficient before installing a renewable energy source to maximize your investment. Complete a Home Energy Checkup and receive customized recommendations. Take a free Home Energy Checkup.

 

Find the right contractor

PG&E can recommend resources and questions to ask when choosing a contractor. Find a contractor.

 

Do the math

Understand the financial considerations and benefits of investing in renewable energy. Explore leasing versus purchasing options and estimate the size of the system using our solar calculator. Visit Financing Options for Solar and Renewable Energy Systems. Customers interested in solar technology to serve multiple eligible meters, such as a farm owner, may want to learn more about Net Energy Metering Aggregation.

Get additional credits for going solar if you are enrolled PG&E’s CARE or FERA program, reside in California Indian Country or live in a disadvantaged community (in the 25th percentile). These bonus credits are given to qualifying residential customers who enroll in the first five years of Solar Billing Plan. No action is necessary to receive the credits.

Choose the ideal clean energy technology for your home or business:

Energy technology: Best for: What to consider:

Solar panels

Homes or buildings with plenty of rooftop space exposed to the sun with minimal shading for at least six hours a day, ideally from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Solar panels can last more than 25 years. Make sure your roof is no more than seven years old to avoid reinstalling panels a second time.

Learn more about Solar Choice.

Energy storage and batteries

Combining with renewable systems to supplement intermittent energy when needed.

Battery systems require space the size of a large appliance.

Learn more about battery storage.

Choose the ideal clean energy technology for your home or business:

Energy technology:

Solar panels

Best for:

Homes or buildings with plenty of rooftop space exposed to the sun with minimal shading for at least six hours a day, ideally from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

What to consider:

Solar panels can last more than 25 years. Make sure your roof is no more than seven years old to avoid reinstalling panels a second time.

Learn more about Solar Choice.

Energy technology:

Energy storage and batteries

Best for:

Combining with renewable systems to supplement intermittent energy when needed.

What to consider:

Battery systems require space the size of a large appliance.

Learn more about battery storage.

important notice icon Note: There is no financial benefit to installing a system larger than your home needs. Compensation for excess generation through Net Surplus Compensation (NSC) is set by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) at roughly two to four cents per kWh. This amount does not justify the cost of an oversized system.

 

Network upgrades might be needed before you can install a system. Your contractor works with PG&E to determine whether upgrades are required, and to inform you of any additional costs.

 

 

 

Find a contractor

How to choose your contractor

 

Selecting the right contractor is one of the most important decisions you make when installing a renewable energy system. Qualified, licensed contractors save you time and money. Your contractor can:

 

  • Help select and install the most productive generating system for your home
  • Walk you through financing options for purchasing or leasing
  • Work with PG&E to ensure that your system is interconnected safely to the grid
  • Provide warranty information
  • Create a repair and maintenance schedule
  • Submit an application for the appropriate PG&E incentive program

Follow these steps for choosing the right contractor

Installing and connecting solar

Work with PG&E and your contractor

Important roles in bringing clean energy to your property.

 

You

  • Prepare your home for energy efficiency.
  • Choose a qualified contractor.

Contractor: 

  • Helps choose the right system size for your home.
  • Walks you through the forms.
  • Installs your system safely.
  • Submits application to connect your system to the grid.

PG&E: 

  • Reviews your interconnection application.
  • Performs an engineering review.
  • Completes any necessary system upgrades.
  • Gives final permission to operate.

Steps to install and connect clean energy

Review the Solar Consumer Protection Guide

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) guide provides the latest solar energy information and installation requirements. Information is available in several languages including English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Tagalog and Vietnamese.

Understanding the solar bill

Monitor and maintain your solar system

Track your solar energy use and savings.

Log in to your account to monitor solar use 

 

  • Track your usage over time to know when to make adjustments
  • Gain insights into weather impacts
  • Plan for upcoming bills

Frequently asked questions

More solar resources

Make a plan for going solar

Print a step-by-step checklist to make going solar easy.

Solar Billing Plan guide

Learn more about Plan basics, electric charges, Credit Values, Net Surplus Compensation and bundling solar with battery storage.

Review the Solar Consumer Protection Guide

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) guide provides the latest solar energy information and installation requirements. Information is available in several languages including English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Tagalog and Vietnamese.