Tag Archives: california

net metering california

Is solar still worth it under Net Metering 3?

Over the past few months, our primary goal at EnergySage was to support Californians in locking in higher solar savings before the Golden State’s net metering policy changed on April 15, 2023. A foundational solar policy, net metering is when your utility company compensates you for the excess electricity your system generates and sends to the grid. California’s new policy, Net Metering 3 (NEM 3) or the Net Billing Tariff (NBT), dropped the compensation rate by about 75% for new solar owners, compared to its former net metering policy, NEM 2. 

We helped thousands of homeowners find the right solar installer and submit their applications to lock in NEM 2 rates for 20 years under the grandfathering clause, but installers received a historic number of requests, and some Californians didn’t meet the deadline. If you’re in this camp, or if you’re just starting the solar shopping process now, you might be wondering if solar is still worth it in California. Our resounding answer is yes, it’s still worth it, and there are two main steps you can take to get the most out of solar under NEM 3: get a battery and go solar this year.

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energysage net metering 3 survey

What do California solar installers think about NEM 3? We asked them!

Since the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) approved the Net Billing Tariff, also known as Net Metering 3 (NEM 3), in mid-December, the industry has primarily focused on how the new policy will affect solar shoppers in California (and for good reason): it reduces solar savings by more than 60% over 20 years. But plainly absent from existing articles and thought pieces about the consequences of the NEM 3 decision is the perspective of the people whose livelihoods will be impacted day to day: solar installers in California. 

With that in mind, EnergySage surveyed three dozen solar installers in California to gauge their sentiments around NEM 3, how the policy has already affected the solar industry in California, their forecasts for how the industry will change moving forward, and how they plan to adapt to the new solar climate in California after the mid-April transition to NEM 3. 

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virtual site visit

How to prepare for a virtual site visit

One of the key steps to going solar is ensuring that your home is ready for the installation. Once you’ve signed a contract with a solar installer, the next step is typically for an engineer (not a salesperson) to conduct a site visit to ensure your home’s structure and electrical wiring are compatible with your new solar panel system. 

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do solar panels work during winter graphic

Do solar panels work in the winter? Solar snow performance explained

Memories of cold, snowy winters past can be discouraging even for the hardiest homeowner. If you’re considering going solar, you might be wondering whether solar panels and snow are a bad combination. On the contrary, EnergySage marketplace data has indicated that solar shoppers can often find the lowest quotes during winter months when competition is reduced. After all, if you look at solar as an investment, then it should be able to generate returns throughout the year as other investments do. Luckily, plenty of people have both solar panels and snow, and some of the most popular regions in the U.S. for solar have snowy winters. Don’t let winter weather discourage you from going solar!

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download electric bill

How to access your previous electric bills in California 

Many Californians are rushing to install solar before long-term savings drop significantly under California’s new solar policy, net metering (NEM) 3. With net metering, your utility company compensates you for the excess electricity your solar panel system generates and sends to the grid; NEM 3 lowers the compensation rate in California by about 75% compared to current NEM 2 rates. So, if you live in California and are thinking about going solar soon, you’ll maximize your solar savings by submitting your interconnection application before April 14, 2023 at 5PM PST (when NEM 3 goes into effect) to lock in 20 years of higher NEM 2 rates. 

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NEM 3

NEM 3.0: what does it mean for you?

If you look at the best solar & renewable energy markets in the U.S., they all have one thing in common: a strong net metering program. Net metering – or NEM – allows you to earn credits for any excess solar electricity you send to the grid when your solar panel system generates more than you need.

NOTE: NEM went into effect on April 14, 2023, meaning you can no longer lock in NEM 2 rates. Learn how to maximize your solar savings under NEM 3.

After years of back and forth before coming to a proposed decision, on December 15, 2022, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) voted unanimously to approve California’s third iteration of net metering, or NEM 3.0. Under the new tariff, NEM 3.0 will significantly reduce net metering compensation rates for new California solar customers (by about 75 percent) – however, you still have through April 14, 2023, to submit a completed interconnection application and lock in NEM 2.0 rates for 20 years. In this article, we’ll explain what you need to know about NEM 3.0 and the steps you need to take now to guarantee the best solar savings.

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5 steps to lock in NEM 2 rates

How to lock in savings in CA under NEM 2

If you’re a California homeowner thinking about going solar, your window to maximize savings is short. Our Energy Advisors strongly recommend you select an installer no later than March 31st and submit your interconnection application (via your installer) by April 14, 2023. After this date, your solar savings will still be meaningful but 60% lower over the next 20 years. This change is due to NEM 3, California’s new net metering policy, approved in December 2022, which will apply to systems with interconnection applications submitted after April 14th at 5pm PST. NOTE: your installation does not have to happen by this deadline, and you can even make some changes to your system design after submitting your application.

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expanding solar markets

Where are solar markets expanding?

With global markets that span across various industries, solar power is one of the fastest-growing energy sources. Certain countries and states, like China and California, have dominated the solar industry for years. But, between net-zero carbon emission goals and various climate policies, solar markets around the world are growing. In this article, we break down the countries, U.S. states, and solar market segments that are expanding. 

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energy news 9/9/22

Energy news: September 9, 2022

Happy September! As we wrap up the end of the summer this week, we’ll discuss two happy stories that are helping to bring more clean, electric energy to the grid – a new bill in California designed to make community solar more accessible and the first vehicle-to-grid (V2G) charger for one of the most popular electric vehicles, the Nissan LEAF.

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