California Energy Savings Blog

SCE rates are projected to rise 12.9% in 2026. Here's what that means for your monthly bill and how the Rate Relief Program can lock in a lower, fixed rate.

PG&E, SCE, and SDG&E are all adding a new monthly fixed charge to your bill. Here's what it is, when it starts, and whether solar still saves you money.

The federal residential solar tax credit ended December 31, 2025. But California homeowners still have strong paths to $0-down solar through PPAs and prepaid leases.

NEM 3.0 cut export credits by 75%. Here's why solar is still worth it in 2026, and why battery storage changes everything.

A side-by-side comparison of California's three major utility rates, the new fixed charges, and how much each utility's customers can save with solar.

Prepaid PPAs are surging after the residential tax credit expired. Learn how they work, what they cost vs. buying or leasing, and whether this option fits your situation.

California's four ways to pay for solar compared, cash, loan, lease, PPA, with the actual math for a typical $250/mo household.

Net metering and net billing sound similar but pay you very differently. Here's what California's NEM 3.0 Net Billing tariff changed.

A complete timeline of NEM 3.0 — the CPUC vote, the April 2023 go-live, grandfathering windows, AB 942, and what is ahead in 2026 and beyond.

California's Solar Rights Act prevents HOAs from unreasonably blocking rooftop solar. Here's what the law says and how to handle pushback.

California has multiple programs that make solar dramatically more affordable for low-income households. Here's who qualifies and how each works.

Some California solar programs include a roof replacement at no added cost. Here's how roof-included PPAs and solar financing actually work, what qualifies, and where the catches are.

NEM 2.0 and NEM 3.0 are not the same. California's 2023 tariff change cut export credits by ~75%. Here is the side-by-side comparison.

Renting solar panels in California, how solar leases and PPAs actually work, typical monthly costs, who qualifies, and when renting beats owning.

For most California homeowners paying $200+ per month, solar is still worth it in 2026. but only with a battery and only if the math fits your situation.

Everything California homeowners need to know about switching to solar in 2026 — the NEM 3.0 rules, financing options, what it costs, the 5-step process.

How to get legitimate California solar quotes without sales spam. What a real solar quote should include and what red flags to watch for.

Find certified Tesla Powerwall installers in California; how Tesla's certified installer network works, what Powerwall 3 costs installed, and which California installers are certified.

Sizing solar for an electric vehicle in California — how much extra capacity you need, what it adds to your system cost, and why EV + solar pays back faster than solar alone.

NEM 3.0 (the Net Billing Tariff) replaced California net metering in April 2023. Here is what it actually is, how it works, and what it means.

California seniors on fixed income have several legitimate pathways to low-cost or no-cost solar. DAC-SASH, SASH, CARE, FERA, and PPAs. Here's what actually exists.

Solar panels don't produce electricity at night. But a battery or the grid keeps your home running. Here is how it works in California.

Yes — solar panels work on cloudy days at 10-80% of peak output depending on cloud density. Here is what that means for California homes.

California rates are among the highest in the country. Here is why PG&E, SCE, SDG&E, and LADWP bills keep climbing, and how to lower yours.

How to size a California solar system by monthly bill, kWh usage, and future loads (EV, AC, pool). Why NEM 3.0 changes optimal sizing.

Yes — a correctly sized solar + battery system runs a typical California home through the full day, evening, and most outages. Here is what it takes.

Grid-tied solar without a battery shuts off during an outage. for safety. Only solar + battery keeps your home powered. Here is how it works and what PSPS means.

How to tell if your California roof is suitable for solar. orientation, age, shading, roof material, structural strength.

Solar panels don't stop working at 25 years — they degrade gradually to ~80-87% of original output. Here is what California homeowners do when warranties expire.