Who actually installs it?
Some companies sell and install with their own crews. Others sell, then hand the job to an install partner. Ask which one you are looking at, and get the installer's license number.
A local buyer's guide
Solar companies in San Diego: how to choose.
There are dozens of solar companies in San Diego, and most of the pitch decks look the same. The differences that matter are simpler than the sales talk. Here is what actually separates them.
Start with the math
SDG&E sets the terms.
San Diego has some of the highest electricity rates in the country, and SDG&E has raised them year after year. That is the whole reason solar pencils out here: every kilowatt-hour you make yourself is one you do not buy at that price.
Since California moved to net billing, the grid pays much less for power you send back. That is why batteries have become the center of most new systems — you store the afternoon sun and spend it in the evening instead of selling it for pennies.
Any company that quotes you savings without asking for your actual SDG&E bill is guessing. Your rate plan and when you use power change the answer more than the panels do.
What to ask any of them
Four questions that cut through it.
What happens to my bill, exactly?
A good estimate shows your current SDG&E usage line by line, then what the new picture looks like. If someone gives you one number with no backup, ask for the worksheet.
What does the warranty cover, and for how long?
Panels, inverters, batteries and labor are often covered for different lengths of time. Get each term in writing before you sign.
Who do I call after it is on?
Ask whether you will have one direct contact after activation or a general support line. It matters more than most people expect.
Straight answers
Common questions.
Is solar worth it in San Diego?
San Diego has strong sun and some of the highest electricity rates in the country, which is why so many homes here have panels. Whether it is worth it for your home depends on your roof, your usage and your rate plan — that is what a real estimate answers.
How do SDG&E rates affect the savings?
SDG&E rates have risen year after year, which raises the value of power you make yourself. But the exact savings depend on which rate plan you are on and when you use power. Any honest estimate starts with your actual bill.
What is the difference between buying, leasing and a PPA?
Buying means you own the system. A lease or power purchase agreement usually means $0 down and a set monthly payment while the provider owns and maintains the equipment. Each one changes who gets the tax credit and how the savings show up, so compare them side by side.
Do I need a battery?
Since California moved to net billing, power you send to the grid is worth much less than power you use. A battery stores your daytime solar for the evening, which is where a lot of the value now comes from. It also keeps the house running in an outage.
A clear next step
Get the real numbers for your home.
I am Dustin Totten, a solar consultant with Sunrun based in San Diego. I will look at your roof, your usage and your rate plan, and show you whether solar actually works for you.