Is solar still worth it under NEM 3.0?
Yes — but the math changed. Export credits dropped roughly 75%, so systems that just push power to the grid pay back slowly. Pair panels with a battery so you use your own power at peak rates and most San Diego homes still see 6–8 year payback against SDG&E’s rates, which are among the highest in the country.
Should I own or lease?
Own, in almost every case. A lease or PPA hands the 30% federal tax credit to the leasing company, usually escalates payments yearly, and complicates selling your home. If you can finance at a reasonable rate or pay cash, ownership wins the 25-year math by tens of thousands of dollars. We’ll show you both columns either way.
What does a system actually cost?
Most of our residential installs land between $18,000 and $35,000 before incentives — roughly $2.60–$3.20 per watt for solar, plus $10,000–$15,000 installed for a Powerwall-class battery. The 30% federal credit comes off that. Anyone quoting far below those ranges is cutting something you’ll pay for later.
What happens if my roof needs work later?
Removing and resetting panels for a re-roof runs $3,000–$6,000, which is why we assess your roof honestly up front. If it has under 10 years left, we’ll quote a roof + solar combo so you only mobilize once — and if the roof is fine, we’ll say so.
What does the 25-year warranty actually cover?
Three layers: panel manufacturers guarantee at least 87–92% of rated output at year 25; inverters carry 12–25 years depending on brand; and our own workmanship warranty covers the install itself — including roof penetrations — for 25 years, in writing.
