Solar FAQ: Answers for San Diego Homeowners | Stellar Solar

Going solar raises a lot of questions, and the answers change as utility billing and incentive programs evolve. Here are straight answers to the questions San Diego homeowners ask us most. If you don’t see yours, call (866) 787-6527 and one of our energy consultants will walk you through it, no pressure.

Solar Costs and Incentives

How much does solar cost in San Diego?

The cost of a home solar system in San Diego depends on your energy usage, roof complexity, system size, and whether battery storage is included, which is why two neighbors can receive very different quotes. Financing also changes the picture: ownership, lease, and power purchase agreement options each carry different upfront costs, and many homeowners pay nothing out of pocket. Stellar Solar builds every quote from your actual SDG&E bills rather than a one-size-fits-all price.

What solar incentives and rebates am I eligible for?

Eligibility for solar and battery incentives depends on how your system is financed, where you live, and which federal, state, and utility programs are active at the time you install. Stellar Solar’s energy consultants identify every program you currently qualify for as part of your free quote and handle the application paperwork for programs that require it. Stellar Solar has been approved as an authorized contractor for utility battery rebate programs in its service area, including the San Diego Community Power Solar Battery Savings Program.

Is solar worth it in San Diego?

For most San Diego homeowners, solar is worth it. San Diego has among the highest electricity rates in the country, and those rates have risen consistently year after year. Solar paired with battery storage lets you produce and store your own power instead of buying it from the utility at peak prices, which protects you from future rate increases for decades. Stellar Solar models your specific savings using your actual bills before you commit to anything.

Should I buy my solar system or finance it?

There is no single right answer to buying versus financing solar. Buying outright maximizes long-term savings if you have the capital. Loans preserve cash while building toward ownership. Leases and power purchase agreements can offer low or no upfront cost with immediate savings, with the system owned and maintained by a third party. The best structure depends on your finances, your tax situation, and how long you plan to stay in your home, so Stellar Solar presents all options side by side with real numbers.

Batteries and Solar Billing

How does solar billing work in California?

Under California’s net billing rules, the credit you receive for sending excess solar power to the grid is significantly lower than what the utility charges you for power. The practical effect is that exporting solar to the grid is no longer the goal. Storing your own power in a battery and using it during expensive evening hours is. That is why nearly every system Stellar Solar designs today pairs solar panels with battery storage.

Do I need a battery with my solar system?

For new solar installations in San Diego, a battery is strongly recommended. Without one, your excess daytime solar production is exported to the grid at low credit rates, and you then buy power back at peak evening prices. With a battery, that excess power is stored and used in your own home during the hours when utility rates are highest. A battery also provides backup power during outages. For most new systems, solar plus storage delivers significantly better savings than solar alone.

Why are my SDG&E bills highest in the evening?

SDG&E’s Time of Use pricing makes electricity most expensive during evening peak hours, exactly when most families are home using it. Solar panels alone cannot help after sunset. A solar and battery combination solves this: the panels charge the battery during the day, and the home runs on stored power through the expensive evening window.

What batteries does Stellar Solar install?

Stellar Solar installs battery systems from the industry’s leading manufacturers and recommends the right fit based on your home’s needs, your goals, and your existing equipment rather than pushing a single brand. Stellar Solar has earned national recognition from Tesla, including the Tesla Performance Excellence award and Certified Premier Powerwall installer designation, for the volume and quality of its battery installations.

Will my battery power my home during an outage?

Yes, backup power is one of a home battery’s core functions. When the grid goes down, the battery automatically takes over and keeps essential circuits running, and your solar panels recharge it during the day. How much of your home it can power, and for how long, depends on battery capacity and which circuits you choose to back up, which Stellar Solar designs around your priorities.

The Installation Process

What does the solar installation process look like?

Every Stellar Solar project follows the same path: system design based on your usage and roof, permitting with your city or county, the physical installation, inspection, and finally interconnection approval from SDG&E, known as permission to operate. Stellar Solar manages every step, including all paperwork, and a project coordinator keeps you informed throughout. You never deal with the city or the utility yourself.

Do I need to replace my roof before going solar?

You only need to replace your roof before going solar if it is near the end of its life. Solar panels are designed to produce power for decades, so installing them on a roof that will need replacement soon means paying to remove and reinstall them later. Stellar Solar evaluates your roof during the site visit, and because the company also offers roofing services, a roof replacement can be bundled with your solar installation under one project when it makes sense.

Does Stellar Solar handle permits and HOA approval?

Yes, Stellar Solar handles all permitting and approvals: structural and electrical design, city or county permits, inspections, and SDG&E interconnection paperwork. For homes in HOA communities, Stellar Solar prepares the documentation the HOA requires. California’s Solar Rights Act prevents HOAs from blocking solar installations, though they may have reasonable aesthetic guidelines that the system design accounts for.

What warranties come with a Stellar Solar installation?

Every Stellar Solar installation is covered by a workmanship warranty plus the manufacturer warranties on the panels, batteries, and inverters. The exact terms for your equipment are spelled out in your quote so there are no surprises. Just as important as the paperwork is the company behind it: Stellar Solar has been in business since 1998, so the warranty is backed by a company with decades of history rather than a startup that may not exist when you need service.

About Stellar Solar

How long has Stellar Solar been in business?

Stellar Solar has been in business since 1998 and is San Diego’s original solar installer, with thousands of residential and commercial installations completed across Southern California. The company has repeatedly been voted Best Solar Company by readers of the San Diego Union-Tribune, and its commercial clients have included the Salk Institute, US Foods, and Cedars-Sinai.

What areas does Stellar Solar serve?

Stellar Solar serves all of San Diego County and Orange County from its headquarters in Oceanside, California. From coastal homes in Carlsbad to ground mounts in Ramona, the company has installed solar on nearly every roof type and property style in the region.

Is Stellar Solar licensed?

Yes, Stellar Solar is a licensed and insured California contractor, holding C-10 electrical contractor license #749095, held continuously since the company’s founding. Stellar Solar’s installation crews are company employees rather than day-labor subcontractors.

Can Stellar Solar service or expand a system another company installed?

Yes, Stellar Solar’s service department maintains, repairs, and expands existing solar systems, including systems originally installed by companies that have gone out of business. If your original installer is gone and your system needs attention, Stellar Solar can help. The service team also adds battery storage and EV charging to existing solar systems.

Does Stellar Solar install EV chargers?

Yes, Stellar Solar installs Level 2 home EV chargers as standalone projects or as part of a solar and battery installation. Charging an electric vehicle from your own solar power is the cheapest way to fuel a car in San Diego, and Stellar Solar designs systems sized for current and future EV charging needs.