Your home, your bill, your decision.
A useful energy review should explain how the home works today, what could improve, and what each option asks of you. These questions keep the conversation focused on that decision.
Understand the bill
Why can my PG&E bill stay high even when I already have solar?
Solar mainly produces during daylight. If the home uses more energy than the system produces, or uses a lot after production falls, it may still buy substantial power from PG&E. System production, household usage, the rate plan and billing structure all matter. The first step is comparing the bill with when the home uses energy.
What am I actually paying PG&E for?
A bill can include the electricity supplied, delivery and other utility charges, plus credits or balances tied to the home's rate plan and solar billing. The labels and amounts vary. A bill review separates those pieces and shows which charges an energy system may reduce and which may remain.
Would a battery help with evening use or true-up?
A battery can store some daytime solar and use it after production falls, including during PG&E's 4-9 pm peak period. That may reduce evening grid imports. It does not erase charges already incurred or guarantee a particular bill or true-up result. The fit depends on usage, solar production, rate plan, battery size, settings and program rules.
Understand the home
What happens to solar and the battery during an outage?
Grid-tied solar by itself typically shuts down during an outage for safety. A properly designed battery system can support selected loads, but what stays on and for how long depends on system design, available charge, battery capacity and household demand. Whole-home backup should never be assumed.
Is solar plus storage actually a good fit for this home?
Maybe, but the answer should come from the home's bill, usage timing, roof, existing equipment, outage priorities, moving plans and the current agreement. The honest recommendation may be solar, storage, both, or no change right now. Savings are not guaranteed.
What should I know about ownership, warranties, roof work and moving?
With a subscription-style agreement, the provider owns and maintains the system. The exact agreement controls warranties, service, payment changes, transfer, cancellation and buyout terms. The provider's equipment filing is not a mortgage-style lien, but it can appear in title work and must be handled during a sale or refinance. Roof condition and future roof work belong in the review before signing.
Check what is available
Are grid programs or incentives available at my address?
Possibly. Utility territory, county, equipment, program capacity and enrollment rules can all affect eligibility. Some enrolled batteries may support the grid and may receive an incentive, but installation does not guarantee enrollment, dispatch or earnings. Current availability must be checked for the specific address.