Real answers, not marketing copy.
Can I still get the 30% federal tax credit?
The 30% federal tax credit is no longer available directly to homeowners who purchase their system outright. However, it was preserved for PPAs (Power Purchase Agreements) and similar financing arrangements under the "Big Beautiful Bill." In practice, the financier claims the credit and passes most of that savings on to you through lower rates. We also offer a financing structure guaranteed to roll into full homeowner ownership after five years. Either way, you still benefit. We'll walk you through exactly how it applies to your situation.
Is solar really affordable? I assumed it was too expensive.
Absolutely — solar is a real investment, but so is every electricity bill you're paying right now. The difference is that your utility bill builds no equity and never ends. In most cases we can get you into solar with zero upfront cost, and a monthly payment that is less than what you're currently paying your utility company. You start saving on day one. We just want you to look at the numbers — and then you can decide if it's worth a conversation. If this sounds different than what you've heard from other solar salespeople, it's probably because it is.
What is a PPA, and how is it different from a loan?
A Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) treats solar like your new utility company — you're not buying equipment or taking out a loan. There's no lien on your home. You simply pay for the power the panels produce, at a rate lower than what your utility charges. If you qualify, a PPA saves you money immediately and protects you from your utility's future rate increases. There's also a hybrid option that guarantees you'll own the system outright after five years. Ultimately, the choice is yours — we'll build out quotes for any option you want to consider.
What financing options are available?
We have access to every major financing option on the market — PPAs, lease-to-own arrangements, solar loans, and more. Our first quote will lead with what we think is your best option based on your situation and goals. If you'd like to see how other options compare, just ask. Our goal is to get the best hardware into your home in the most economical way possible — but you drive this process. We're simply your consultants.
What warranties come with my system?
In a PPA or financed arrangement, your warranty comes from the financier or manufacturer — not the installer. This is a significant advantage: it means your coverage isn't tied to whether any particular installation company stays in business. Everything is fully covered, including your battery, for 25 years. This is the same protection you'd receive from a large national company like LGCY Power — because it comes from the same source. If you go the ownership route, panels and inverters carry a 25-year warranty; battery warranty is 15 years.
I'm planning to move in a few years. Does solar still make sense?
It often makes more sense than people expect. Most people move within 8 years — and a PPA is fully transferable to the next owner. Someone will live in your home and they will need electricity. By locking in a low rate now, you're adding a real value proposition for a future buyer. A PPA doesn't affect your property taxes because you're not purchasing equipment or taking out a loan — you're simply paying for power, the same as a utility bill.
I've heard you end up with two bills — solar and the utility. Is that true?
Yes, and this is worth understanding clearly. With solar, you remain connected to the grid and will still receive a bill from your utility company. However, when you add your two bills together, the total will be less than what you paid before solar. Our goal is to cover most or all of your usage with solar at a significantly lower rate, so that you're buying little to no electricity from your utility at their high rates. Sometimes drawing a small amount from the grid at off-peak rates even makes financial sense. The math works in your favor — we'll show you exactly how.
Will my solar system also give me backup power when the grid goes down?
Yes — battery backup is available as part of a PPA, and in most cases your average monthly cost is still less than what you're currently paying for electricity. Backup power is not required, but it's a popular option. There's a good chance that even with battery backup included, the total monthly cost comes out significantly lower than your current utility bill.
What if my roof isn't in great shape?
Your roof does need to qualify, but we inspect it for free. If it needs work, there are situations where we can roll the cost of a re-roof into a PPA. Some homeowners end up with a new roof, battery backup, and lower monthly electricity costs — all with no upfront payment. Even if something unexpected came up with your roof after installation, you would not pay anything for any related repairs or damage.
I already have solar under NEM 1.0 or NEM 2.0. Can I add more panels?
In many cases, yes — and it's worth exploring carefully. Homeowners grandfathered into NEM 1.0 or NEM 2.0 have significantly more favorable utility credit rates than those on today's NEM 3.0 rules. The good news is that adding panels does not automatically disqualify you from your grandfathered status. The specifics depend on your utility and situation, but preserving your NEM rate is one of the first things we look at for existing solar customers.
How long is the contract for a PPA?
A PPA contract is typically 25 years. At the end of the term, you'll have three options — all of them potentially great. Our favorite is the ability to purchase all the equipment at a nominal fee and own it outright. Another option is to renew, and a third is to have the panels removed and the roof restored to its original condition. We'll explain all three in detail before you sign anything.
What happens if a panel, inverter, or battery breaks?
The system is fully covered for 25 years in most cases. You don't have to worry about maintenance or repairs — if something breaks, it gets fixed. We'll explain the full coverage details before you sign anything, so there are no surprises.
My electricity bill is actually pretty low. Does solar still make sense for me?
It might surprise you. Have you noticed your rates going up? Electricity costs have roughly doubled in the last five to six years in much of California. Even if your bill is manageable today, a PPA lets you lock in a low, predictable rate and stop being at the mercy of future utility increases. It's worth at least seeing the numbers.
I've been waiting for the technology to improve before going solar.
That may have been exactly the right call — and your wait may be over. Panel efficiency is higher than it's ever been, and research suggests there's limited room left for major improvements at the consumer level. Meanwhile, the federally funded PPA program gives you a fixed electricity rate with a full 25-year warranty on everything. If you were waiting for solar to get really good, it's worth taking a look at what's available now — if you qualify.
I'm too busy to deal with this right now.
That's completely understandable — and the good news is we handle almost everything. You'll invest a small amount of time upfront to get qualified and make sure you understand the details. After that, we take care of everything: installation, city or county permitting, and all paperwork with your utility company. You'll be kept in the loop, but we do the work. Our goal is to get you to PTO (Permission to Operate) with as little burden on you as possible.
How accurate are the price ranges you show?
The ranges on this site reflect real market pricing in California as of 2026. Your specific price depends on your roof, system size, equipment selection, and whether you add battery storage. A personalized quote will give you an exact number — the ranges here are meant to help you understand what's reasonable before you start talking to anyone.
What's net metering and how does it affect my savings?
Net metering (NEM) is the policy that determines how your utility credits you for excess solar energy you send back to the grid. California's current NEM 3.0 rules changed in 2023 and affect the pace of payback. We factor the current NEM structure into every savings projection — unlike some companies that still quote under old NEM 2.0 assumptions.
How long does installation take?
We are motivated to get your system up and running quickly. Installation itself typically takes a day, but the full process also involves local permitting and electric company approval. We take care of every step for you. In most cases, we will get you all the way to PTO (Permission to Operate) in under three months.
I want to do more research first.
You absolutely should — and we encourage it. Here are a few places to start:
solenenergyco.com (our installation partner), their
Yelp reviews, and
coachtraub.com for background on the person behind this site. Do your own research too — we're confident it will bring you back.
