Reddit users warned a prospective solar customer that a lower installation bill could come at the expense of long-term savings under California's electricity rates. The homeowner hoped to cut upfront costs by replacing a battery with additional panels.
Here's what to know
Before moving forward, the homeowner turned to Reddit's r/TeslaSolar community with a question: "Is this better or more panels?" Their post included an updated installation quote reflecting equipment changes they had requested from a service advisor.
One reply focused on utility billing rules and the value of battery storage. The commenter, who identified themselves as a California High Desert resident, specifically mentioned SCE, SDG&E, and PG&E.
For homeowners comparing backup power options, EnergySage offers a resource to explore battery products and compare competitive installation estimates. EnergySage has also partnered with electrification company Qmerit to help homeowners secure the best available battery-storage pricing.
More background
Time-of-use billing ties electricity prices to when power is used. According to the High Desert commenter, households installing solar in that part of California would almost certainly have to switch to such a plan if they were customers of SCE, SDG&E, or PG&E.
Additional panels can generate more electricity, while a battery allows homeowners to store solar power for use during more expensive hours or for nighttime.
Beyond the potential financial benefits, a suitably configured battery can provide backup power during outages and help households become more energy independent. When paired with an appropriately designed power system, storage can also support off-grid use.
What can be done?
Painting the project's conduit was another installation cost the homeowner had checked with the city.
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The service adviser was also asked to remove conduit painting from the quote. The homeowner said that request followed confirmation from city staff that painting was not required to pass a code inspection.
For households primarily seeking a smaller backup option, Pila offers a plug-and-play battery alternative at a substantially lower price point than whole-home backup systems.
One user wrote, "Part of the reason I got my solar is for the backups. Can't imagine doing an install without batteries."
"A battery can make or break the system paying for itself," another commenter concluded.
Where can I learn more?
Other California homeowners have faced similar questions about battery storage under the state's electricity rates and solar billing rules.
• A solar homeowner began shopping for a battery after peak-hour rates erased bill credits.
• A solar shopper questioned a five-year battery PPA before learning about no-storage penalties.
• California's solar export credit cuts have steered new buyers toward batteries costing more than $14,000.
• A renter wanted to add batteries to solar without triggering a switch to NEM 3.0.
• A homeowner considered a battery lease at $116 monthly without eventual ownership.
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