09 Nov A Guide to Switching to Solar in California

Choosing Solar in California, the 2025 official Homeowners Guide
This guide will provide you with essential information to help you navigate the process of going solar in the Golden State.
Solar’s Environmental Impact on California : an introduction
By choosing solar, you’re significantly reducing your carbon footprint. A typical residential solar system can eliminate 3-4 tons of carbon emissions each year – equivalent to planting over 100 trees annually.
Solar energy can have a positive environmental impact on California in many ways, including:
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Reducing emissions
Solar power plants in California reduce carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide emissions.
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Protecting land
Rooftop solar is built on existing developed land, which can help preserve agricultural land and natural areas.
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Reducing transmission infrastructure
Rooftop solar produces electricity close to where it’s consumed, which reduces the need for new transmission infrastructure.
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Increasing resilience
Rooftop solar systems can be connected to battery storage, which allows homes to stay powered even when the grid goes down.
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Creating energy independence
Solar panels can reduce reliance on volatile global energy markets and utility company rate hikes.
California’s abundant sunshine makes it an ideal location for solar energy. With an average of 258 sunny days per year, our state offers excellent conditions for harnessing solar power. Moreover, California has some of the highest electricity rates in the nation, making solar an attractive option for reducing energy costs.
Assessing your Home
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Before diving into solar installation, it’s crucial to determine if your home is suitable for solar panels. Here are some key factors to consider:Roof Condition and Orientation: Ideally, your roof should be in good condition with a south-facing orientation. However, east and west-facing roofs can also be suitable. If your roof needs replacement soon, it’s best to do that before installing solar panels.
Shading: Minimal shading from trees or nearby structures is ideal for maximum solar efficiency
Available Space: You’ll need enough unobstructed roof space or ground area to accommodate the solar array
To get a quick estimate of your home’s solar potential, you can use online free quote form like this one on our homepage.


Danny O’Brien, president of corporate affairs at Qcells, issued the following statement:
“Without a doubt, the Advanced Manufacturing Production Tax Credit is incentivizing the emergence of the solar supply chain in the United States, including Qcells’ historic progress in building its solar mega-manufacturing facility in Cartersville, Georgia. The finalization of this tax credit is another critical step in the Biden Administration’s plan to reshore solar manufacturing in the U.S. and boost the country’s manufacturing capacity.”

JinkoSolar, the global leading PV and ESS supplier, recently has once again secured the top spot in PV Tech’s latest quarterly ModuleTech Bankability Ratings Report for Q3 2024, earning the highest “AAA” rating. This achievement not only underscores JinkoSolar’s outstanding leadership in the PV industry but also serves as a strong testament to its comprehensive strengths in technological innovation, product quality, brand reputation, financial stability, and market performance.
For more details on the Company you can Download their Branding Manual PDF Here

The company behind Solar’s Most Trusted
REC is a solar panel manufacturer, trusted for almost three decades. Since our founding in 1996, REC has gone from industry pioneer to thought leader and front-running innovator. And as part of Reliance Industries Limited – a Fortune Global 500 company – REC is strongly positioned for exponential growth.
As Solar’s Most Trusted, REC is committed to high quality, innovation, and a low carbon footprint in the solar materials and solar panels it manufactures. Headquartered in Norway with operational headquarters in Singapore, REC also has regional hubs in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.
5 Key Benefits of Solar Batteries for California Homes
When considering solar batteries in California, several factors make them increasingly attractive. California’s unique policies, rates, and environmental conditions have led more homeowners to explore battery storage options. Here’s a concise guide to help you determine your battery needs and select the right system.
The evolution of California’s energy policies, particularly the shift to Net Billing Tariff, has transformed the solar landscape. Let’s explore why combining solar panels with battery storage makes financial and practical sense.

1. Protection Against Energy Costs
California residents face significant financial pressure as energy expenses continue climbing. Industry projections suggest substantial price increases into 2026. Installing a solar-plus-storage system creates a buffer against these market fluctuations by giving you control over your energy expenses.
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2. Meeting Modern Power Demands
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Contemporary households consume significantly more electricity than previous generations. This stems from:
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- Contemporary home designs requiring more power
- The integration of smart technology throughout residences
- Growth in residential EV adoption
- Shifts toward home-based work environments
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A comprehensive solar and storage solution provides the capacity to meet these expanded energy requirements efficiently.
3. Ensuring Continuous Power Supply
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Climate-related challenges and outdated infrastructure have led to an uptick in service disruptions. A battery-equipped solar installation maintains essential home functions during these interruptions, safeguarding both comfort and critical operations.

4. Strategic Energy Management
Incorporating storage capabilities enables:
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- Strategic power allocation throughout the day
- Enhanced utility rate optimization
- Decreased pressure on community power resources
- Improved energy consumption patterns
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5. Self-Sufficient Power Generation
Battery integration elevates a basic solar setup into a comprehensive power management system, offering:
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- Flexible energy deployment regardless of conditions
- Freedom from variable rate structures
- Enhanced household resilience
- Environmentally conscious backup power solutions
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This modernized approach to home energy addresses both immediate practical needs and long-term sustainability goals. As California’s energy landscape continues to evolve, integrated solar and storage systems provide a pathway to greater energy security and cost stability.
Determining Your Battery Needs
Consider these key questions:
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- Purpose: Backup power during outages or optimizing energy use for cost savings?
- Critical loads: Which appliances and devices are essential during an outage?
- Duration: How many days of backup power do you need?
- Recharging: How will you keep the battery charged?
Sizing Your Battery System
To choose the right battery size:
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- List your critical loads and their power requirements.
- Calculate the total daily energy consumption of these loads.
- Determine the desired backup duration.
- Consider oversizing your solar array to ensure adequate charging.
Key Factors in Battery Selection
When evaluating battery options, consider:
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- Energy storage capacity (kWh)
- Power output (kW)
- DC or AC coupling
- Depth of discharge
- Cost (typically $10,000 to $30,000 for basic needs)
California-Specific Incentives
California offers several incentives to make solar more affordable:
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- Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC): As of 2023, this credit allows you to deduct 30% of your solar system costs from your federal taxes
- Net Energy Metering (NEM): This program allows you to sell excess electricity back to the grid, potentially reducing your energy bills to near zero
- Property Tax Exclusion: Solar installations are exempt from property tax assessments in California.
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Costs and Financing Options
The cost of going solar in California varies depending on system size, equipment quality, and installation complexity. However, there are several financing options available:
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- Cash Purchase: This option typically offers the lowest overall cost.
- Solar Loans: These function similarly to home improvement loans and often have lower monthly payments than your current energy bill
- Solar Leases or Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs): These allow you to go solar with little to no upfront cost, but you won’t own the system.
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At Express Energy Solutions, we guide our clients through every step of the solar installation process:
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- Site Assessment: We evaluate your home’s solar potential and energy needs.
- System Design: We create a custom solar system design for your home.
- Permitting: We handle all necessary permits and paperwork.
- Installation: Our certified technicians install your solar system, typically within 1-3 days.
- Inspection and Activation: After passing inspection, we activate your system and connect it to the grid.
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Conclusion
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Switching to solar in California is a smart investment in both your financial future and the environment. At Express Energy Solutions, we’re committed to helping you navigate this transition smoothly and efficiently. Remember, every home is unique, so it’s essential to get a personalized assessment to determine the best solar solution for your specific needs.