Solar panels
Solar panel installation for California homes
We size your system to how you actually use power, design it around NEM 3.0, handle the permits and install it with our own crew. One team from your first bill review to the day it switches on.
Free bill review · No obligation · 1,000+ California homeowners helped
Why solar
Why California homeowners go solar
Your usage hasn't changed, but your bill keeps climbing. Solar puts you back in control of what you pay.
Rates go up every year
California electricity rates have increased 5–8% a year for the past decade. Solar keeps your energy costs predictable as they climb.
Own your energy
Every month you pay your electric bill, you own nothing. Solar lets you make your own power instead of renting it.
A selling point
If you own your system, it transfers with your home and adds to its value.
Still deciding? Is solar still worth it under NEM 3.0?
How it works
How we install solar, step by step
One team handles it all, from your first call to the day your system switches on.
- 1Free bill reviewSend us a photo of your electric bill. We look at your usage over the year, your rate plan and the programs you qualify for, then walk you through your options.
- 2A plan built around your billWe design a system sized to how you actually use power, check your roof before anything else, and show you what it can save under NEM 3.0.
- 3Permits and approvalsWe handle the permits, the city inspection and the utility's approval, so you don't have to chase paperwork.
- 4Installation by our own crewOur in-house installers put your system in, usually in 1–2 days. No random subcontractors.
- 5Switched onOnce it passes inspection and the utility approves it, your system goes live. From first call to switch-on usually takes about 45 days to 3 months.
Built for NEM 3.0
Designed around today's export credits
Under California's Net Billing Tariff (NEM 3.0), the solar power you send to the grid is credited at much lower rates than before, roughly 75% less than under NEM 2.0. So the most valuable solar power is the power you use yourself.
That's why we size every system to your own usage, and why we recommend pairing panels with a battery: it stores midday solar for the expensive 4–9 PM peak instead of selling it back cheaply.
Roof checked first
Your roof comes first
We assess your roof before any panels go up. If it needs repair or replacement, we'll tell you before installation, not after.
Installed right, solar doesn't damage your roof. Mounts are sealed with watertight flashings and sealed bolt holes, and the panels shield the roof under them from sun and weather.
- Sized to your bill
- Permits handled
- Battery-ready design
- Roof checked first
Ways to pay
Buy it, finance it, or pay only for the power
Owning brings the biggest long-term savings; a lease or a PPA has no upfront cost. We'll compare them with your real numbers.
Cash
The highest lifetime savings, with no interest payments.
Solar loan
$0 down, and you own the system from day one.
Lease
$0 upfront, with maintenance included. A fixed monthly payment for the equipment.
PPA
$0 upfront: a company owns the panels and you buy the power they make, at a set rate.
More detail: how to finance solar in California
Our work
Real installs on real California homes
FAQ
Solar installation questions
From your first consultation to switching the system on, expect about 45 days to 3 months. The installation itself is usually just 1–2 days. Most of the time goes to permits, city inspections and utility approval, which we handle for you.
It depends on how much power you use and when you use it. We size your system from your bill: your usage over the past year, your rate plan, and how much you use in the evening. Under NEM 3.0, exported power earns much less than it used to, so we size the system to cover your own use rather than to export a large surplus.
No. When installed by a licensed professional, solar panels don't damage your roof. Modern mounting systems use watertight flashings and sealed bolt holes, and the panels protect the roof under them from UV and weather. We always assess your roof first; if it needs repair or replacement, we'll tell you before installation.
Under NEM 3.0, a battery is strongly recommended. Without one, your midday solar exports earn very little. A battery stores that energy for the expensive 4–9 PM peak and gives you backup power during outages.
Yes. A solar loan can start at $0 down while you own the system, and a lease or a PPA has no upfront cost, with maintenance included. We'll compare the options with you and help you pick the one that fits.
Our own in-house solar installer. The same team that reviews your bill designs your system, installs it, and stays involved through permits, inspections and utility approval until it's switched on.
If you own the system, it transfers with your home and adds to its value. If you have a lease or a PPA, the agreement can usually be transferred to the buyer, or you can buy out the remaining balance before selling.
We help homeowners across California, from PG&E, SCE and SDG&E customers to municipal utilities like LADWP. SunSideUp Solar is not affiliated with any utility.
Free savings estimate
See how much you could save
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