Solar + battery: Sunrun solar with Tesla Powerwall
Under California net billing, the value of solar increasingly comes from using it yourself. A battery is how you do that after sunset.
How a solar + battery day works
- Morning: panels start producing; your home uses solar first.
- Midday: extra solar charges your Powerwall.
- Evening: the battery powers your home instead of buying grid power at peak times.
- Outage: if the grid goes down, a backup-configured system keeps your chosen circuits on.
Why it matters under NEM 3.0
Since April 15, 2023, new SDG&E solar customers are on the Net Billing Tariff, which credits exported solar at lower, hourly-varying rates. Exporting less and storing more is generally how solar + battery systems are designed now.
Solar + battery questions
What is NEM 3.0 (the Net Billing Tariff) in San Diego?
NEM 3.0 is the common name for California's Net Billing Tariff. Since April 15, 2023, new rooftop solar customers of SDG&E, PG&E and SCE go on net billing, which credits the solar you send back to the grid at lower rates that change by hour. Using more of your own solar, often by storing it in a battery for the evening, matters more than it did under older rules.
Do I need a battery with solar in San Diego?
A battery isn't required, but under net billing it often makes sense. A battery like Tesla Powerwall stores midday solar for the evening, when grid power is usually most expensive, and can provide backup power during outages if it's set up for that.
Can a Powerwall power my home during an outage?
Yes, if it's installed and configured for backup. It powers whatever circuits the design includes, which can be essential loads or more of the home depending on battery count and your usage. Solar can recharge it during the day.
How much does solar with a Powerwall cost?
It depends on your roof, your usage, how many batteries you want and which payment option you choose. We don't publish one-size-fits-all prices; you'll get a written proposal for your home after the appointment.
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