Considering Solar?

Considering Solar?
H ER E ’S HE LPFU L I NFORMATI ON
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Incorporating renewable
sources, like solar, into the
region’s power supply is one
of our highest priorities. We
support local solar generation
and can help by giving you the
information you need to know
before installing solar energy.
Did You Know
Sunny San Diego is the perfect place for
solar. Our region is a leader in installing
• There are many options
including solar leasing,
purchasing and financing.
• Location matters. Solar
panels on south facing roofs
will generate the most
rooftop solar panels and has one of the
highest rates of solar panel installation in
the country. More than 25,000 SDG&E®
customers currently have rooftop solar.
power and west facing
What we’re doing
best supports the grid.
Making it easy
We can help by giving you the information you
need to know before installing solar energy.
Making the grid smarter
• Even with solar, you have
Our online application process makes
In much the same way that the Internet
to be connected to the
choosing solar easy. It takes less than
transformed how the world communicates,
one-week to have your solar energy system
new technologies are transforming the
authorized to operate following the receipt
nation’s electricity “highway” so it runs
of the city/county inspection.
more efficiently. This modernization of
grid. We’ll be here for you
when the sun isn’t shining,
or when you need more
power than your system
provides.
the network that delivers electricity from
Solar for everyone
sources to customers is called the “smart
We currently have a proposal before the
grid”. We are investing in technologies
California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC)
that allow us to manage the growing influx
to begin two new pilot programs. Share the
of renewable resources that are more
Sun and the SunRate — would give you the
environmentally friendly, but can be
opportunity to purchase solar power, regardless
stopped or started by Mother Nature.
of the location of your home or whether
Having your solar system connected to
you own or rent. The CPUC is reviewing the
our “smart grid” will give you reliable
proposal and is expected to approve it next
electric service all year long.
SM
SM
year, which would allow for the program to
begin sometime in late 2014 or early 2015.
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Getting started in three easy steps
Step 1: Take our Home Energy Survey
Making your home energy efficient is one of the first steps
you should consider before installing a solar energy system.
Log in to My Account (sdge.com/myaccount), click on the
“My Energy” tab, then click on “My Energy Survey”. Taking
our survey and providing details about your home’s energy
use can help you estimate how your home uses energy
and where you can reduce to become more efficient.
Once your home is as energy efficient as possible, you
won’t need as many solar panels installed, which could
help save you money.
Step 2: Use the Solar Calculator to get an idea
of the potential costs and savings
Log in to My Account (sdge.com/myaccount), click on the
My Energy Tab, then click on “Saving with Solar Energy”.
Step 3: Find a solar contractor and learn about
financing and warranty options
Selecting a qualified contractor and knowing your financial
makes it important to ask about equipment warranties and
maintenance plans. Finally, we recommend that you obtain
at least three bids in writing from different solar companies
and ask for references from other clients.
Interested in learning more about solar contractors?
Consider social media resources such as Angie’s List or
Yelp. You can also contact the Better Business Bureau
or the California Contractors State License Board.
Get some help
There are many ways to save if you’re interested in solar.
Visit sdge.com/environment/solar-savings to see if you
can take advantage of any federal or state incentives. You
can also learn more about our tailored rates for solar on
our website.
Here are a couple of other sources that offer great
information on going solar:
gosolarcalifornia.org
energycenter.org
options are key to a successful project. Search the web for
a solar installer or equipment provider using the search
term “Solar Energy Equipment and Systems Dealers.” Ask
about the company’s experience as well as how much their
services and products cost.
It’s also important to discuss equipment warranties. A solar
For more information
If you’d like more information about solar
visit our website at sdge.com/solar.
power system is a valuable addition to your home which
P.O. Box 129831 | San Diego, CA 92112-9831 | 1-800-411-7343 | Connect at sdge.com
This program (or Programs are) funded by California utility customers and administered by SDG&E® under the auspices of the California Public
Utilities Commission. Rebates and incentives are provided on a first-come, first-served basis until program funds are no longer available.
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