Solar Installation FAQ

•  Low Export Payback: PG&E cut midday solar export rates by about 75% (down to 5¢–8¢ per kWh).
• High Evening Rates: Buying electricity from 4 PM to 9 PM costs 34¢ to 50¢+ per kWh.
• The Battery Solution: Storing your solar energy during the day and discharging it at night keeps you off the grid when power is most expensive.

 For a typical PG&E residential customer, a combined solar and battery system delivers a simple payback period of roughly 7 to 10 years. Because PG&E electricity rates have historically risen faster than the national average, the avoided utility costs accelerate system ROI compared to solar-only installations.

Potential Earnings:

[Years 1 - 8] ==========> System pays for itself (Break-Even Point) 

[Years 9 - 15] ==========> $25,000 - $35,000 in direct net profit

[Years 16 - 25+] ==========> $45,000 - $85,000+ total cumulative savings 

 Yes. California offers the Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP), which provides upfront rebates for residential energy storage systems installed by PG&E customers. Homes located in High Fire-Threat Districts (HFTDs) or areas affected by multiple Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) may qualify for higher SGIP "Equity Resiliency" rebate tiers that offset a significant portion of battery equipment costs.

It depends on whether you opt for Essential Loads Backup or Whole-Home Backup. A single standard battery (10–13.5 kWh) powers critical circuits—like your refrigerator, Wi-Fi, lights, select outlets, and medical devices—for several days when paired with daytime solar recharge. Running heavy electrical loads simultaneously (like central air conditioning, electric clothes dryers, or EV fast charging) requires multiple batteries or dynamic smart load panels.

 Not always, but it is common in older Bay Area homes. Homes with 100-amp or older electrical panels often lack the physical breaker space or thermal headroom required by the National Electrical Code (NEC) for additional backfed solar or battery breakers. However, smart electrical subpanels, power control systems (PCS), or meter collar adapters can often avoid full 200-amp service upgrades.

 Under California’s Building Energy Efficiency Standards (Title 24, Part 6), all newly constructed single-family homes and major residential additions/remodels meeting specific square-footage thresholds are required to include PV solar systems. Recent updates also require homes to be "energy storage ready" (including dedicated panel space and conduit).

 Yes. Because solar and battery systems tie directly into your primary electrical distribution center, any existing safety hazards—such as ungrounded circuits, overloaded subpanels, degraded service entrance cables, or recalled electrical panels must be brought up to current California Electrical Code standards during installation.

 Every installation meets or exceeds strict State of California standards. In addition to individual manufacturer warranties on hardware, we provide a generous 10-year workmanship warranty covering all labor and installation quality. If any defect arises within 10 years, we fix it at our sole expense. 

Yes! We deeply appreciate when our customers share their positive experiences with friends and family. While we never pay or offer financial incentives for reviews, we do offer a $250 gift card as a thank-you token when you refer someone who ends up moving forward with an installation.  

Solar Panels: They require very little upkeep because they have no moving parts. However, to ensure optimal energy production, they benefit from a light periodic cleaning (typically 1 to 2 times per year) to wash away accumulated dust, pollen, or bird droppings. In many regions, natural rainfall handles much of this, but manual rinsing with a garden hose from the ground may be needed during dry spells. Homeowners should also periodically check for debris or nesting animals around the array. 

Home Batteries: Modern residential energy storage systems (such as Tesla Powerwall or Enphase IQ Batteries) require no scheduled preventative maintenance or servicing. The only maintenance required by the homeowner is keeping the exterior unit free and clear of debris, leaves, or obstructions around the air vents to ensure proper airflow. 

Monitoring Applications: Homeowners track their entire ecosystem in real time through a manufacturer-provided mobile app or web portal (such as the Tesla or Enphase monitoring applications).

What You Can Track: These platforms display live solar generation, home energy consumption, grid import/export metrics, and the current state of charge (percentage) for your backup battery. They also provide automated alerts or error codes if a performance drop, shading issue, or equipment fault occurs.

We don't just install solar panels and batteries. We deliver complete energy solutions tailored to your home, backed by professional installation and dedicated long-term support.

• More Equipment Choices: Access premium solar panels and battery systems from trusted brands.
• Personalized System Design: Get a customized solution based on your energy usage, budget, and backup needs.
• Professional Electrical Expertise: Benefit from our experience in solar, battery storage, and electrical upgrades.
• Dedicated Customer Service: Enjoy clear communication and personalized assistance throughout your project.
• In-House Installation & Support: Work directly with our own installation team for quality control, accountability, and ongoing support.

 Yes, solar panels can absolutely be installed on tile, metal, and flat roofs!

 In most cases, TN Electrical & Solar Services can schedule your solar installation within 2 weeks of signing the contract, depending on permitting, equipment availability, and project requirements. Our team works efficiently to make your transition to solar as smooth and convenient as possible.

 While you do not strictly need to be home for the entire duration of the installation, it is strongly recommended that someone (or a decision-maker over 18) is home at specific key times during the process. 

Generally, adding a solar and/or battery storage system significantly increases your home's equity and resale value without increasing your property taxes. Under California law, the installation of an active solar energy system is excluded from property tax reassessment, meaning your baseline property taxes will not go up just because you added solar. When it comes to home value, studies consistently show that solar-equipped homes sell faster and command a price premium compared to non-solar homes. Note: We always recommend consulting with your tax professional or CPA regarding your specific financial situation and potential federal tax credits.