Expanding your Sunshine: How to Increase your Solar Capacity and Stay Net-Metered in California

California has long been a leader in solar energy, and with Net Metering (NEM) programs like NEM 1.0 and NEM 2.0, homeowners have enjoyed significant financial benefits. However, as your energy needs grow or electricity prices climb, you might be considering expanding your existing rooftop solar system. The good news? You can increase your solar capacity and stay net metered, protecting your valuable NEM benefits.

This post dives into the world of expanding your rooftop solar system in California while staying net metered under NEM 1.0 or NEM 2.0.

We’ll explore the following:

• Understanding Net Metering: A refresher on how NEM works and its importance.
• Expanding Capacity and Staying Net Metered: Strategies for adding solar panels without losing NEM status.
• The Benefits of Expanding Your Solar System: Financial savings and environmental impact.
• The Cost Advantage of Today’s Solar Technology: Why now is a great time to expand.
• Adding Battery Storage to Maximize Self-Consumption: Storing excess solar energy for later use.
• Protecting Yourself from Rising Electricity Costs: How solar provides a hedge against inflation.

Understanding Net Metering

Net metering is a billing program offered by California utilities like?PG&E?that allows homeowners with solar panels to track the difference between the electricity they generate and the electricity they consume from the grid. Any excess solar energy produced during the day is sent back to the grid, and homeowners receive credits on their electricity bills.

Here’s the key takeaway: Staying net-metered means your total electricity use over a billing cycle (including your home’s consumption and any grid-supplied power) remains non-positive. As long as you don’t export a significant amount of solar energy back to the grid, you can retain your valuable NEM benefits.

Expanding Capacity and Staying Net-metered

So, how can you add more solar panels and stay net-metered? Here are two primary strategies:

Self-Consumption: Increase your home’s energy efficiency and add just enough panels to cover your daytime energy needs. This minimizes the amount of excess solar energy exported back to the grid.

• Energy Efficiency Upgrades: Consider adding insulation, upgrading appliances, and installing smart thermostats. Every watt of energy saved means you can add one additional watt of solar capacity without exceeding net metering limits.
• Right-Sizing Your System: Carefully analyze your historical energy usage and plan your solar expansion to cover most of your daytime needs. This strategy requires a conversation with a qualified solar installer who can assess your specific situation.

Battery Storage: Excess solar energy can be stored in a battery system for later use, further reducing grid dependence and maximizing self-consumption. This allows you to add more solar panels while still staying net-metered.

Nabu Energy can help you carefully evaluate your needs and size your system accordingly so you can continue to remain within your NEM agreements.

The Benefits of Expanding Your Solar System

Expanding your solar system offers several compelling benefits:

• Reduced Electricity Bills: Generate more clean energy, offsetting your reliance on the grid and potentially reducing your electricity bills significantly.
• Protection Against Rising Electricity Costs: California’s electricity prices are projected to continue rising. Expanding your solar capacity hedges against these increases, provides long-term cost savings.
• Increased Home Value: Homes with solar panels typically sell faster and for more money. Expanding your system can further enhance your home’s value.
• Environmental Impact: By generating more solar power, you’re reducing your carbon footprint and contributing to a cleaner environment.

The Cost Advantage of Today’s Solar Technology

The good news is that the cost of solar panels and batteries has declined significantly in recent years. This makes expanding your existing solar system a more attractive proposition than ever before. Here’s what’s driving the cost advantage:

• Technological Advancements: Solar panels are now more efficient, requiring fewer panels to generate the same amount of energy compared to older models.
• Manufacturing Economies of Scale: Increased global demand for solar technology has led to lower manufacturing costs.

Adding Battery Storage to Maximize Self-Consumption

Battery storage is a powerful tool for maximizing self-consumption. By storing excess solar energy during the day, you can use it to power your home at night or during peak energy usage times when electricity prices are highest. This strategy allows you to add more solar panels, generate more clean energy, and stay net-metered.

Protecting Yourself from Rising Electricity Costs

California’s electricity prices are expected to continue rising due to various factors, including infrastructure upgrades, grid maintenance, and the growing demand for clean energy.? By expanding your solar system, you can generate more of your own electricity and become less reliant on the grid, effectively hedging against these rising costs.

Here’s an example: Imagine your current solar system covers 70% of your daytime energy needs. With rising electricity rates, your reliance on the grid becomes more expensive. Expanding your system to cover 90% of your daytime needs through additional panels and potentially battery storage minimizes grid dependence. While some grid usage might still be necessary, it will be significantly less, shielding you from the brunt of future price hikes.

The Next Steps: Consulting with a Solar Expert

Expanding your existing solar system can be a wise investment, but it’s crucial to plan carefully as designing the system is not easy. Here’s how to get started:

• Contact a Reputable Solar Installer: Choose a company with a proven track record of working with existing solar systems and understanding NEM regulations.
• Analyze Your Energy Usage: Provide your installer with your historical energy bills to determine the optimal capacity expansion for your needs.

Conclusion: Invest in Your Future – Expand Your Solar Power

With California’s commitment to clean energy and rising electricity costs, expanding your existing solar system can be a sound financial and environmental decision. By staying net-metered, you continue to enjoy the benefits of NEM while generating more clean energy for your home.

At Nabu Energy, we specialize in helping homeowners maximize their solar investment. We can assess your existing system,? recommend the most cost-effective expansion strategy, and guide you through the entire process.? Contact us today for a free consultation and discover how expanding your sunshine can brighten your future!

Additional Resources:

• California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) Net Metering Webpage: https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/industries-and-topics/electrical-energy/demand-side-management/customer-generation
• California Solar and Storage Association (CalSSA): https://calssa.org/

Note: This post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice.? Always consult with a qualified solar professional and financial advisor to determine the best course of action for your specific situation.