Solar
Solar, battery, and panel check
What to ask before you sign for roof solar, a home battery, or panel work.
Why it matters
Solar can touch the roof, electric panel, utility account, battery, fire rules, permits, and a long contract. Check each lane before you sign.
Directory shelf
Home projects
ADUs, solar, water, wells, sewer, septic, and permit checks.
First moves
- 1
Find your utility, rate plan, last 12 months of bills, roof age, and main panel size.
- 2
Read the CPUC solar guide before you sign anything.
- 3
Ask the city or county what solar, battery, and panel permits are needed.
- 4
Ask the utility how to connect to the grid, what rate plan you will use, and when you can turn it on.
- 5
Ask if the roof is ready or if it needs work before panels go on.
- 6
Ask if the electric panel needs an upgrade or load change.
- 7
If you add a battery, ask where it can sit and what clearance rules apply near doors, windows, and heat.
- 8
If the permit office or utility asks, make sure the panels, inverter, or battery are on the CEC list.
- 9
Check the contractor license. Solar, electrical, roof, and battery work may not all use the same license.
Watch for
- 1
A savings estimate is not a bill promise. Bills, shade, loans, fees, and export credits can change the math.
- 2
Permit approval is not the same as the utility saying you can turn the system on.
- 3
A battery may not back up the whole house unless it is planned that way.
- 4
A panel upgrade can add cost, time, and a separate inspection.
- 5
Roof age and leaks can turn a cheap bid into a costly project.
- 6
A lease, power-purchase agreement, loan, and cash purchase are not the same deal.
- 7
Do not sign on a tablet or at the door until you have the full contract, disclosure, license number, and time to read.