Solar Savings Frequently Asked Questions

What if my system generates more electricity than I use?

If your system generates more power than your home uses during one billing cycle, you’ll get credit for that excess juice during another billing cycle. For example, if you generate more power than you use in July, you can use the credit toward your December bill. But, at the end of the year, if you’ve generated more than you’ve used, some utilities will not compensate you. Beginning in 2011, all California utilities except LADWP are required to pay you for all of your surplus electricity. Please check with your utility to find out how the Net Metering or Solar Bank program in your area works.

What rebates and other incentives are available?

There are lots of government incentives to take advantage of right now, and they're detailed on our Solar Incentives page. Many incentive programs operate on a first-come, first-served basis and could run out of funding at any point so, if you’re thinking about going solar, better to do it sooner than later.

How much paperwork is involved in claiming solar incentives?

Tons. But don’t worry, Sungevity takes of all of the paperwork for you, so you get all of the benefits with none of the headaches.

What are my options for financing my system?

You can either lease or buy a system from Sungevity. Please visit our Lease or Buy page for more information about these options.

How long will it take before I start seeing savings?

If you lease a system and take advantage of our $0 down offer, you can start saving on your first electricity bill. If you buy a system, the payback period depends on the size of your system and how much electricity it is offsetting. A typical customer saves enough money in 8-10 years to make up for the initial cost of their system.

Will my system increase the value of my home?

Real estate studies have found that, by reducing electricity costs, solar increases a home’s value. According to the Appraisal Journal, for every $1000 saved in annual energy costs, $20,000 is added to the value of the home. Other home improvements, like kitchen and bathroom renovations and decks, are only worth about 75-100% of the cost, making solar 20 times more valuable than other home improvements.

What if I sell my home?

If you own the system, you would simply sell it along with your house. If you’re leasing a system, you’ll have a few options .