About Solar + Storage

When you install solar panels, you'll be generating your own energy from the sun to power your home. You'll also be compensated by your utility for the energy sent back to the electric grid from your panels, offsetting the cost of your electricity use. In fact, many people with solar panels have no electric bill at all! On top of that, you'll be increasing the supply of clean, zero-carbon energy and helping California move on to a more sustainable future.

Learn more here about the benefits of solar!

Here is the good news: we've made it easy to evaluate the quotes you'll receive from SunShares installers by listing our prices in a directly comparable Price per Watt format. We have also ensured that no matter which of our installers you choose, you will receive quality service from a trustworthy provider.

There will still be differences between the solar proposals you receive. Here are a few factors to consider:

• Panel efficiency vs. Price: Some solar panels convert sunlight to energy at a higher efficiency than others. The greater the efficiency, the greater the cost of the panel. Consider your needs as you decide between different solar panel offerings. For example, if your roof is shaded for much of the day, a higher efficiency option may be worth the extra cost.
• System size: Different providers may design your solar system to produce different amounts of energy. Consider how much of your electricity bill you want to be covered by your solar panels.
• And more: Learn more here about how to make your decision.

On its own, a solar system will not provide electricity to your home during a power outage. This is one of the primary benefits of pairing your solar system with battery storage. Home battery units store electricity from your solar panels that can be used by your home even during power outages.

Battery storage allows you to get the most out of your solar system.

• Home battery units store electricity, either from the grid or from your solar panels, that can be used later by your home.
• During power disruptions, batteries paired with solar panels can power your home for multiple days.
• Battery storage can reduce your energy costs even further by charging from the grid at times of day when electricity is cheaper and sending electricity out to the grid when it is more expensive.

Yes! In fact, that's the best way to get the most out of your solar system and make your home resilient to power outages. The feasibility of your project will depend on the specifications of your solar system. Talk to our selected installers to find out which battery models are compatible with your system and inverter.

How long your system will provide power depends on your battery storage capacity and critical energy needs. Talk to a SunShares pre-vetted provider to learn more about your specific needs and options.

There are many factors to consider when choosing which battery storage model to install in your home. What to prioritize depends on your needs, such as which appliances you want your battery to power during an outage. Here are a few of the most important:

• Maximum usable capacity: The total amount of electricity that your battery can store.
• Power rating: The amount of electricity that can be discharged at any one time.
• Round trip efficiency: The percentage of the electricity fed into your battery that can be discharged out of it.

Once you've decided to go solar, it's in your best interest financially and environmentally to power as much of your home with electricity as possible. This means replacing appliances that currently run on gas with new, all-electric options. Learn more about your electrification options here!