Resource for Californians to lock in solar savings

New California policy changes will dramatically reduce solar savings for homes and businesses in the state. We've previously detailed these changes (called NEM 3) and built a simple guide to help homeowners lock in the current, higher savings rate before the April 14, 2023, deadline.

Given this fast-approaching deadline, going solar now may feel daunting. Fortunately, EnergySage is here to guide you through the process and protect you with a simple shopping experience, vetted installers, and a team of free, unbiased Energy Advisors.

We're already seeing a mad dash to go solar in California. Installers are ramping up to meet that demand and ensure they have enough time to complete and submit all necessary paperwork for their customers before the deadline passes. NOTE: only your contract and interconnection application must be done by the 4/14 deadline. Installation and adjustments can happen up to three years after your paperwork is submitted.

With surging demand and a fast-approaching deadline, here are some things to look out for to ensure you're getting the right price for the right system from a quality installer:

• Misinformation: if your installer is telling you information about NEM 2 or NEM 3 that doesn't align with what you're reading on EnergySage or other trusted sources, they may be trying to mislead you or not understand the complexities. Check out our definitive guide to NEM 3.

• Aggressive sales tactics: solar is a big financial decision – you should feel ready and confident making this decision, not pushed into it. Don't feel pressured! Get the info you need, including important dates, so you understand how much time you have to decide.

• Extremely high prices: in most industries, prices spike when demand surges. It's reasonable to expect that will also be true in the CA solar market. If you receive multiple quotes and one seems abnormally high, the installer could be trying to take advantage of your urgency.

• Bad actors: there's a potential for installers to take your deposit and signed contract with no intent of ever installing your system; this is why it's more important than ever to choose an installer with a proven track record. Additionally, suppose you select an installer that goes out of business before completing your installation. In that case, you'll lose your NEM 2 grandfather status, so finding one with a good business track record is essential in the next few months.

The benefits that differentiate EnergySage are more critical now than ever. Here's why millions of people look to EnergySage for support going solar:

• Fast, simple quote comparison: EnergySage takes the guesswork out of going solar. We gather custom solar quotes for your home from reputable installers in your area, presenting the data transparently online so you can compare your options from the comfort of your couch. And the best part? It's entirely free for you to use!

• Expertise: we have a team of unbiased solar experts who consistently update our site based on the latest, verifiable information about NEM 3 and the state of the California solar industry.

• Energy Advisors: when you get quotes through the EnergySage Marketplace, we'll connect you with an independent Energy Advisor who can walk you through your quotes and answer your questions – without pushy sales tactics.

• Transparency: we provide transparency around our quotes and pricing so you can make the decision that fits your needs at the right price.

• Consumer protection: we pre-vet all of the installers in our Marketplace before we let them join, so you won't have to worry about any fly-by-night installers when you get quotes through us.

It takes just a few minutes to request quotes through the EnergySage Marketplace. Within one or two days, you'll have up to seven custom solar quotes from highly-rated installers. You can select one and sign within a few days or consult with your personal Energy Advisor to help you confidently compare, decide, and complete the process.