Battery Storage & EV Charging in San Diego
Store the solar power you make and use it when it matters most, during expensive SDG&E peak hours and grid outages. Under NEM 3.0, a battery is what protects your solar savings. We install Tesla Powerwall, Enphase IQ Battery, and FranklinWH systems, plus EV chargers.
Why battery storage matters under NEM 3.0
Under California's NEM 3.0 net-billing rules, the credit you get for exporting solar to the grid dropped 75–85%. A home battery lets you store your midday solar production and use it yourself during the expensive evening peak instead of selling it back cheap, which is what keeps payback in the 6–10 year range.
Batteries we install
- Tesla Powerwall 3, 13.5 kWh, integrated inverter, whole-home backup.
- Enphase IQ Battery 5P, modular, expandable, microinverter-based.
- FranklinWH, high-capacity whole-home energy management.
We size your storage to your usage and backup goals, and California's SGIP rebate can offset much of the cost.
EV charging
Charge your electric vehicle with your own solar power. We install Level 2 EV chargers and can integrate charging with your solar and battery so you fuel up on clean, low-cost energy.
Backup power when the grid goes down
With a battery and islanding, your essential circuits stay powered during an SDG&E outage. Solar-only systems shut off in an outage for safety; a battery is what keeps your lights on.
Solar Battery & EV Charging FAQ
Do I need a battery with solar in San Diego?
Under NEM 3.0 a battery is highly recommended. Export credits dropped 75–85%, so storing your own power and using it during peak evening hours delivers far more value than exporting it. A battery also provides backup during SDG&E outages.
Which battery is best, Tesla Powerwall or Enphase?
Both are excellent. Tesla Powerwall 3 offers 13.5 kWh with an integrated inverter and whole-home backup; Enphase IQ Battery is modular and expandable. We recommend the right fit based on your usage, panel setup, and backup goals.
What is the SGIP battery rebate?
California's Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) provides rebates for installing home battery storage, with higher amounts for equity and fire-risk customers. We help you determine what you qualify for.
Will solar power my home during an outage?
Only with a battery. For safety, grid-tied solar shuts off during an outage unless you have a battery with islanding capability, which keeps your essential circuits running.
The clearest way to go solar in San Diego
Three very different experiences hide behind the same word "solar." Here is how a local, own-your-system installer stacks up against a national brand and a door-to-door lease.
| What matters | San Diego Solar Surfers | National installer | Door-to-door lease / PPA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who does the work | Local San Diego crew, on your roof since 2013 | Regional subcontractors routed through a call center | Commissioned salesperson; install crew varies |
| You own the system | Yes, you own it and keep every incentive | Usually purchase or loan | No, the company keeps the panels and the tax credit |
| Pricing | Transparent line-item quote, no pressure | National pricing, add-ons at signing | Escalator clauses that raise your rate over time |
| Warranty and service | 25-year equipment warranty, local team answers | Manufacturer warranty, service tickets queued | Tied to a lease contract, not to your home |
| Financing options | $0-down financing, cash, and 30% federal ITC | In-house loan partner | Lease or PPA only, incentives go to them |
| Timeline and control | We handle design, permits, and SDG&E interconnection | Multi-step handoffs between departments | Fast signature, slower follow-through |
The Sunshine Promise
We design your system to a modeled first-year production target and put that estimate in writing before install. If your panels underperform that estimate, our local team comes back, diagnoses it, and makes it right at no charge. That is the Sunshine Promise.
Get your free San Diego solar quote
Honest numbers from a local team that's served San Diego County since 2013, rated 4.7★ across 42 Google reviews. No pressure, no obligation.