Consider Energy Efficiency First

You can save money on energy by taking simple efficiency measures—like swapping old incandescent lighting for CFL or LED bulbs—to reduce your overall use.

Consult the Business Energy Guide and Third-Party Energy Efficiency Programs to find energy-saving solutions, ranging from minor changes to long-term investments that can significantly impact your energy use.

You can also visit the SCE Marketplace to get valuable information about smart products, programs, and tools. 

Choose a Contractor

A qualified, licensed solar contractor will provide you with a free site evaluation and comprehensive quote. Obtain and compare multiple bids before beginning.

If you can, get referrals. You can also search for active solar contractors in your area by using the California DG Stats Search tool. 

SCE does not endorse or recommend any solar contractor. SCE partners with GRID Alternatives to promote the Disadvantaged Communities - Single-family Solar Homes (DAC-SASH) program. If you receive any claim from any other entity or contractor of an affiliation or partnership with SCE, please report to us by visiting Scam Alert and using one of the contact options.

Installation

Your solar generating system needs to be installed, permitted, and approved for interconnection. Your city or county will perform an onsite inspection and provide the required permit(s). SCE will provide authorization to operate the solar system once proper installation and permitting are completed.

In most cases, your contractor will coordinate and manage the following activities:

• Apply for interconnection with SCE
• Apply for a building permit with the city or county
• Obtain the permit and direct the installation of the solar system
   

Interconnection to SCE’s Electric Grid 

Once your solar system is installed and you have been given the authorization to operate your solar system, you will be interconnected with our electric grid. This means your system supplies energy for your property and can provide any surplus energy generated back to SCE’s grid. When you need more energy than your system can generate, like at night or on cloudy days, you will use energy from SCE’s grid. The difference between the energy you consume from the grid and the energy your system delivers back is then used to calculate your monthly bill. This is known as the Solar Billing Plan.

Once your contractor has obtained approval for interconnection to our electric grid, your meter will be updated, and you will be immediately signed up for the rate plan.