Going solar for your business is as easy as following these 5 steps.

Step 1: Get Informed

Setting your home up with solar technology can reduce your energy bill and your carbon footprint. We have the information and resources to help you get started.

Who: You

How: Be sure to read the California Solar Consumer Protection Guide to understand the steps involved in going solar, know your rights as a solar customer and obtain information to decide if going solar is right for you. You can also check out our Ready to Go Solar fact sheet for additional information.

Step 2: 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. 

Step 3: 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.

Step 4: 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

Step 5: 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.

Information on Solar Programs Available to Our Customers

Green Rate Option

If you would like to support renewable power but are unable to install solar panels on your roof, we have an alternative solution for you. Participating in the Green Rate, you help support clean energy for a brighter future in Southern California.

Community Renewables Program for Developers

As a developer, you can provide more energy from renewable sources through the Community Renewables Program. Eligible solar projects can range in size from 500 kW to 3 MW.

Solar on Multifamily Affordable Housing (SOMAH)

As a building owner, you may qualify to receive incentives for solar installation. Solar generation will provide energy credits to lower electricity bills for your common area and your tenants, as well as provide opportunities for jobs and training for your tenants.

Have Questions about Solar?

Find answers to your solar questions and more.

• Solar Glossary
• Solar Technology FAQ
• Solar Power at Home
• Eligible Same Party In Attestation
• California Clean Energy Stats
• Battery Energy Storage Systems