Electricity costs in California keep climbing, and homeowners served by San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) feel it more than almost anyone else in the country. Higher energy rates, growing grid demand, Public Purpose Program charges, wildfire mitigation costs, and Time-of-Use pricing have made monthly electric bills increasingly unpredictable.
The Solar Plus Program was built to help homeowners regain control over their energy costs by pairing rooftop solar with advanced battery storage. Instead of relying entirely on the utility during expensive evening hours, homeowners generate their own electricity during the day, store the excess in a Tesla Powerwall 3, and use that stored energy when electricity costs the most.
The result is greater energy independence, lower utility costs, protection during outages, and a smarter way to power your home.
What Is the Solar Plus Program?
The Solar Plus Program is an energy solution designed specifically for homeowners served by SDG&E. Unlike a traditional solar system that simply exports excess electricity back to the utility, the Solar Plus Program combines:
- High-efficiency solar panels
- A Tesla Powerwall 3
- Intelligent energy management software
- Professional installation
- Ongoing system monitoring
This combination lets homeowners produce, store, and intelligently manage their own electricity throughout the day. Instead of purchasing expensive electricity from SDG&E during peak pricing hours, your home automatically switches to battery power, which helps reduce monthly utility costs while increasing resilience during outages.
Why Was the Solar Plus Program Created?
California’s electric grid has changed dramatically over the past several years. A few factors have made battery storage far more valuable than solar alone:
- Rising utility rates
- Time-of-Use billing
- Changes to California’s Net Energy Metering (NEM 3.0)
- Increased demand on the electrical grid
- Planned Public Safety Power Shutoffs
- More frequent weather-related outages
Under today’s energy landscape, homeowners receive significantly less value for exporting excess solar energy back to the grid than they did under previous net metering programs. It now makes far more financial sense to store that energy and use it later, when electricity costs the most. That is exactly what the Solar Plus Program is designed to do.
How Does the Solar Plus Program Work?
The system operates automatically throughout the day.
During the Day
Solar panels generate electricity from sunlight. That electricity powers your home first. Any additional energy charges the Tesla Powerwall 3. If both your home and battery are fully powered, excess energy may be exported to the utility according to current SDG&E billing rules.
During Peak Utility Hours
Instead of purchasing expensive electricity from SDG&E, your home automatically draws power from the Tesla Powerwall 3. This reduces peak utility purchases, Time-of-Use charges, and your overall monthly electric bill.
During Power Outages
If the utility loses power, the Tesla Powerwall 3 automatically supplies stored electricity to your home within fractions of a second. Unlike a portable generator, there is no fuel, no extension cords, no manual startup, no noise, and no emissions. Your home keeps running on stored solar energy.
Why Battery Storage Is Essential Today
A few years ago, homeowners could install solar without a battery and still see excellent savings. Today’s utility structure has changed that. Battery storage now plays a critical role in maximizing the value of every kilowatt-hour your solar system produces.
| Solar Only | Solar + Tesla Powerwall 3 |
|---|---|
| Export excess energy to utility | Store excess energy for later use |
| Buy expensive evening electricity | Use stored battery power |
| Limited outage protection | Automatic backup power |
| Lower export values under NEM 3.0 | Higher self-consumption savings |
| Less energy independence | Greater control over home energy |
Meet the Tesla Powerwall 3
The Solar Plus Program includes the Tesla Powerwall 3, one of the most advanced residential battery systems available today. Powerwall 3 combines battery storage, an integrated inverter, intelligent software, automatic backup switching, and remote monitoring in a single unit. Everything works through the Tesla app, giving homeowners visibility into solar production, battery charge level, home energy consumption, grid usage, and historical savings.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Whole-home backup capability | Keeps essential systems powered during outages |
| Integrated inverter | Simplifies installation and improves efficiency |
| Intelligent energy management | Automatically optimizes energy use |
| Mobile app monitoring | Real-time energy tracking |
| Expandable storage | Add capacity as energy needs grow |
| Automatic outage detection | Seamless transition to battery power |
Specs based on Tesla’s official Powerwall 3 datasheet.
Benefits for SDG&E Homeowners
SDG&E customers often face some of California’s highest electricity costs. The Solar Plus Program is specifically designed to address these challenges.
Lower Monthly Electric Bills
Generating and storing your own electricity means purchasing less energy from SDG&E. The more electricity you produce and consume yourself, the less exposed you are to rising utility prices.
Protection From Rising Utility Rates
California utility rates have increased significantly over the past decade, and that trend is widely expected to continue due to grid modernization, wildfire mitigation, infrastructure investment, and rising demand. A solar-plus-battery system helps reduce your reliance on those future rate increases.
Greater Energy Independence
Instead of depending entirely on the electrical grid, you generate much of your own electricity, which means more control over your energy costs, availability, and long-term budgeting.
Backup Power During Outages
Power outages are becoming more common throughout California, whether from wildfires, high winds, grid maintenance, equipment failures, or heat waves. A Tesla Powerwall 3 helps keep your home powered when the grid goes down.
Better Use of Your Solar Energy
Rather than sending valuable electricity back to the utility at reduced export values, you can store it for evening use when electricity is most expensive, increasing the overall value of the energy your home generates.
Equipment Included in the Solar Plus Program
Every home is different, but a typical Solar Plus installation includes:
| Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Premium solar panels | Generate electricity |
| Tesla Powerwall 3 | Store excess energy |
| Mounting hardware | Secure rooftop installation |
| Monitoring platform | Track system performance |
| Electrical equipment | Safe system operation |
| Professional installation | Code-compliant installation |
HomeLink Solar designs every system based on your home’s roof size, electrical usage, future energy needs, utility billing history, and backup power goals.
How Billing Works
One of the most common questions homeowners ask is whether they will still receive an SDG&E bill. Yes, your utility account remains active. However, your solar-plus-battery system is designed to reduce the amount of electricity you need to purchase from the grid. Your monthly costs may include any remaining utility charges for electricity imported from the grid, applicable SDG&E fees and minimum charges, and solar system financing or program payments if applicable. The goal is to substantially reduce your overall energy costs while giving you more predictable monthly expenses.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
The Solar Plus Program is a strong option for homeowners who:
- Live within SDG&E service territory
- Own their home
- Want to reduce rising electricity costs
- Have moderate to high electric bills
- Are interested in battery backup
- Want greater energy independence
- Own or plan to own an electric vehicle
- Want protection during outages
Even homeowners with an existing solar system may qualify for an upgrade that adds battery storage.
Solar Plus vs Traditional Solar
| Traditional Solar | Solar Plus Program |
|---|---|
| Solar panels only | Solar + Tesla Powerwall 3 |
| Export excess energy | Store excess energy |
| Limited outage support | Backup power included |
| Greater dependence on utility | Greater energy independence |
| Lower value under NEM 3.0 | Optimized for current utility pricing |
Why HomeLink Solar Recommends the Solar Plus Program
At HomeLink Solar, we believe every solar system should be designed around the way homeowners actually use electricity, not just around panel production. That is why we recommend pairing solar with battery storage for many SDG&E customers.
Every HomeLink installation is completed in house, with no subcontractors, and personally overseen by owner Mandy from start to finish, which is part of why HomeLink holds a 4.9 star rating from real customers across Southern California. We understand SDG&E’s rate structures and permitting requirements, install premium equipment including the Tesla Powerwall 3, and size every system around your roof, your usage, and your backup power goals rather than a one-size-fits-all package.
If you are outside SDG&E territory, take a look at the Power Choice Program instead, or read our Franklin Home Battery Guide if you want to compare battery technology in more depth. You can also see our full range of services on the solar panel installation homepage, or check the service areas page to confirm we serve your city.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Solar Plus Program?
The Solar Plus Program combines rooftop solar with a Tesla Powerwall 3 battery to help SDG&E homeowners lower electric bills, increase energy independence, and provide backup power during outages.
Does the Solar Plus Program include a battery?
Yes. The program includes a Tesla Powerwall 3, which stores excess solar energy for later use and provides automatic backup power when the grid goes down.
Will I still receive an SDG&E bill?
Yes. Your utility account remains active, but your solar-plus-battery system is designed to reduce the amount of electricity you need to purchase from SDG&E.
Can the Tesla Powerwall 3 power my entire home?
Depending on your home’s electrical load and system design, the Powerwall 3 can support many or all of your home’s essential electrical needs during an outage. HomeLink Solar designs the solution around your specific backup goals.
Is battery storage worth it?
For many California homeowners, battery storage has become increasingly valuable because of Time-of-Use pricing, reduced export compensation under NEM 3.0, and the need for reliable backup power.
Can I add battery storage to an existing solar system?
In many cases, yes. HomeLink Solar can evaluate your current system and recommend upgrade options that integrate battery storage.
Take Control of Your Energy with the Solar Plus Program
Electricity prices are not getting cheaper, and relying solely on the grid leaves homeowners exposed to rising rates and unexpected outages.
The Solar Plus Program offers a smarter solution by combining premium solar panels with the intelligent power management of the Tesla Powerwall 3. Together, they help you produce your own electricity, store it for when it matters most, and keep your home powered when the grid cannot.
Schedule your free consultation today to learn how the Solar Plus Program can help you save more, worry less, and take control of your home’s energy future.
