San Diego Gas & Electric (SDGE) has recently introduced new net metering rules that have the potential to significantly impact solar panel owners in California. These changes have sparked interest among homeowners looking to maximize their solar savings. One key strategy emerging is the addition of a home backup battery to solar panel systems. Let's explore SDGE's new net metering rules and how customers with home backup batteries can benefit the most.
Understanding SDGE's New Net Metering Rules
SDGE's new net metering rules, known as Net Energy Metering 3.0 (NEM 3.0), aim to fairly compensate solar panel owners for the excess energy they generate and provide back to the grid. Under NEM 3.0, solar panel owners are credited at the wholesale electricity rate for the excess energy they send to the grid, which is lower than the retail rate they pay for electricity from the grid.
Maximizing Benefits with Home Backup Batteries
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Time-of-Use (TOU) Rates: With TOU rates, electricity prices vary based on the time of day. Homeowners can store excess solar energy in their home backup battery during periods of low electricity prices and use it during peak periods when prices are higher, maximizing savings.
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Avoiding Peak Demand Charges: Home backup batteries can help homeowners avoid peak demand charges, which are additional fees based on the highest amount of electricity used during a specified period. By using stored energy during peak periods, homeowners can reduce their peak demand and lower their overall electricity costs.
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Backup Power During Outages: Home backup batteries provide a reliable source of power during grid outages, ensuring that homeowners have electricity when they need it most. This can be particularly beneficial during emergencies or natural disasters.
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Increased Self-Consumption: By storing excess solar energy for later use, homeowners can increase their self-consumption rate, which is the percentage of solar energy that is used directly in the home rather than being sent back to the grid. A higher self-consumption rate can lead to greater overall savings.
Getting Started with a Home Backup Battery
If you're a solar panel owner in California looking to maximize your savings under SDGE's new net metering rules, adding a home backup battery to your system is a smart investment. Contact us today to learn more about how a home backup battery can help you take full advantage of SDGE's NEM 3.0 rules and maximize your solar savings.