Frequently Asked Solar Questions

Most U.S. homes consume between 20 and 30 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day, though usage can vary based on home size, appliance efficiency, HVAC usage, and lifestyle habits. Understanding your daily electricity usage is critical for properly sizing a solar system. For example, if your home uses 900 kWh per month, that’s about 30 kWh per day. This figure helps determine how many solar panels you’ll need to offset your energy consumption.
Learn more: How many kWh per day is normal?

Yes. Solar energy is an excellent way to power your EV sustainably. By adding a few extra panels to your solar array, you can generate the electricity needed to charge your EV at home, often for less than half the cost of grid charging.
Explore the numbers: How Much Does It Cost to Charge an Electric Vehicle?

Learn more: How many kWh per day is normal?

California residents face some of the highest utility rates in the U.S., with average monthly electric bills often exceeding $200 to $250. This number is expected to rise with utility rate increases and time-of-use billing. Installing a solar energy system can significantly reduce or even eliminate this bill by generating your own power and reducing reliance on the grid.
Explore the full breakdown: Average Electric Bill in California

A solar battery’s backup duration depends on the battery size and your energy use. For example, a 13.5 kWh Tesla Powerwall can run essential circuits like lights, fridge, Wi-Fi, and basic appliances for 10 to 24 hours. Larger systems or multiple batteries can extend this duration.
More details here: How Long Can a Solar Battery Power a House?

Tesla Powerwall and FranklinWH batteries both offer powerful backup and time-of-use optimization. Tesla’s product is sleek and well-known, while FranklinWH includes whole-home backup features and greater power output for heavy loads. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget.
Compare side by side: Franklin Battery vs. Tesla Powerwall

The cost of solar panels in California varies depending on system size, panel efficiency, location, and available incentives. On average, a residential solar system can cost between $2.50 and $3.50 per watt, which translates to $15,000 to $30,000 for most systems before incentives. Federal tax credits and local rebates can lower the final cost significantly.
See full pricing details: How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in California?

Standard residential solar panels measure around 65 inches by 39 inches and produce between 350 and 450 watts per panel in 2025. The number of panels you need will determine how much roof space is required. For a typical 6 kW system using 400-watt panels, you’ll need approximately 300 to 400 square feet of usable roof space.
Read more: How Big Are Solar Panels?

The solar payback period refers to how long it takes for your energy savings to equal your installation cost. In California, the typical payback period ranges from 6 to 10 years, depending on system size, energy usage, and local incentives. After the payback period, most homeowners enjoy 15 to 20 years of nearly free electricity.
Learn more about your ROI: Payback Period for Solar in California

A 10 kW solar system can cost between $22,000 and $30,000 before incentives. This system size is ideal for homes using around 1,200 to 1,500 kWh per month. It provides enough capacity to power larger homes, homes with electric vehicles, or those planning for future energy use increases.
See the full guide: How Much Does a 10kW Solar System Cost?

To size your system, multiply your average daily energy use by 30 to get monthly kWh, then divide by your region’s average peak sun hours and the wattage of your panels. This will give you an estimate of how many panels you’ll need. It’s also smart to add a buffer for future electric vehicles or home electrification.
Try it yourself with this guide: How to Calculate Solar System Size

One of the most attractive features of solar panel technology is its cost-effectiveness. After your initial investment, solar panels will continually convert solar power into clean energy. Under the best conditions, solar panels can last over 30 years long. When properly maintained and monitored, you can look forward to decades of clean energy for you and your family.

Solar panel units are heavily tested before being used in the general public. When it comes to snow, wind, and hail, solar panels can take heavy category storms. In addition to their durability, most solar panels come with a warranty from the manufacturer protecting the homeowner.

If your Roof is over 15 years old, it may make sense to replace your roof during the solar installation process. During our site audit, we will look at the usable life of your roof and let you know our recommendations. Once the panels have been installed, your roof will likely deteriorate well before your solar panels. In this instance, give NRG a quick call to give you a proposal on redoing your roof. We’ll help secure your panels while any roof maintenance is being done.

In most cases, you will be given an app to view your solar production. Login and check the status of your energy production and overall health of your system.

It’s a question of when you should go solar and not if. Solar energy is the most efficient form of clean energy that can be produced. Its acquisition process requires a one-time technical installation and can operate for over 30 years. Make the shift now so you don’t have to do it later.