“We were having serious problems with our Tesla, solar system, and Carlos came out to evaluate the problems. He was right on target with what the problems were, and he called his boss just to confirm which I appreciated the second opinion. They will be installing the solar system correctly and I’m so relieved. Carlos was wonderful. He is so personable and so intelligent, and I admire him. Can’t wait to get this whole system fixed”
Solar, Battery Storage, and Backup Power in Santa Cruz County
Tesla Powerwall + FranklinWH + Enphase IQ. Generac generators. Solar that pencils under NEM 3.0. We install all of it in-house — same C-10 crew that does panel upgrades and EV chargers.
This is the pillar that's changed most in the last few years. Two regulatory shifts you need to know about going in: NEM 3.0 changed how exported solar is credited, and the federal Section 25D credit expired at the end of 2025. The honest math still works — but it works differently than the older sales pitches suggest.
(1) NEM 3.0 (the Net Billing Tariff). Since April 2023, California credits exported solar at the utility's "avoided cost" rate — roughly 75% less than retail under NEM 3.0. That pushed solar-only payback out considerably. Solar + battery still pencils, because the battery lets you self-consume your own production at the retail rate you'd otherwise be paying, instead of exporting at the much lower credit.
(2) Federal Section 25D expired December 31, 2025. The 30% residential federal tax credit on owned solar PV and standalone battery storage that was the headline incentive for nearly two decades was terminated by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA, 2025). For 2026 installs of owned systems, the credit no longer applies. Third-party-owned / leased systems technically still benefit via the installer's commercial credit pass-through, but we don't sell those and we don't recommend them. California state programs (CSI Storage rebate where applicable, GoGreen Home financing) are unchanged.
We don't sell standalone solar in 2026 — the NEM 3.0 math doesn't pencil for most homes without a battery. If you want solar, plan for solar + battery, or come back with an existing battery in place. We sell owned systems only (cash or GoGreen financing), and we model the owned-system math honestly at the consultation: PG&E avoidance over time, historical rate escalation, self-consumption with and without battery.
Whole-home backup is its own conversation. PSPS shutdowns are routine in the San Lorenzo Valley (Felton, Boulder Creek, Ben Lomond) and in the foothills above Scotts Valley. Whole-home propane generators with automatic transfer switches are still the most common choice — runs everything continuously, refuels easily, well-understood technology. Battery storage is quieter, lower-maintenance, lower-emissions, and pairs with solar for peak-shift savings on top of backup.
We install Tesla Powerwall 3, FranklinWH aPower 2, Enphase IQ Battery 10C, and Generac PWRcell. Brand decision depends on your daily home usage, your existing solar (or planned solar), and how long your typical PSPS lasts. For the full breakdown on what changed and what still works, see Did the Federal Solar Tax Credit End? 2026 California Update.
Every quote is free. The range depends too much on your home to fake it.
Wide ranges depending on solar size, battery capacity, generator size, install complexity. Per-service ranges on each page. Free consultation for real numbers.
6 questions. Real answers.
Pulled from what we actually hear on quotes and on-site. If yours isn't here, ask us — we'll answer in plain English.
Does solar still make sense under NEM 3.0?
Generator vs battery for PSPS backup?
How long does battery backup actually last?
What about tax credits for batteries?
Do you install solar panels yourselves, or do you partner with a solar contractor?
Do you install batteries yourselves?
Where to go next. All connected.
- Field guideDid the federal solar tax credit end in 2026? Section 25D expired 12/31/2025 — and so did Section 25C. What that means for 2026 solar and battery installs, and how the math works without a federal credit.
- Field guideIs solar worth it in Santa Cruz under NEM 3.0? With a battery, usually yes — 7–9 year payback for most Santa Cruz County homes. The NEM 3.0 export math, self-consumption, and when solar genuinely pencils.
We do this work everywhere in Santa Cruz County.
From Davenport to Pajaro Dunes, San Lorenzo Valley to Pleasure Point. Same crew, same warranty, same pricing.
Want the honest solar math?
Free consultation. Your real PG&E usage, the NEM 3.0 numbers, and what we'd do if it were our money.