How do I check a solar offer before I sign?

Read the California Solar Consumer Protection Guide, which the CPUC requires you to sign before your system connects. Check the contractor's license with the Contractors State License Board. You can cancel within 3 days, or 5 days if you are 65 or older. And treat any promise that solar costs nothing as a red flag.

1. What is the Solar Consumer Protection Guide?

It is a guide from the California Public Utilities Commission, the CPUC. Every homeowner has to read and sign it before a solar system can connect to the grid. Read it before you sign a contract, not after.¹

2. How long do I have to cancel?

California gives you 3 days to cancel a solar contract, or 5 days if you are 65 or older.¹

3. How do I check a contractor's license?

Look the contractor up on the Contractors State License Board website before you sign anything.²

4. Which promises are red flags?

California's rules for solar sales ban three kinds of claims outright:¹

• that solar costs you nothing,
• that your electric bills will stop for good,
• that you have to sign today.

If you hear one of them, slow down. Most homes still pay a fixed monthly charge to the utility, $24.15 for most homes, no matter how much their panels make.³

5. What should a real quote show?

A real system, a real battery and a real price, for your home. A quote is about one house, so it should come from someone who has looked at yours. Take the time to read it next to the CPUC guide.

6. What happens when US Grid Relief checks your home?

You answer a few questions. If we can map your roof, we text you a satellite look at its sun. Then we call with a straight answer. If your home fits, you get a real quote in your home from a licensed installer, and you sign with them only if you want to.