If SDG&E is your utility, power costs the most from 4 to 9 p.m. And SDG&E's Solar Billing Plan credits the power you send to the grid at a much lower rate than the old rules, about 75% lower by one estimate. SDG&E says the plan is built to pair solar with a battery.
US Grid Relief is not SDG&E and is not affiliated with SDG&E. We are a California marketing and consultation company that looks at homes for solar and a battery.
1. When does SDG&E power cost the most?
SDG&E's peak pricing runs from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.1 Those are evening hours, when rooftop panels make little or none. SDG&E sells more than one plan, so check your bill for your plan's name.
2. What is SDG&E's Solar Billing Plan?
It is SDG&E's version of California's NEM 3.0 rules, which the courts let stand in 2026.9 The credit for power you send to the grid dropped to what is called an avoided-cost rate, about 75% lower than the old rules by one estimate.3 SDG&E says the plan is built to pair solar with a battery, because evening demand is high when the sun is down.2
3. Does SDG&E shut off power on purpose?
It can. SDG&E may shut power off during high fire-risk weather.4 The CPUC describes these shutoffs as a last resort when strong winds threaten power lines and raise wildfire risk.5
4. Will my panels keep the lights on during a shutoff?
Not on their own. A solar system tied to the grid is required to shut off when the grid goes down, so panels without a battery stop powering your home. A battery with the right equipment and setup can keep power on.6 How much it covers depends on the system.
5. What protects me when I buy solar?
The CPUC requires every homeowner to read and sign the California Solar Consumer Protection Guide before a system is connected. California also gives you 3 days to cancel a solar contract, or 5 days if you are 65 or older.7
6. Is there still a monthly charge with solar?
Yes. In 2024 the CPUC set a fixed monthly charge of $24.15 for most homes, $12.08 for FERA customers and $6.00 for CARE customers. It is billed no matter how much your panels make.8
Quick answers.
Is US Grid Relief part of SDG&E?
No. US Grid Relief is a California marketing and consultation company. We are not SDG&E, we are not affiliated with SDG&E, and we are not a government agency.
Is SDG&E's Solar Billing Plan the same as NEM 3.0?
Yes. The Solar Billing Plan is SDG&E's name for California's NEM 3.0 rules.
How long do I have to cancel a solar contract?
California gives you 3 days to cancel, or 5 days if you are 65 or older. The CPUC's Solar Consumer Protection Guide explains your rights.
Sources.
- SDG&E, pricing plans, checked September 2026.
- SDG&E, Solar Billing Plan, checked September 2026.
- EnergySage, net metering in SDG&E territory (a third-party estimate), checked September 2026.
- 211 San Diego, public safety power shutoffs, checked September 2026.
- CPUC, public safety power shutoffs, checked September 2026.
- Solar and Resilience Basics, US Department of Energy, checked September 2026.
- CPUC, California Solar Consumer Protection Guide, checked September 2026.
- CPUC Decision 24-05-028, 2024.
- pv magazine USA, California Supreme Court declines to hear rooftop solar billing case, June 10, 2026.
