Stop Buying Cheap Solar Systems: What Cutting Corners Will Cost You

1. Why “Cheap” Doesn’t Cut It Under NEM 3.0

Under NEM 3.0—the current policy in California—exported solar power is credited back to your account at a much lower rate than what you pay when you use electricity from the grid. Today, PG&E customers pay around $0.45 per kWh, but credits are between $0.04 and $0.08 per kWh.

So, if your panels produce more than you can store or use immediately, that excess gets credited at those low rates—not nearly enough to offset your costs. In short: you don’t want to overproduce without somewhere to store energy. That’s why batteries are no longer optional—they’re essential.

2. The Golden Rule: Battery-to-Solar Ratio

To build an effective solar + battery system, here’s the rule of thumb we follow:

• You need at least 2 to 2.5 kWh of usable battery storage for every 1 kW of solar installed.

For example:

• A 10 kW system should have 20 to 25 kWh of usable battery capacity.

This ensures you:

• Store excess solar energy instead of sending it to the grid
• Have enough stored power to get through evenings and peak times
• Avoid expensive grid power usage during peaks or outages

Going smaller? You’ll drain your battery too fast and end up paying full rate for electricity at night—defeating the whole purpose.

3. What Cutting Corners Looks Like

– No battery at all

You’re stuck with buying all your evening energy from PG&E at $0.45/kWh.

– Undersized battery

Maybe cheaper upfront—but you’ll run out of stored energy by 9 p.m. and face expensive utility bills.

– Low-quality components

From low-efficiency panels to sketchy inverters and unknown brand batteries—these often fail early or underperform. Then it’s costly replacements or repairs down the line.

– Poor contractor quality

If the company that installed your system flies under the radar or vanishes when problems pop up—you’ll be forced to foot the bill for fixes.

4. The Real Cost of “Bad Solar”

Let’s do a quick comparison:

A quality system with proper sizing and components pays for itself and then saves you tens of thousands—especially with rising utility rates. A cheap system? You’ll still get a few years of savings, but early on you’ll pay more, get less, and have a shorter lifespan.

5. Why Batteries Are Non‑Negotiable

Under NEM 3.0, batteries are no longer nice-to-have—they’re required if you want real savings and independence.

Here’s what a properly sized battery pairing gets you:

• Peak-time energy use (4–9 p.m.) with stored solar rather than grid power
• Off-grid backup during power outages
• Significant reduction in your monthly bills
• Full utilization of your solar production—with minimal waste

Without the right battery, your system becomes a compromised investment, paying less than you hoped and protecting less of your home.

6. What Quality Looks Like

At Supreme Solar and Electric, every system we build includes:

• Tier‑1 solar panels: high efficiency, high temp performance, long warranties
• High-quality batteries (like Neovolta, Enphase, Tesla Powerwall) with full usable capacity
• Smart inverters with power control for safety and performance
• Professional installation: correct wiring, code compliance, and monitoring
• Local support: we’re here for you years after install

We don’t do minimal systems—we do systems that last 25+ years and deliver real results.

7. Real‑World Example

Let’s look at a typical home in Fresno:

• Usage: 15,000 kWh/year
• Solar system: 8 kW
• Battery: 20 kWh usable
• All-in cost (after tax credit): ~$28,000
• Cost per kWh: ~$0.19

That gives the homeowner production below utility rates, stable payments, and full coverage—even during peak time and cloudy weather.

Go cheap? You might save $5,000 upfront, but you’ll pay more in grid power, lose backup, and run into issues sooner.

8. How to Avoid a “Cheap” System

Ask about component brands

Always review panels, batteries, inverters—ask for datasheets and track records.

Require sizing transparency

Ensure you have 2–2.5 kWh battery per 1 kW solar. Anything less? Red flag.

Demand system modeling

Look at production charts—daytime, peak, nighttime—and ensure there’s coverage across all.

Verify installation credentials

Only hire licensed, insured, and local solar companies with strong reviews and support.

Understand the financials

Know your all-in cost per kWh, and compare that to PG&E rates. Pick systems with >10% margin.

9. Don’t Let “Cheap” Cost You More

A quality solar + battery system pays, performs, and protects. A “cheap” one? Not so much.

Here’s what you stand to lose:

• High peak-time grid bills
• No backup during outages
• Lower savings, shorter lifespans
• Headaches with components that fail or underperform

Invest smart. Size right. Choose quality. That’s how solar becomes your best long-term energy move.

10. Take Action—Today

• Stop chasing the cheapest quote
• Start asking about battery sizing and system modeling
• Choose a contractor who stands by their work

We’re seeing homeowners in Fresno, Clovis, and the Valley save 40–60% on their electric bills. You can too—with the right system.