Solar may be suitable for properties with appropriate roof conditions, available installation area, sunlight exposure, and electrical infrastructure. Roof sections, shading, swimming pools, HVAC equipment, and EV charging needs can affect the proposed system. A property-specific assessment helps determine the appropriate configuration.

Costs depend on system capacity, equipment selection, roof layout and condition, electrical requirements, and any additional work included in the project. We prepare project-specific pricing based on the proposed equipment and installation scope.

Battery installation costs depend on battery capacity, equipment selection, inverter compatibility, electrical modifications, and the intended backup configuration. The proposed equipment and associated costs should be identified in the written project proposal.

A standard grid-connected solar PV system generally shuts down during a grid outage for electrical safety. A compatible battery system with the appropriate backup configuration can supply designated household loads. Available backup capacity and operating duration depend on the installed equipment, battery capacity, and electricity consumption.

Both may appear on your bill. Unincorporated Contra Costa County is an MCE member community, so many customers receive generation service from MCE, while PG&E provides electricity delivery and billing. Customers who have opted out of MCE may receive generation service directly from PG&E. Check your electricity statement to confirm your arrangement.

Eligible customers may be subject to the Solar Billing Plan under California’s Net Billing Tariff. Electricity exported to the grid receives applicable export credits, while imported electricity is billed according to the customer’s rate plan. Actual billing arrangements depend on tariff eligibility, your utility and generation provider, and interconnection circumstances.

No. SolarAPP+ is available for qualifying residential rooftop solar projects in eligible areas of unincorporated Contra Costa County. Eligibility depends on the property location, building type, project configuration, applicable contractor requirements, and County rules. Projects that do not qualify must follow the applicable standard permitting process.

Blackhawk is an unincorporated community in Contra Costa County, so applicable building and electrical permits are handled through the County rather than a city building department. Permit requirements depend on the system design, property, equipment, and electrical work. Separate HOA architectural approval may also apply to properties governed by the Blackhawk Homeowners Association.

For properties governed by the Blackhawk Homeowners Association, applicable exterior modifications are subject to its Architectural Review Committee process. The HOA’s architectural standards specifically address solar panels and Powerwall batteries. HOA approval is separate from the Contra Costa County building permit.

The overall timeline depends on property assessment, system design, equipment availability, applicable HOA requirements, permitting, installation, inspections, and utility interconnection. Project-specific milestones should be established through the project agreement. Approval and processing times are determined by the relevant authorities and utility provider.

A compatible solar PV system can supply electricity for home EV charging. The amount available for vehicle charging depends on solar generation, household electricity demand, charger configuration, and when the vehicle is charged.

Review the contractor’s CSLB license and classification, proposed equipment, written scope of work, itemized pricing, permitting responsibilities, warranty coverage, and contract terms. These details help clarify what is included in the installation and which responsibilities apply to each party.