Buying solar isn't like buying a fridge — it's a 25-year decision involving your roof, your utility, your taxes and a contractor you'll want around for the long haul. The good news: the process is straightforward once you know the seven steps. Here's how to do it right in California.
Step 1 — Start with your electric bill
Before you talk to anyone, pull up the last 12 months of your electric bills. Two numbers matter most: your annual kilowatt-hour (kWh) usage and your rate plan. Almost every Southern California Edison, LADWP and PG&E customer is now on a time-of-use plan, where power costs the most from 4–9 p.m. A good solar design is built around when you use power, not just how much — so this is the foundation for everything that follows.
Step 2 — Decide what you want solar to do
Be honest about your goal, because it changes the design:
- Lower the bill — the classic reason. Offset your usage and stop riding annual rate hikes.
- Backup power — keep the lights, fridge and AC on during outages. This means adding a battery.
- Electrify — cover an EV, heat pump or pool pump you're adding. Size up now so you're not re-permitting later.
Step 3 — Get the system sized right
Bigger isn't automatically better. Under California's Net Billing Tariff (NEM 3.0), exporting extra power back to the grid pays far less than it used to — so the smart move is sizing the system around the energy you'll actually use, often paired with a battery to store midday sun for the expensive evening. A reputable installer will base your size on your real usage history, your roof's orientation and shading, and your goals — not a one-size-fits-all guess.
Step 4 — Choose how you'll pay
There are three common paths, each with trade-offs (we go deeper in $0 Down, PPA, or Cash?):
- Cash — lowest lifetime cost, fastest payback, you own the system outright.
- Solar loan — $0 down, you still own the system; the monthly payment is often less than your old bill.
- Prepaid PPA / lease — a third party owns the system; you buy the power. Heading into 2026 this is the path that still captures the federal tax credit, since the provider claims it and passes the savings along.
Incentives shifted in 2026 — read what actually changed before you assume a 30% credit applies to your situation.
Step 5 — Vet the installer (this matters most)
The panels on the market are mostly excellent. The biggest variable in whether you're happy in ten years is who installs and stands behind it. Ask every company:
- Are you licensed? Look for an active California CSLB license (ours is #508902). Verify it at cslb.ca.gov.
- How long have you been in business? The industry saw major national installers go bankrupt in 2024–2026, orphaning customers' warranties. Longevity is a feature — ACS has installed across SoCal since 1983.
- Do you use in-house crews or subcontractors? In-house teams generally mean tighter quality control and clearer accountability.
- What's the warranty — and will you be here to honor it? A 25-year warranty is only worth as much as the company behind it.
Step 6 — Understand permitting & the timeline
A proper installer handles the paperwork for you: engineering, city/county building permits, and utility interconnection. Typical timelines run a few weeks to a couple of months from signing to "Permission to Operate" (PTO), depending on your jurisdiction and utility. You should never be left chasing permits yourself.
Step 7 — Know what happens after install
Once the system passes inspection and your utility grants PTO, you can switch it on. From there you'll want: a way to monitor production (most systems include an app), a clear point of contact for service, and documentation of every warranty (panels, inverter, battery and workmanship). Keep these somewhere safe — they matter if you ever sell the home.
The takeaway
Buying solar well comes down to designing around your real usage and rate plan, paying in the way that fits your budget, and choosing an installer who'll still be around to back the work. Do those three things and the panels take care of the rest. ACS has guided Southern California homeowners through exactly this since 1983 — request a free estimate or try the savings estimator to see what makes sense for your home.