SB 1196 signed: faster utility hookups for ADUs and EV chargers

Heat pump vs gas furnace: which costs less to run on PG&E?

At October 2026 PG&E prices, a heat pump and a gas furnace cost about the same per unit of heat. Efficiency and your rate plan tip it.

Can you charge an EV from a regular 120V outlet at home?

A standard outlet adds about 2 to 5 miles of range per hour. Here is the math on whether that covers your driving, and how to do it safely.

Microinverters, optimizers or string inverter: which fits your roof?

The inverter on a solar quote affects shade losses, panel monitoring, warranties and battery options. Here is how the three types compare.

What is a solar true-up bill? How PG&E's annual NEM bill works

PG&E settles a year of solar credits and charges in one true-up bill. Here is how it is calculated and how to avoid a surprise.

Sunday, October 11

Can your EV power your home? PG&E's V2X program and California law

PG&E now pays up to $2,500 upfront, more in some areas, for approved bidirectional EV and charger pairs. Enrollment runs through June 30, 2027.

Solar loan dealer fees: why the loan costs more than the cash price

Many solar loans add a hidden fee of 10% to 30% or more to the price. Ask for the cash price in writing and compare it with the loan amount.

Heat pump steaming or blowing cool air? Defrost mode explained

Steam from the outdoor unit, a whoosh and a short pause in heat are usually defrost mode at work. Here is what is normal and when to call for service.

How long do solar panels last, and how much power do they lose?

Most panels lose about 0.5% of their output a year and are built for 25 to 30 years. The inverter usually needs replacing first.

Medical Baseline in California: who qualifies and how to apply

If someone at home relies on powered medical equipment or needs heating or cooling for a condition, PG&E and SCE offer extra low-priced power. No income limit.

Saturday, October 10

California's 2025 energy code: new rules for AC and window swaps

California's 2025 Energy Code applies to permits filed since Jan. 1, 2026. Replacement heat pumps and ACs need verified airflow and refrigerant charge.

GoGreen Home loans in California: rates, terms and who qualifies

California's GoGreen Home program helps credit unions offer energy upgrade loans with terms up to 15 years, or 20 with solar, and no lien on your home.

How to check your attic insulation and air leaks before winter

If attic insulation sits at or below the floor joists, you likely need more. A flashlight, a ruler and 20 minutes will tell you.

Home battery or generator for power outages? Costs and tradeoffs

Generators run as long as fuel lasts but need fuel, upkeep and careful placement. Batteries are quiet and fuel-free but cost more and run for hours, not days.

SCE's October 2026 rate change: what it means for your bill

SCE's average residential rate rose to 34.5 cents per kWh on Oct. 1, 2026, about $2.79 a month for a typical 500 kWh home.

Friday, October 9

PG&E's 2027 rate case: what it could mean for your bill

PG&E asked the CPUC for $1.24 billion more in 2027. A proposed decision would make 2027 rates retroactive to Jan. 1 even if approval comes later.

Is the SGIP battery rebate still available in California in 2026?

Most SGIP battery budgets were scheduled through 2025. The income-qualified solar and storage equity budget remains, but it shows a waitlist.

Best heat pump thermostat settings for winter, and what to avoid

Heat pumps run best at a steady setting. Deep nightly setbacks and the auto mode can raise your bill instead of lowering it.

Do solar panels need cleaning in California? What the data shows

A UC San Diego study of 186 California systems found dust cut output by only 7.4% after 145 days without rain. Most homes rarely need a wash.

Budget billing in California: how PG&E, SCE and SDG&E level pay works

Budget billing spreads your yearly energy costs into steady monthly payments. It does not lower the total, and solar customers on NEM cannot join.

Thursday, October 8

SB 222 signed: what California's heat pump permit law changes

SB 222, signed Sept. 28, 2026, brings online permits, remote inspections and limits on HOA bans for heat pump swaps in existing California homes.

PACE financing for solar in California: how it works and the risks

PACE adds the cost of solar or other upgrades to your property tax bill and puts a lien on your home. Here are California's limits and cancellation rights.

Heat pump dryers: are they worth it, and can one replace gas?

Heat pump dryers use roughly 28% to 60% less energy than standard dryers and need no vent. Some combo units run on a regular 120-volt outlet.

How long does a home battery last? How to read the warranty

Major home battery warranties run 10 to 15 years, but they guarantee only part of the original capacity and can end early with heavy use.

EV, battery or heat pump? California's electric home rate plans

PG&E, SCE and SDG&E offer time-of-use plans for homes with an EV, battery or heat pump. Here is who qualifies and how the prices compare.

Wednesday, October 7

California's community solar bill AB 1813 was vetoed: what it means

Newsom vetoed AB 1813 on Sept. 30, 2026, citing ratepayer costs. Renters still lack a broad community solar option in California.

Selling a house with solar: leased, financed or owned panels

Owned panels usually transfer with the house. A lease, PPA or solar loan needs a plan before you list: transfer, buyout or payoff.

Ductless mini-split or ducted heat pump: which fits your home?

Ducted systems suit homes with good ductwork; ductless mini-splits fit homes without ducts, additions and rooms that never feel right.

Should you replace your roof before installing solar panels?

If an asphalt roof is past about 10 years old, consider replacing it first, since removing and reinstalling panels later can cost $7,000 or more.

No Climate Credit this October? Why it moved to August and September

In 2026, PG&E, SCE and SDG&E paid the electric Climate Credit on August and September bills, so October bills will not show one.

Tuesday, October 6

AB 2313: Incentives to go electric when your gas line is replaced

Newsom signed the Home Energy Choice Act. By 2028, homes whose gas service line is due for replacement can get an incentive to go electric instead.

California's solar property tax break ends Jan. 1, 2027: what to know

Solar finished in 2026 stays out of your property tax assessment until the home changes hands. Solar completed in 2027 or later no longer gets that exclusion.

What size heat pump do I need? Why a Manual J matters

Square-foot rules of thumb often get heat pump size wrong. A Manual J load calculation sizes it to your house, which protects comfort and your bill.

Can you add a battery to NEM 2.0 solar without losing your rate?

Usually yes. PG&E says a battery can be added later without losing NEM 2.0, but adding much more solar can move you to the newer, lower-paying tariff.

How to download your hourly electricity use from PG&E or SDG&E

Your smart meter records your use every 15 minutes or hour. The Green Button download turns it into a file that shows when and where your money goes.

Monday, October 5

California's new virtual power plant laws: what battery owners get

Newsom signed SB 913 and SB 905 on September 29, opening a path for pooled home batteries to be paid for grid value. Rules come by mid-2028.

How to cancel a solar contract in California: your right to cancel

You have at least three business days to cancel a home solar contract in California, or five if you are 65 or older. Here is how to use that window.

Switching from a gas stove to induction: costs, wiring and rebates

Induction sends about 85% of its heat into the pan, versus about a third for gas. Here is what the switch involves in a California kitchen.

Do solar panels work during a power outage? What you need for backup

Most grid-tied solar shuts off when the grid goes down. To keep power on, you need a battery that can island, or an inverter with a daytime backup outlet.