FAQ & Resources

Yes. We are NABCEP certified.  NABCEP certifications demonstrate expertise, experience, and commitment to quality and safety in the renewable energy field. 

Absolutely. You can find the majority of our customer reviews, many which include photos of our solar installations, on yelp at https://www.yelp.com/biz/magic-sun-solar-loomis. We’ve also included photos of past solar installation projects on this website, and on our social media pages.

Yes. We assist our clients with all city/county permitting and interconnections related to our solar installation.

Our installation crew is in-house.  We never use sub-contractors.  Each installation is overseen by our experienced professional management team.

Yes. We are NABCEP certified.  NABCEP certifications demonstrate expertise, experience, and commitment to quality and safety in the renewable energy field. 

Absolutely. You can find the majority of our customer reviews, many which include photos of our solar installations, on yelp at https://www.yelp.com/biz/magic-sun-solar-loomis. We’ve also included photos of past solar installation projects on this website, and on our social media pages.

Yes. We assist our clients with all city/county permitting and interconnections related to our solar installation.

Our installation crew is in-house.  We never use sub-contractors.  Each installation is overseen by our experienced professional management team.

Yes, the solar panels of the manufacturer’s we recommend offer good heat resistance and high efficiency.  Modern solar panels are engineered to handle heat and can withstand ambient temperatures up to 149 degrees Fahrenheit (65°C) without overheating. In addition, the newer solar panel models are highly efficient in converting sunlight into electricity, with some panels now reach efficiency levels of 24.1%.

California’s abundant sunshine and relatively moderate temperatures, especially in the fall and winter, make it an ideal location for solar power generation.

• Panasonic offers a 25-year warranty on their solar panels, known as the AllGuard and TripleGuard, which covers product defects, performance output, and labor. This warranty is comprehensive, also extending to Enphase microinverters, and Unirac or IronRidge mounting systems.
• REC Solar panels come with a 20-year product warranty and a 25-year performance warranty. If you use a certified REC installer, the product warranty can be extended to 25 years. Additionally, all REC panels are eligible for the REC ProTrust warranty, which offers a comprehensive package with 25-year warranties for product, power, and labor.
• Silfab Solar offers a 25-year limited product warranty and a 30-year linear performance warranty on their solar panels. The performance warranty guarantees that the panels will produce at least 82.6% of their original output after 30 years.
• Hanwha Q CELLS solar panels typically come with a 25-year linear performance warranty and a 12-year product warranty. This means they guarantee the panel will maintain a certain level of power output for 25 years and will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for 12 years.
• Solar4America solar panels typically come with a 25-year product and performance warranty. This warranty covers both the physical quality of the panel and its power output with expected annual degradation of .05%.

Please keep in mind that solar manufacturer warranties can change due to varied factors, including technology advancements, market competition, and evolving consumer expectations. 

To answer that accurately, we’d need to know which utility company you’re referring to (e.g., PG&E, SMUD, SCE, SDG&E, etc.) and ideally your rate plan or general location (such as your ZIP code). Rules for battery storage and incentives can vary significantly depending on:

• Net billing/net metering policies (NEM 3.0 or others)
• Time-of-use (TOU) rate structures
• Grid export compensation
• Incentives like the Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP)

Is Battery Storage Recommended in California?
Short Answer: Yes — Especially Under NEM 3.0

Under California’s current NEM 3.0 rules (applies to PG&E, SCE, and SDG&E):

• Solar customers are paid far less for excess electricity sent to the grid.
• Battery storage helps you store energy during the day and use it when rates are high (e.g., evenings), maximizing savings.
• Batteries help reduce dependency on less favorable export rates.

Exceptions:

• SMUD customers (e.g., in Sacramento): NEM 3.0 does not apply; solar without storage still makes decent financial sense — though batteries are still useful for backup and TOU optimization.
• LADWP (Los Angeles) and some municipal utilities have their own solar rules — batteries may not be as financially necessary but still provide value.

Federal Incentives

• Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
  • 30% tax credit for residential and commercial solar systems through 2032
  • Includes solar panels, battery storage (if charged by solar), and installation costs
  • Available for owned systems (not leased or PPA)

California State & Local Incentives

• Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP)
  • Cash rebates for installing battery storage systems
  • Incentives increase for:
    • Low-income households
    • Customers in high fire-threat districts
    • Customers with medical baseline needs or frequent PSPS (Public Safety Power Shutoffs)
  • Managed by utilities: PG&E, SCE, SDG&E, SoCalGas
• Property Tax Exclusion for Solar Energy Systems
  • Newly installed solar systems are excluded from property tax reassessment through 2026
• Local Utility Solar Rebate Programs (varies by utility)
  • Some municipal utilities offer their own programs. Examples:
    • SMUD (Sacramento):
      • Rebates for solar + storage projects, especially under low-income or energy equity programs
    • LADWP (Los Angeles):
      • Rebates under the Solar Rooftop Program and other clean energy initiatives

General Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for SGIP battery rebates in California, you must:

• Be a customer of an investor-owned utility (IOU):
  • PG&E
  • Southern California Edison (SCE)
  • San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E)
  • Southern California Gas (SoCalGas)
• Install an eligible battery storage system, such as:
  • Tesla Powerwall
  • Enphase IQ Battery
  • Other SGIP-approved products
• Use the battery primarily for on-site energy use, peak shaving, or backup (not just to sell power back to the grid)

Increased Incentives (Equity & Resiliency Rebates)

Some customers qualify for higher rebate levels, including free or nearly free battery installations, if they meet one or more of the following:

Equity SGIP Incentive
You may qualify if:

• Your household income is below 80% of area median income, or
• You live in disadvantaged communities (DACs) as defined by CalEnviroScreen
• You are a participant in programs like CARE or FERA

Equity Resiliency SGIP Incentive
This is the highest incentive level, and you qualify if:

• You are medical baseline or have life-supporting medical equipment, and
• You live in a Tier 2 or Tier 3 High Fire Threat District (HFTD) or have experienced 2+ Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS)

How to Check Your Eligibility

• Use the SGIP Portal or contact your utility for help
• You’ll need to apply through an approved contractor or self-install and apply directly

The popular solar financing options are listed next. All things considered, a cash purchase is best ROI if you can afford it.  Otherwise we’d recommend a solar loan with $0 down – combines ownership benefits with affordable monthly payments.

Solar Loans

• Ownership: You own the system and can claim the 30% federal tax credit (ITC)
• Loan Types: Secured (home equity) or unsecured personal loans
• Terms: Typically 5–25 years, with fixed or variable interest
• Popular lenders: Mosaic, GoodLeap, Sunlight Financial, Dividend, and local credit unions
• Recommended for: Homeowners who want long-term savings and ownership benefits

Cash Purchase

• Ownership: Full ownership with no loan payments
• Maximum savings: Highest return over time
• Tax credit: You claim 100% of the 30% federal tax credit
• Recommended for: Homeowners with sufficient funds who want the lowest lifetime cost

Solar Leases

• Ownership: Solar provider owns the system
• Payments: Fixed monthly lease payments regardless of energy use
• Tax credit: Not available to you (claimed by the provider)
• Little/no upfront cost, but lower overall savings
• Recommended for: Customers who can’t qualify for loans or prefer not to own

Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)

• Ownership: Provider owns the system; you pay per kWh used
• Lower electricity cost than utility rates, but savings may be modest
• Tax credit: Goes to the provider
• Recommended for: Those who want solar without upfront costs and no maintenance responsibilities

Local and Utility Financing Programs

• PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) – available in some areas, repaid via property taxes
• SMUD Solar Financing – SMUD may offer special rates or rebates for solar and battery projects

Under California’s Net Billing Tariff (NEM 3.0), which took effect on April 15, 2023, the savings on your utility bill from installing solar panels depend significantly on whether you pair your system with battery storage.

Solar-Only Systems

For systems without battery storage, the compensation for excess electricity sent back to the grid has decreased by approximately 75% compared to previous net metering policies. This means that while you still save money by using your own solar energy, the reduced export rates can lead to lower overall savings. Estimates suggest that solar-only systems under NEM 3.0 can reduce electricity bills by about 55% to 70%, depending on various factors such as system size, energy consumption patterns, and local utility rates.

Solar Plus Battery Storage

Adding battery storage to your solar system allows you to store excess energy generated during the day for use during peak evening hours when electricity rates are higher. This strategy minimizes the amount of energy you need to purchase from the grid and maximizes the use of your own solar power. Homeowners who install solar panels with battery storage can achieve up to a 92% reduction in their electricity bills. ​

Maximizing Savings

To optimize your savings under NEM 3.0:

• Consider battery storage: Storing and using your own solar energy during peak hours increases savings.
• Shift energy usage: Use high-energy appliances during daylight hours when your solar system is producing power.
• System sizing: Work with a solar professional to size your system appropriately based on your energy needs and consumption patterns.​

While the changes under NEM 3.0 have reduced the compensation for excess solar energy, installing solar panels—especially when paired with battery storage—continues to offer significant savings on electricity bills in California.

Yes, when installed by a licensed contractor, your solar panels will comply with California’s updated fire codes and mounting requirements. Here’s how:​

California Fire Code Compliance for Solar Panels

California has stringent fire safety regulations for solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, outlined in the 2022 California Fire Code (Title 24, Part 9) and the California Residential Code. Key requirements include:​

• Fire Classification: Rooftop-mounted PV systems must be tested, listed, and identified with a fire classification (Class A, B, or C) in accordance with UL 2703.
• Access and Pathways: Residential buildings with hip, ridge, or valley roof features must provide a 3-foot access pathway away from the eave to these features. PV arrays should not be located higher than 3 feet below the ridge to allow for adequate smoke ventilation. ​
• Array Dimensions: PV arrays should not exceed 150 feet in any horizontal dimension.
• Marking and Labeling: DC conductors must be properly marked, and signage should be placed to identify the presence of a solar electric system, aiding first responders during emergencies.

Mounting and Installation Standards

Solar panels must be installed following the manufacturer’s instructions and comply with structural load requirements. The mounting systems should be designed to withstand environmental factors like wind and seismic loads, as per the California Building Code.

Ensuring Compliance

To ensure your solar installation meets all fire codes and mounting requirements:

• Hire a Licensed Contractor: Our installers are familiar with local codes and ensure the system is installed correctly.​
• Obtain Necessary Permits: Our contractors will secure all required building and electrical permits.​
• Inspection: After installation, local authorities will inspect the system to verify compliance with all applicable codes.

Yes. Installing solar panels on the ground—known as a ground-mounted solar system—requires a bit more space and preparation than rooftop systems, but it offers flexibility and higher efficiency in many cases. Here’s what you need:

Adequate Land Space:
You’ll need a clear, sunny area—ideally south-facing—with no shading from trees or structures. A typical 5 kW system may require 300 to 600 square feet or more, depending on the design and spacing.

Mounting Structure:
Panels are mounted on steel posts or concrete piers using either fixed-tilt racking or more advanced tracking systems that follow the sun. Your installer will help determine the best type based on your site conditions and energy goals.

Permits and Inspections:
You’ll need building and electrical permits, and in some areas, zoning approval. After installation, your local jurisdiction will inspect the system to ensure it meets code and safety standards.

Electrical and Utility Interconnection:
Wiring typically runs underground to your home’s main service panel. The installation must comply with national and local electrical codes, and you’ll also need approval from your utility for grid connection.

Inverter and Monitoring Equipment:
Just like rooftop systems, ground-mounted arrays require inverters (to convert DC to AC power) and monitoring tools so you can track performance and production.

Code Compliance:
Systems must adhere to California’s building, fire, and electrical codes. This includes proper setbacks, equipment labeling, and fire safety clearances.

Optional but Recommended:

• Protective fencing to keep animals or unauthorized individuals away
• Landscaping or visual screening if aesthetics or HOA rules are a concern
• Battery backup to maximize energy savings and provide emergency power

If you have space on your property and want maximum efficiency and accessibility, ground-mounted solar may be a smart solution.

Not usually — but it depends on your roofing materials and the installer. Most reputable solar installations do not void your roof warranty if done correctly. That said, there are a few important things to keep in mind:

How It’s Typically Handled:

Certified Installers:
Solar contractors are trained to follow roofing manufacturer guidelines. Many work with or are certified by roofing manufacturers to ensure warranty compliance.

Roof Type Matters:
Common roofing materials like asphalt shingles are generally safe to install on, as long as the roof is in good condition. More delicate materials like clay or slate tile may have stricter guidelines or require specialty mounting methods.

Penetrations and Flashing:
Mounting hardware is sealed using flashing systems designed to prevent leaks. If this is done improperly, it could affect your warranty—another reason to choose a licensed, experienced installer.

Supplemental Warranty or Coverage:
Reputable solar companies often offer a workmanship warranty (10–25 years) that covers any roof penetrations they make. This adds protection beyond your original roof warranty.

Roofing Company Coordination (Best Practice):
If your roof is under warranty from a specific roofing contractor, it’s best to check with them first. Some may even inspect the roof after installation to maintain your coverage or offer a re-certification.

Bottom line: Installing solar usually won’t void your roof warranty—as long as it’s done properly by a qualified contractor and your roof is in good condition. Always check with both your solar provider and your roofing manufacturer to ensure everyone’s on the same page.