Solar + Battery Payment Options · PG&E · SCE · SDG&E · SMUD
Don't Pay Full Price for Solar + Battery in California. Here's How Smart Homeowners Pay Now.
Your options have changed. You can prepay at about 30% off and own the system at year 6, go $0 down with a loan you own from day one, or pay only for the power you use. Ed walks you through which one fits your home and your budget.
- 400+ California installs
- Tesla Certified install partner
- Statewide: PG&E, SCE, SDG&E, SMUD
- Ed checks your address for extra discounts
Quick Answer
California homeowners pay for solar and battery four main ways today: a Maxwell Power prepaid plan at about 30% off, a $0-down loan you own from day one, a $0-down power purchase agreement, or cash. The prepaid plan has the lowest upfront price, and you can take ownership at year 6 at no extra cost.
Quick Answers
What are the best ways to pay for solar and a battery in California?
Solar With Watts helps homeowners near you across California, from PG&E and SMUD in the north to SCE and SDG&E in the south, pick the payment option that fits. Here are the three questions we hear most.
What's the cheapest way to get solar and a battery in California?
A prepaid plan. Maxwell Power's prepaid plan takes about 30 percent off the upfront price, and you can take ownership at year 6 at no extra cost.
How the prepaid plan works →Can I get solar with no money down in California?
Yes. A Travis Credit Union loan or a power purchase agreement both start at $0 down. You can also finance a prepaid plan instead of paying cash.
See the $0-down options →Do I own my solar system with a prepaid plan?
Yes, at year 6. Maxwell Power owns, insures and maintains the system for six years. Then you can take full ownership at no extra cost.
What your contract says →What Changed
Why does buying solar outright cost more in California now?
Buying solar outright now means paying full price. Since January 1, 2026, federal rules no longer give homeowners a discount on systems they buy with cash or a loan.
Programs where a company owns the system first still qualify for that discount. The best ones, like the Maxwell Power prepaid plan, pass it to you upfront and hand you ownership later. Meanwhile, California's residential electricity prices remain among the highest in the country, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. So how you pay now matters almost as much as what you install.
Buying with cash or a loan
You own it on day one, at full price
You own the system and any ownership-based rebates go to you. But there is no longer a federal discount on a system you buy yourself.
Prepaid plan
About 30% off upfront, yours at year 6
Maxwell Power owns, insures and maintains the system for six years. Then you can take ownership at no extra cost. See how it works.
Battery matters more now
Store your solar instead of selling it cheap
Under NEM 3.0 (California's current net metering rule), extra solar sent to the grid earns far less. A battery lets you use it at night instead.
Compare Your Options
How do the 5 ways to pay for solar and a battery compare?
Every option below works for solar, a battery, or both. The big differences are what you pay upfront, who owns the system and whether you keep battery rebates that require ownership.
Swipe sideways to see the full table →
| Option | Upfront | Monthly | Who owns it | Maintenance | Ownership-based battery rebates | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Most popular Maxwell Power prepaid plan Solar, battery or both | About 30% off the upfront price. Pay cash or finance it through Travis Credit Union or Credit Human. | No monthly payment to Maxwell. A fixed loan payment if you finance. | Maxwell for 6 years, then you can take ownership at no extra cost | Maxwell insures, monitors and maintains it for 6 years | Yes. Works with SMUD and Clean Power Alliance battery rebates. | Most homeowners who want the lowest price and to own it later. Some addresses get an extra discount. |
| $0 down Loan you own Travis Credit Union or GoGreen Home | $0 down | Fixed loan payment, sized to your system | You, from day one | You, with manufacturer and workmanship warranties | Yes. The rebates go to you. | Owning the system from day one without using savings |
| $0 down Power purchase agreement (PPA) LightReach, GoodLeap, EnFin | $0 | A monthly rate for the power. Some plans rise each year. | The provider, for the life of the agreement | The provider | No. The provider owns the system. | No upfront cost and no interest in owning the system |
| Own outright Cash purchase Pay in full | Full price | None | You, from day one | You, with manufacturer and workmanship warranties | Yes. The rebates go to you. | Homeowners with cash on hand who want no payments at all |
| Fallback PACE financing Approval based mainly on home equity | $0 upfront | Added to your property tax bill | You. The assessment is tied to the property. | You | Yes. You own the system. | Homeowners who don't qualify for a standard loan. It can complicate selling or refinancing. |
Loan approval, rates and terms depend on the lender, your credit and your system size. Rebate eligibility depends on your utility and program funding. This table shows how each option is structured, not guaranteed rates. See every lender we work with on our payment options page, or start your free estimate to see which options fit your home.
Most Popular Option
How does the Maxwell Power prepaid plan work?
You pay once, at about 30 percent off the upfront price. Maxwell Power owns and cares for the system for six years. Then you can take ownership at no extra cost. It works for solar only, a battery only, or solar and a battery together.
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Pick your system and prepay
Choose solar, a battery, or both. Pay about 30% less upfront in cash, or finance the prepayment through Travis Credit Union or Credit Human.
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It gets installed
Mars Home Solutions, a Tesla Certified Installer, handles permits, installation and utility approval. Ed stays on your project from design to power-on.
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Maxwell covers years 1 to 6
Maxwell Power owns the system and insures, monitors and maintains it, with a production guarantee. You use the power.
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Year 6: it can be yours
Maxwell sends a Transfer Notice. You can take full ownership at no extra cost, and the warranties transfer to you.
Does my address get an extra discount?
It might. Homes in certain federally designated energy communities can get an additional discount on top of the prepaid price. It depends on exactly where your home is.
There is no instant online check for this. Enter your address in the free solar estimator, and Ed checks your home personally.
What should I know before I sign?
- Maxwell owns the system for the first six years, so you aren't the owner until year 6.
- If you sell your home before year 6, the buyer takes over the agreement.
- It still works with ownership-based battery rebates, like SMUD's and Clean Power Alliance's.
Already have a Maxwell quote? Read what your contract really says before you sign.
Want the full details? How the Maxwell Power prepaid plan works →
$0-Down Options
How can I get solar and a battery with $0 down in California?
You have two main $0-down paths. A credit union loan lets you own the system from day one. A power purchase agreement lets you pay only for the power, with no ownership. Here's how they differ.
Own it from day one
Travis Credit Union loan
Go Green loan, part of California's GoGreen Home program
Down payment
$0 down
Ownership
Day one
- Unsecured loan, with no home equity needed
- Covers solar paired with a battery, or a battery added to solar you already have
- Ownership-based battery rebates go to you
- Can also finance a Maxwell prepaid plan instead of paying cash
- Credit approval and credit union membership required
Credit Human is available as an alternate lender. Learn more about California's GoGreen Home program.
Pay only for the power
Power purchase agreement
LightReach, GoodLeap and EnFin
Down payment
$0
Ownership
Provider
- Covers solar, or solar and a battery
- A monthly rate for the power your system makes. Some plans rise each year.
- The provider maintains the system
- If it produces less than promised, you get a bill credit for the shortfall
- Doesn't qualify for battery rebates that require ownership
Credit requirements vary by provider. LightReach requires a 650+ credit score. How solar PPAs work in California →
When other options don't fit: PACE financing. PACE approval is based mainly on your home equity and ability to pay, and you repay it through your property tax bill. It can make selling or refinancing harder, so we only suggest it after the options above. How PACE financing works →
Battery Rebates
Which payment options still get California battery rebates?
Most local battery rebates require you to own the system, or to have a contract that's paid off like a purchase. The Maxwell prepaid plan, a loan and cash all qualify. A power purchase agreement does not, because the provider owns the battery. Here's where each rebate stands.
Swipe sideways to see the full table →
| Utility / program | Battery rebate | Maxwell prepaid | Loan or cash | PPA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SMUD Sacramento area | $300 per kWh, up to $6,000 per household Requires SMUD's Solar and Storage Rate. SMUD program details | Yes, it stacks | Yes | No |
| Clean Power Alliance SCE area, LA and Ventura counties | Up to $3,500 For a battery paired with solar, if you don't already have one. You submit the application, and we help with the paperwork. CPA program details | Yes, it stacks | Yes | No |
| PG&E Permanent Battery Storage Rebate Qualifying PG&E outage-area homes | $7,500, while funding lasts First-come, first-served, and this year's funding is nearly used up. Don't count on it until Ed confirms it for your address. PG&E program details | Qualifies, if funding remains | Qualifies, if funding remains | No |
| San Diego Community Power and Clean Energy Alliance SDG&E area community power providers | Battery rebates may be available Amounts and funding change. Ed checks what applies to your address. | Ed confirms for your home | Ed confirms for your home | No |
No battery rebate where you live? Start with a smaller one.
PG&E and SCE also offer rebates on portable backup batteries for outage-prone homes. See the PG&E portable battery rebate or the SCE portable power station rebate. For every program in one place, see our California solar incentives guide.
Rebate amounts come from each program's website and can change or run out at any time. Rebates are paid by the program, not by Solar With Watts. Want to know what your home qualifies for? Start your free estimate and Ed will check your address.
Free Second Opinion
Already have a solar quote? How do you know if it's a good deal?
Send it to Ed for a free review before you sign. Quotes from any installer are welcome, including ones that aren't ours.
Two quotes for the same home can look alike and still cost very different amounts over time. The difference is usually in how you pay, not the panels. Ed has 10 years of California solar experience and 400+ installs behind him. He'll tell you what yours really says, in plain English, with no pressure.
Book a Free Quote ReviewHave a Maxwell Power or HDM quote? Read what your contract really says first.
6 things to check on any solar quote
- Who owns the system, and when?Day one with a loan or cash, year 6 with a Maxwell prepaid plan, or never with a power purchase agreement.
- Does the monthly rate go up each year?Some power purchase agreements rise every year. Ask for the rate in year 1 and year 20.
- Is a battery included, and is it the right size?Under NEM 3.0, a battery that covers your evening use is where most of the savings are.
- Which rebates does the quote count on?Make sure each one is still funded and that your payment option qualifies. See the rebate table above.
- Is there a dealer fee built into the loan?Some low-rate solar loans add a fee to the system price. Ask for the cash price and the financed price side by side.
- Who actually installs it?Check the installer's license on the CSLB license lookup before you sign anything.
Already Have Solar?
Can I add just a battery to the solar I already have?
Yes. You can add a battery to your existing solar with a Maxwell prepaid plan, a credit union loan or cash. You don't need new panels. A battery lets you use your own solar at night and keeps your lights on when the grid goes down.
Lowest upfront price
Battery-only prepaid plan
The Maxwell Power prepaid plan covers a battery on its own, like a Tesla Powerwall 3. You get about 30% off upfront, and some addresses qualify for an extra discount. Ed checks yours.
$0 down, own it day one
Credit union loan
A Travis Credit Union Go Green loan covers a battery added to solar you already have. Battery rebates that require ownership go to you.
No payments
Cash purchase
Buy the battery outright and own it from day one. You keep every ownership-based rebate your utility offers.
Why add a battery now?
- Use your own solar during the expensive 4 to 9 p.m. peak instead of buying power from the grid.
- Keep your fridge, Wi-Fi and lights running through shutoffs. Ed runs his own home on a Tesla Powerwall.
- Local battery rebates may still apply. See the rebate table above.
Will a battery change my solar plan?
- Usually not. Ed reviews how a battery fits your current net metering plan, including NEM 2.0, before anything is designed.
- Choose from the Tesla Powerwall 3, Enphase IQ batteries or SolarEdge Home Battery. Compare the batteries.
- Your panels stay as they are. The battery is added alongside them.
See what a battery could save on your bill, and your cost after rebates.
See My Battery SavingsWant the Tesla details? Tesla Powerwall 3 in California →
FAQ
What do California homeowners ask about paying for solar?
What is the cheapest way to get solar in California?
A prepaid plan has the lowest upfront price for most homes. The Maxwell Power prepaid plan takes about 30% off the upfront price. Maxwell owns and maintains the system for six years, then you can take ownership at no extra cost.
Should I buy or lease solar in California?
For most homes, a prepaid plan beats both. Buying with cash or a loan now means paying full price. Monthly plans where a company keeps the system mean you never own it. A prepaid plan takes about 30% off upfront, and you can own the system at year 6.
Can I get solar with no money down in California?
Yes. A Travis Credit Union loan or a power purchase agreement both start at $0 down. With the loan you own the system from day one. With a power purchase agreement, the provider owns it and you pay for the power.
Do I own my solar system with a prepaid plan?
Yes, at year 6. Maxwell Power owns, insures, monitors and maintains the system for the first six years. Then Maxwell sends a Transfer Notice, and you can take full ownership at no extra cost. The warranties transfer to you.
What happens if I sell my house before year 6?
The buyer takes over the agreement. Maxwell keeps owning and maintaining the system until year 6, and then the new owner can take ownership. Ed can walk you and your agent through the transfer.
Can I finance a prepaid solar plan?
Yes. You can pay the prepaid amount in cash or finance it through Travis Credit Union or Credit Human. If you finance it, your only monthly payment is the loan payment. There is no monthly payment to Maxwell.
What credit score do I need for solar financing?
It depends on the option. LightReach power purchase agreements require a 650 or higher credit score. Credit union loans review your credit and membership. PACE financing is based mainly on home equity and ability to pay.
Does a power purchase agreement qualify for battery rebates?
No. Most California battery rebates, including SMUD's and PG&E's, require you to own the system or have a paid-off purchase contract. A prepaid plan, a loan and cash all qualify. A power purchase agreement does not.
Is the PG&E $7,500 battery rebate still available?
Probably not this year. The rebate is first-come, first-served, and funding is nearly used up. If funding remains, a prepaid plan or loan qualifies. PG&E also offers a smaller rebate on portable backup batteries.
Can I add a battery to my existing solar panels?
Yes. A Maxwell prepaid plan, a Travis Credit Union loan or cash can all pay for a battery added to solar you already have. Ed reviews how it fits your current net metering plan, including NEM 2.0, before anything is designed.
How do I know if my home gets the extra energy community discount?
Ed checks your address personally. The extra discount depends on exactly where your home is, and there is no instant online check. Enter your address in the free solar estimator, and Ed will tell you if your home qualifies.
Do I need a battery with solar in California?
For most new systems, yes. Under NEM 3.0, California's current net metering rule, extra solar sent to the grid earns far less. A battery stores it so you can use it during the expensive evening hours.
Near You
Where can I see solar payment options for my city?
Every option on this page is available across California. These city pages show what solar and a battery look like with your local utility.
SMUD
Find out which way to pay saves your home the most.
Start with your address. Ed reviews your free estimate, checks your home for extra discounts and lays out every option you qualify for, side by side.
No pressure and no obligation. Quotes from other installers are welcome.