Support for Existing SDG&E NEM Solar Customers
Your renewable energy plan depends on when you install your system. A recent decision by the California Public Utilities Commission requires SDG&E to sunset the current NEM 2.0 plan and implement a successor program called the Solar Billing Plan (formally referred to as Net Billing Tariff). Learn more about the decision.
Customers who submit a completed interconnection application on or after April 15, 2023, will take service as Solar Billing Plan customers.
The following information is for customers who have completed the interconnection application on or before April 14, 2023, and are taking service on Net Energy Metering (NEM).
Once you're a Net Energy Metering (NEM) customer, you'll be billed a bit differently. Visit our quick bill guide to get an introduction to how you can read and understand your new bill.
To keep your solar or other renewable system operating at its best, be sure to keep up with basic maintenance. Solar panels in particular require very little upkeep, but occasional cleanings and checkups will maximize your savings.
Watch Your Usage & Generation
You can track your excess energy generation that goes out to the grid, and your incoming usage in My Account. While seasonal fluctuations are to be expected — your Solar system’s output will naturally go down in the winter when there are fewer daylight hours — a professional may be able to diagnose a non-seasonal drop.
Annual Checkups
Solar panels work best when they’re clean and free of debris. Schedule an annual inspection and cleaning, if needed, with a solar professional to make sure your panels are operating at full capacity. Check with your installer to see if your package includes maintenance.
Become an Efficiency Expert
Maintaining and upgrading your home’s or business’ efficiency may mean more excess energy and even generation credits for you. If you haven’t already, take advantage of our efficiency tips and tools.
You’ll have the option to choose a pricing plan when you submit your solar application to us. Otherwise, we’ll automatically enroll you in our default plan for net energy metering customers. There are several factors that can affect which pricing plan will be the best for you such as whether you have an electric car, a pool, or use electric-powered medical equipment at home. Learn more about pricing plans.
Customers interconnecting new systems after April 14, 2023, will be Solar Billing Plan customers. Learn more about the Solar Billing Plan.
Does NEM track the energy my renewable system generates?
NEM doesn’t track all of the energy your renewable system generates; rather, NEM tracks only the surplus energy that flows out of your home or business and into the electric grid. We cannot track or advise how much overall energy your system produces.
How do you calculate my NEM generation credits?
We calculate your NEM generation credits according to the surplus energy your renewable system feeds back into the grid. We’ll credit the wholesale value of that energy into your monthly bill to offset your bill total. If you have more credits than you owe, your credits will roll over to the following month until your annual “true-up” bill.
I’m producing excess energy. Why do I still owe on my bill?
There are a few reasons you’ll still owe a balance on your bill, even after installing a renewable energy system like solar.
The most common reason is that your self-generating system is producing less energy than you’re using. When this happens, any generation credits you earn when your system overproduces may not completely offset the energy you use from the grid — for example, at night when solar panels aren’t creating energy. If you’re using more than your system creates, you’ll still owe for the difference.
You should also know that there are certain fixed charges on your bill that are separate from energy charges, including operating costs, fees and taxes. We charge these to build and maintain the infrastructure that keeps your electricity — and the entire grid — running smoothly and reliably, and to make updates and repairs when necessary.
Does my excess energy roll over, or do I lose it?
Energy credits will be carried forward from month to month until the end of each 12-month cycle, at which point your bill will be “trued up” to determine the balance due, and any unused credits will not be carried forward. To maximize your credits, you will want to monitor your usage throughout the year.
Why can’t I be reimbursed for my leftover generation credits at my true-up?
In some cases, with specific types of credits, you may be eligible for reimbursement for credits that will not roll over into the next 12-month cycle. We invite you to contact customer service to inquire if you’re eligible for any reimbursements.
How do you decide what my excess energy is worth?
When your renewable system exports excess energy into the grid, we compensate you with generation credits at the wholesale market value of that energy. The energy you buy from us is priced at the retail market value, which is typically higher than wholesale, although the pricing of both fluctuates with the market over time.
Why do you do an annual “True-Up” bill for NEM customers?
At the end of each 12-month cycle for NEM customers, we send an annual “true-up” statement. This is when any outstanding balance you owe for the year needs to be paid. Because your NEM bill balance can be positive or negative month to month, depending on your usage and the output of your renewable system, the “true-up” creates a simple way to zero out your balance annually.
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