San Francisco Whole Home Electrification Decision Pack
Heat Pump HVACHeat Pump Water HeaterEV Charger InstallationSolar PanelsBattery StorageElectrical Panel Upgrade
What this pack covers
This Decision Pack covers a coordinated Heat Pump HVAC, Heat Pump Water Heater, EV Charger Installation, Solar Panels, Battery Storage, and Electrical Panel Upgrade project in San Francisco, CA.
It assembles cost ranges, incentive eligibility, permit requirements, and the questions to ask before signing a contract. Every dollar figure and incentive shown is dated and sourced.
Your goal in one sentence
Sequence a whole-home electrification in San Francisco across heat pump HVAC, heat pump water heater, EV charging, solar plus battery, and electrical panel work so panel capacity is sized once for the full future load, SF DBI permits and trades are coordinated under a single project lead, BAAQMD timing is checked, and incentive reservations (BayREN Home+; HEEHRA waitlist status; SGIP RSSE waitlist — the only SGIP tier accepting new applications as of 2026; PG&E plus CleanPowerSF programs) are stacked in the right order before equipment is delivered.
Recommended sequence
- Electrical Panel Upgrade — No prerequisites within this pack.
- Heat Pump HVAC — Depends on prior steps: Electrical Panel Upgrade
- Heat Pump Water Heater — Depends on prior steps: Electrical Panel Upgrade
- EV Charger Installation — Depends on prior steps: Electrical Panel Upgrade
- Solar Panels — No prerequisites within this pack.
- Battery Storage — No prerequisites within this pack.
Who to contact
| Who | Why | What to ask for |
|---|---|---|
| Electrification-focused HVAC contractor | Designs the heat pump HVAC system and handles ducting, load calculations, rebates, and permits. | Gas furnace to central heat pump conversion, Manual J load calculation, duct assessment, rebate handling. |
| Licensed electrician | Validates panel/service capacity for future electric load; recommends panel upgrade vs smart load management. | Panel size, service size, formal load calculation, upgrade vs load-management options. |
| Heat pump water heater contractor / plumber-electrician team | Heat pump water heaters need space, condensate drain, airflow, and often a dedicated electrical circuit. | Gas tank to heat pump water heater quote, location assessment, electrical requirements, rebate paperwork. |
| Licensed electrician or EV-charger-certified contractor | Sizes the charger, runs the dedicated 240V circuit, handles permit and inspection. | Level 2 charger model, dedicated 240V circuit, permit handling, load-share strategy for multi-EV households. |
| Solar + battery installer | Models solar production, battery behavior, NEM 3.0 economics, backup loads, and EV charging impact. | Solar scenario, battery scenario, future load model, backup-loads plan, EV charging plan. |
Opening script to send contractors
Hi, I'm in San Francisco, CA and planning a project that includes Heat Pump HVAC, Heat Pump Water Heater, EV Charger Installation, Solar Panels, Battery Storage, Electrical Panel Upgrade. I am looking for a quote that includes: 1. Heat Pump HVAC 2. Heat Pump Water Heater 3. EV Charger Installation 4. Solar Panels 5. Battery Storage 6. Electrical Panel Upgrade Please tell me: - Will you perform a formal load calculation (Manual J for HVAC, Article 220 for electrical)? - Are you familiar with San Francisco permits and any local rebate programs? - Can you give line-item pricing and separate confirmed incentives from assumed incentives? - Who handles permits, inspections, and rebate paperwork?
Technical basics in plain English
Panel size: 100A, 125A, 150A, 200A
Your electrical panel is the main entry point for electricity into your house. The 'A' means amps. More amps means more total electrical capacity. 100A is older and may not support adding heat pump + water heater + EV charger together without an upgrade or smart load management. 125A/150A is middle ground; could work with efficient equipment and a real load calculation. 200A is usually the cleanest path, but not guaranteed.
Ask: What is my panel size, and can you show me the load calculation that proves this setup is safe?
Load calculation
A load calculation is not the same as guessing. It is a code-based calculation that estimates whether your panel and service can safely carry all major electrical loads. A qualified electrician or contractor should be able to explain whether you need a panel upgrade, a service upgrade, or smart load management instead.
Ask: Are you doing a formal electrical load calculation, or just eyeballing the panel?
120V vs 240V
Normal outlets are usually 120V. Large appliances often use 240V, like a dryer or EV charger. Many heat pump HVAC systems, EV chargers, and some water heaters need 240V.
Ask: Which parts of this project require 240V?
Smart load management
Smart load management lets devices avoid running at full power at the same time. For example, the EV charger may slow down while the heat pump or water heater is running. This can sometimes avoid an expensive panel or service upgrade.
Ask: Can smart load management avoid a service upgrade while still supporting future loads?
Manual J load calculation (HVAC)
Manual J is the standard HVAC sizing calculation. It accounts for home size, insulation, windows, orientation, and ductwork. A good HVAC contractor performs Manual J before sizing the equipment; bad contractors just match the existing furnace tonnage.
Ask: Will you perform a Manual J load calculation before sizing the equipment?
Battery backup: whole-home vs essential-loads
Whole-home backup tries to power almost everything during an outage. Essential-loads backup powers selected circuits (refrigerator, internet, lights, some outlets). Whole-home backup costs more and drains batteries faster. Essential-loads backup is usually more economical.
Ask: Are you quoting whole-home backup or essential-loads backup? Which specific circuits will be backed up?
Specific questions to ask
Questions for HVAC contractors
| Question | Good response | Bad response |
|---|---|---|
| Will you perform a Manual J load calculation before sizing the heat pump? | Yes. We calculate heating and cooling load based on home size, insulation, windows, orientation, ductwork, and infiltration. | We just replace the existing furnace with the same tonnage system. |
| Will you inspect ducts before specifying the heat pump? | Yes. We inspect duct size, leakage rate, return air paths, and airflow because heat pumps need good airflow at moderate static pressure. | Ducts are always fine; no need to check. |
| How do you decide system size in tons or BTU? | We explain tons and BTU using Manual J inputs, not just square footage. | We use 1 ton per 500 square feet as a rule of thumb. |
| What refrigerant does the system use, and is it compliant with current EPA rules? | We specify the refrigerant (R-454B or R-32 for new systems after the EPA A2L transition) and confirm it meets current code. | Refrigerant does not affect homeowners. |
| Are you a TECH Clean California enrolled contractor, and is the program currently funded for heat pump HVAC? | We verify current TECH Clean California program status (single-family Phase I has been fully reserved since November 2025) and explain whether it applies before signing. | TECH always pays out; assume the rebate is yours. |
| Does my household income make us eligible for HEEHRA, and what does that involve? | We confirm income eligibility (below 80 percent AMI or 80 to 150 percent AMI), explain pre-approval is required, and verify program status (Phase I single-family is currently fully reserved per CEC as of 2026-02-24). | HEEHRA covers everyone; you qualify automatically. |
| How does the BAAQMD natural-gas appliance regulation affect a like-for-like furnace replacement on this house? | BAAQMD Rule 9-4 sets a zero-NOx requirement on residential furnaces manufactured after January 1, 2029, and Rule 9-6 sets the same on water heaters under 75,000 BTU/hr after January 1, 2027. The rules apply only when existing equipment burns out, so timing matters. We confirm whether your replacement falls before or after the rule's effective date for your appliance class and walk through whether a heat-pump path avoids a regulatory dead-end. We document the regulatory citation in writing in the proposal. | BAAQMD rules don't affect homeowners, only contractors. |
| How do you size a heat pump for San Francisco's marine climate where the heating design temperature is around 38F and summer cooling load is minimal? | We use ACCA Manual J 8th Edition with the ASHRAE 99 percent heating design temperature for the SF weather station closest to the home and the actual cooling-load demand for your microclimate (Sunset, Marina, Mission, and Bernal each behave differently). We do not oversize the cooling stage; an inverter-driven heat pump that modulates down to a low minimum stage is preferred in this climate. We share the Manual J output with you. | We use a 1-ton-per-500-square-feet rule of thumb. |
| Many older SF homes have no ductwork or hydronic heating only. How do you handle a heat-pump retrofit without ducts? | We assess whether a ductless multi-zone mini-split fits the floor plan, where to place indoor heads (line-of-sight to occupied space, away from beds for noise), and the refrigerant line-set routing. We run Manual J zone-by-zone rather than a single-zone whole-house calculation. We share the proposed indoor-head locations as a drawing before install. | Ductless mini-splits are always the best choice for SF. |
| How do you account for the leakier envelope on an older Victorian or Edwardian in SF when sizing the heat pump? | We use realistic ACH50 (air changes per hour at 50 Pa) assumptions for the construction era, not a tight new-build default, and adjust the Manual J infiltration inputs accordingly. Where it makes sense we recommend a blower-door test before final sizing. We do not pretend the envelope is tighter than it is; we share the Manual J inputs we used. | Older SF houses are basically the same as new construction for sizing. |
| What refrigerant does the system use, and how do the A2L safety requirements affect installation in a small SF utility room? | New residential systems use R-454B or R-32 (both mildly flammable A2L refrigerants). Indoor-unit charge limits set a minimum room volume; we measure the actual indoor location and confirm the manufacturer's listed indoor charge fits the room. If the room is too small, we propose either a different unit or relocating the indoor section. We document the refrigerant choice and the room-volume calculation. | A2L safety rules don't matter for homeowners. |
| Where will the outdoor condenser go given SF's narrow lots, neighbor property lines, and noise concerns? | We propose a location that meets SF noise ordinance setbacks from neighboring habitable space and that provides manufacturer-required service clearance and clear airflow. For lots with shared light wells or shotgun side yards we sometimes recommend a roof-mounted or rear-yard pad with a sound blanket. We share the proposed location and decibel rating in the quote. | Heat pumps are quiet enough; setbacks do not matter in SF. |
| Beyond Manual J, will you also do Manual S equipment selection and Manual D duct design? | Yes. Manual J gives us the load; Manual S matches a specific equipment model and capacity at the design conditions; Manual D sizes the ducts (or confirms existing duct adequacy) for the airflow the equipment needs. We share all three outputs. Skipping Manual S is the most common way contractors end up oversizing. | Manual J is enough; the other steps are for new construction only. |
| Should we go all-electric heat pump or dual-fuel (heat pump plus gas furnace backup) in SF's mild climate? | In SF the design temperature is mild enough that a properly sized inverter heat pump can carry the load down to the coldest hours without backup. Dual-fuel typically does not make sense unless you are keeping a gas appliance for another reason. We share the modeled hours below balance point so the choice is honest, and we note that BAAQMD Rule 9-4 affects future furnace replacements. | Always keep the gas furnace as backup; heat pumps cannot heat in winter. |
| If we go all-electric, what is the backup-heat strategy at the SF design temperature? | We size the heat pump to carry the design-day load without strip heat. Where the manufacturer requires emergency heat for low-stage failure protection, we install a low-kW electric resistance element with a lock-out at outdoor temperatures above the balance point. We share the modeled hours of strip operation per year. | All electric heat pumps always need 10kW of strip backup. |
| Refrigerant line-set length and vertical lift between indoor and outdoor sections can be limiting on SF row houses. How do you handle that? | Each manufacturer publishes a maximum line-set length and vertical lift. We measure both at the site visit and confirm the planned route falls inside the listed limits. If it does not, we either choose a different unit or relocate the outdoor section. We document the route, length, and lift in the proposal. | Line-set length is not a real limit; any route works. |
| What does commissioning at startup look like, and do I get a report? | Commissioning includes measured airflow at each register, static pressure across the indoor coil, refrigerant charge verified by superheat or subcooling per the manufacturer chart, and outdoor-unit ambient and refrigerant temperatures. We give you a one-page commissioning report with all measured values and the technician name. We do not consider the install complete without it. | Commissioning is a buzzword; the system runs, that is enough. |
| Outer Sunset and Outer Richmond get salt air off the ocean. How does that affect warranty terms for the outdoor section? | Manufacturers typically require a corrosion-resistant coil option or coating for coastal installs and may exclude warranty coverage of corrosion-related failures otherwise. We confirm the manufacturer's coastal-install spec, document the coating option in the proposal, and verify the warranty terms (parts, labor, and compressor) in writing. Skipping the coastal option is a recognizable shortcut. | Salt air is not a real issue inside SF city limits. |
Questions for water-heater contractors
| Question | Good response | Bad response |
|---|---|---|
| Where will the heat pump water heater go, and does the location have adequate air volume? | We assess garage and utility room candidates (heat pump water heaters need roughly 700 to 1000 cubic feet of conditioned air around the unit, or a ducted exhaust path), evaluate noise impact, and confirm clearance per the manufacturer's install manual. | Any closet works for a heat pump water heater. |
| How will you handle the condensate drain? | We route a gravity drain to an approved disposal location or use a condensate pump; we explain freeze risk and overflow safety per CPC, and itemize the work in the quote. | Condensate isn't really an issue. |
| How will you size the tank, 50, 65, or 80 gallons? | We size from household occupancy, peak-hour fixture demand (showers, dishwasher, clothes washer simultaneity), and recovery preferences. A typical 3-to-4-person household lands on a 65 or 80 gallon unit to compensate for slower heat pump recovery vs gas. | Match the gallons of whatever tank is there now. |
| What is the first-hour rating of the proposed unit, and is it sufficient for our peak demand? | We provide the manufacturer's first-hour rating (gallons delivered in the first hour of peak use) and compare it to your typical morning or evening peak demand. We may suggest a larger tank or a mixing valve strategy when the rating runs tight. | First-hour rating isn't really relevant. |
| What is the Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) of the proposed unit, and how does it affect rebate eligibility? | We document the UEF on the spec sheet (modern heat pump water heaters typically range 3.0 to 4.0+ UEF). Many rebates require UEF at or above a threshold (often 3.0) or a NEEA Advanced Water Heater Specification tier rating; we confirm the eligible tier before submitting. | UEF doesn't matter for rebates. |
| Will the install be ambient (drawing from the room) or ducted? | Ambient installs are simplest and cheapest in a garage or large utility room. Conditioned-space installs may need ducted intake or exhaust to avoid cooling the living space; ducting adds labor and material cost. We model the tradeoff in the quote. | Ducting is always required. |
| What operating modes does the unit support, and which one do you recommend by default? | Most modern units offer heat-pump-only (most efficient), hybrid (heat pump plus resistance backup on high demand), and resistance-only (emergency or cold-snap) modes. We recommend hybrid as a default and explain how mode choice changes runtime and operating cost. | Modes are a gimmick; leave it on resistance. |
| What is the manufacturer warranty on the tank, the heat pump compressor, and labor? | Most residential heat pump water heaters carry a 10-year tank warranty and a separate compressor warranty (often shorter). We provide the spec sheet and itemize our labor warranty separately so they aren't confused. | Lifetime warranty; no fine print. |
| If we are switching from gas, how will you decommission the gas line? | We cap and label the abandoned gas line per CPC, pressure-test or visually verify the cap, and remove the abandoned T&P discharge pipe if it conflicts with the new install. The work is itemized in the quote. | Just leave the old gas line where it is. |
| What is your post-install commissioning checklist? | Commissioning includes pressure testing the plumbing, verifying the T&P relief valve and discharge routing, confirming the condensate drain runs free, setting the default operating mode, and walking through the app and any user controls. | We turn it on and leave. |
| What is the expected recovery time after a high-demand event, like back-to-back showers? | In heat-pump-only mode, recovery is slower than gas (typically 2 to 3 hours to reheat a depleted tank). Hybrid mode shortens that. We explain mode tradeoffs and may recommend a larger tank or a mixing valve strategy when recovery is a concern. | Recovery is the same as gas; no tradeoff. |
| How does BAAQMD Rule 9-6 affect the timing of my water heater replacement? | BAAQMD Rule 9-6 sets a zero-NOx requirement on residential natural gas water heaters under 75,000 BTU/hr manufactured after January 1, 2027. The rule applies at the point of equipment burn-out, not retroactively. If your current gas water heater is approaching end of life, replacing it with a heat pump water heater now avoids buying a soon-to-be-non-compliant gas replacement. We document the BAAQMD citation and the burn-out timing in the proposal. | BAAQMD rules don't affect homeowners. |
| What UEF (Uniform Energy Factor) does the unit need to meet for rebate eligibility, and what is the NEEA AWHS tier? | Most current rebate programs require UEF >= 3.0 for HPWHs (often a Tier 3 or higher in the NEEA Advanced Water Heater Specification). We confirm the model's UEF, NEEA AWHS tier, and CEC listing in the proposal. We do not list a rebate as confirmed if the unit does not meet the program's UEF or tier requirement. | Any HPWH gets the rebate. |
| How do you decide between 50, 65, and 80 gallon HPWH for a typical SF household? | We size based on First-Hour Rating (FHR) per the EPA WaterSense or DOE methodology, factoring household size, peak-hour fixture demand, and recovery rate. SF households of 1-2 people with one bathroom often fit 50 gallons; 3-4 people with multiple bathrooms typically fit 65-80 gallons. Heat-pump-only mode has slower recovery than gas, so we size up rather than down when peak demand is unknown. We share the FHR calculation. | Match the existing tank size; never size up. |
| My HPWH would go in the garage / basement utility area. Does that affect efficiency vs a conditioned-space install? | HPWHs pull heat from ambient air; cold ambient (an unheated SF garage in winter) drops the COP and slows recovery. Garage installs are common in SF and work fine for most households but the model's published COP at cold ambient matters. Conditioned-space installs (an interior closet) need either an air-volume calculation per the manufacturer (typically 700-1000 cubic feet minimum) or a ducted intake / exhaust kit. We share the ambient assumption used. | Location does not matter; the HPWH works the same anywhere. |
| What refrigerant does the HPWH use, and does that affect SF installs? | Most current HPWHs use R-134a or R-513A (lower-GWP alternative). The Sanden SANCO2 uses CO2 (R-744) as refrigerant, with very high efficiency and low GWP, though it is split-system (outdoor compressor, indoor tank) rather than a standard integrated unit and costs more. We share the refrigerant choice in the proposal and confirm it meets current EPA rules. | Refrigerant does not affect homeowners. |
| Rheem ProTerra, A.O. Smith Voltex AL, Bradford White AeroTherm, Stiebel Eltron Accelera 300, Sanden CO2 — which fits an SF install? | Rheem ProTerra (50/65/80 gal, integrated, plug-in option available) is the most common SF retrofit. A.O. Smith Voltex AL (50/66/80 gal, integrated, high UEF) is competitive. Bradford White AeroTherm covers similar capacities. Stiebel Eltron Accelera 300 (80 gal, German build, high UEF) is premium. Sanden SANCO2 (CO2 refrigerant, split system) is the highest-efficiency / lowest-GWP option but the most expensive. We share a 3-way comparison sized to your needs. | One brand is the only choice. |
| How do you actually calculate First-Hour Rating (FHR) and match it to my household? | FHR is the published gallons of hot water the unit can deliver in the first hour with a full tank. We compare the published FHR against your peak-hour demand (back-to-back showers, dishwasher run, laundry) using the DOE worksheet. Typical SF household FHR target: 50-60 gallons for 1-2 people, 60-75 for 3-4 people, 80+ for larger or high-demand households. We share the worksheet. | FHR is theoretical; ignore it. |
| What is the difference between FHR and recovery rate, and which one matters for my SF household? | FHR is the first-hour delivery starting from a full tank. Recovery rate (gallons / hour) is the steady-state reheat rate after the tank is depleted. For most households FHR matters more (covers the morning peak); recovery matters for sustained high-demand events (large family + back-to-back uses). HPs have slower recovery than gas, which is why we size up rather than match the gas tank. | Recovery and FHR are the same number. |
| When the existing gas water heater is removed, how is the gas line decommissioned? | Per the California Plumbing Code (CPC), we cap the gas line at the shutoff or at the closest accessible fitting upstream, label the cap as 'gas, abandoned', and pressure-test the upstream line if it serves other appliances. The cap and label are visible at inspection. We document the decommissioning step in the proposal as a separate line. | Just disconnect the gas line; no cap needed. |
| What warranty terms do you provide on tank, parts, and labor? | Tank: typically 10 years manufacturer warranty against leaks. Parts (compressor, heat-pump module, controls): typically 6-10 years depending on brand and model; Rheem ProTerra is 10 years parts. Our install labor warranty: 1-2 years standard. We share each warranty in writing and explain what voids each (missing annual filter service, non-authorized servicing, etc.). | Everything covered for life. |
| What does commissioning look like, and do you set up vacation mode and heat-pump-only mode? | Commissioning includes initial fill, leak check, electrical continuity test, anode rod confirmation, mode setting (heat-pump-only for best efficiency, hybrid for faster recovery, electric-only as backup), TOU schedule if the model supports it, and vacation-mode setup. We walk you through the app and the front-panel controls. Commissioning report is in writing. | Set it to electric mode and leave it. |
| How is the condensate drain routed in an SF basement or garage install, given the older drain configurations? | HPWHs produce 5-15 gallons / day of condensate that must go to a code-approved drain (interior sanitary drain, exterior gravity drain, or condensate pump to a higher drain). California Plumbing Code requires a P-trap and air gap at the drain connection. We share the proposed condensate route at the site visit and confirm it meets CPC; older SF basements sometimes need a small condensate pump because the nearest drain is uphill. | Just drain it into the floor; it evaporates. |
Questions for solar + battery installers
| Question | Good response | Bad response |
|---|---|---|
| How will you size the solar array for our future electric load (heat pump HVAC, EV, water heater)? | We model expected future usage including planned heat pump, EV miles, and water heater, then size the array to offset that load under NEM 3.0 export economics. | We size the system from last year's utility bill only. |
| How does NEM 3.0 change the economics versus older interconnections? | NEM 3.0 cut export compensation by ~75 percent versus NEM 2.0, which makes battery storage important for self-consumption. We model expected savings under NEM 3.0 specifically. | NEM 3.0 is the same as NEM 2.0 economically. |
| Is my roof suitable for solar, and what is its remaining lifetime? | We inspect the roof condition, slope, orientation, and shade pattern; we recommend roof replacement first if the roof is near end of life. | Any roof works. |
| Which panel and inverter brands do you recommend, and why? | We name the specific panel model (wattage, efficiency, temperature coefficient, degradation curve) and inverter brand (string vs microinverter), explain the tradeoffs for our roof, and provide the manufacturer datasheets. | We use whatever is cheapest in stock this month. |
| Will the array use string inverters, microinverters, or DC optimizers, and why? | We choose based on roof shading patterns and orientation: microinverters or optimizers for shaded or multi-orientation roofs, string inverters for unshaded uniform arrays. We explain the cost and monitoring tradeoff. | Microinverters are always best. |
| What does the shade analysis show for our roof across the year? | We run a shade analysis tool (HelioScope, Aurora, or similar) using a site survey and roof imagery, and we share the annual production estimate per panel with shade losses called out. | Shade is not significant. |
| Do you offer a production guarantee, and how is it enforced? | We offer an annual production guarantee in kWh based on the design model, and we explain the remediation path (true-up payment or system correction) if actual production falls below the threshold. | Production guarantees are a marketing gimmick. |
| What monitoring platform comes with the system, and are there subscription fees? | We name the monitoring platform (Enphase Enlighten, SolarEdge mySolarEdge, or similar), describe what data is visible per panel or per string, and disclose any optional or recurring fees. | Monitoring is included; do not worry about the details. |
| If we add a battery later, can we still apply for SGIP at that time? | Yes — SGIP applications are tied to the battery install, not the solar install. As of 2026, only the AB 209-funded RSSE (Residential Solar and Storage Equity) tier remains open to new applications, and that budget is fully reserved with new apps on a waitlist served via attrition; ratepayer-funded General Market / Equity / Equity Resiliency budgets are no longer accepting new applications. We verify current SGIP budget status at selfgenca.com when the battery is added and explain that pre-approval is required before equipment is delivered. | SGIP only counts if solar and battery are installed together. |
| Who handles the PG&E interconnection paperwork, and what is the typical timeline? | We submit the PG&E interconnection application on your behalf, file the city permits, and coordinate Permission to Operate (PTO). Typical PG&E PTO timelines range from 2 to 6 weeks after the city sign-off; we document the expected window in the quote. | Interconnection happens automatically. |
| What is your post-install commissioning checklist? | Commissioning includes verifying each panel reports correctly in the monitoring platform, checking inverter firmware, confirming production matches the design model on a clear day, and walking us through reading the monitoring app. | We turn it on and leave. |
| How will you confirm the roof structure supports the array? | We perform a structural assessment including rafter sizing, spacing, and condition; for older or unusual roofs we may engage a licensed structural engineer to provide a letter for the permit submittal. | Roofs always handle solar. |
| How will the array meet California fire-setback rules? | We design the array to meet the California Residential Code fire access pathway requirements: ridge setbacks, hip-to-eave pathways, and emergency egress clearances, and we document compliance in the permit submittal. | Fire setbacks are optional. |
| What ongoing maintenance does the system need? | Typical maintenance is light: annual visual inspection, occasional rinse if local dust or pollen reduces production, and inverter firmware updates pushed by the manufacturer. We explain the warranty implications of skipping recommended maintenance. | Solar is install-and-forget; no maintenance ever. |
| What warranties cover the panels, inverter, and labor? | Panels typically carry a 25 year product warranty plus a 25 year linear production warranty; inverters carry 10 to 12 years standard (extendable); we provide a 5 to 10 year labor warranty separately. We document what voids each. | Lifetime warranty on everything. |
| How do you size and model production for an SF home given foggy summer mornings in the Sunset or Outer Richmond? | We model production with PVsyst or HelioScope using NREL TMY3 data for the nearest SF weather station, then apply a microclimate derate based on neighborhood (Sunset and Outer Richmond run 5-10 percent below Mission or Bernal). We give you a 12-month production model with monthly breakdown and share it. We do not promise specific kWh production; we provide a model with explicit inputs you can verify. | SF gets the same production as San Jose. |
| How does NEM 3.0 (Net Billing Tariff) affect the export economics for a typical SF rooftop? | NEM 3.0 took effect April 15, 2023 for new PG&E interconnections. Export compensation is set by the hourly Avoided Cost Calculator (ACC) and is materially lower than NEM 2.0, especially during midday hours. A solar-only system with limited self-consumption has a much longer payback than under NEM 2.0. We model self-consumption with and without battery so you see the difference, and we share the ACC export-price hourly schedule we used. | NEM 3.0 is fine; you'll still net to zero on your bill. |
| Will you provide a written production guarantee, and what does it actually cover? | A production guarantee specifies a minimum kWh / year over a defined period (often 5-10 years) and a remedy if measured production falls below it (cash refund or system makeup). We share the contract language and the monitoring data source (Enphase Enlighten, SolarEdge MyEdge, SunPower MySunPower). We do not promise specific dollars; we promise kWh tied to the modeled output minus a tolerance. | Production guarantees are not necessary; the system will work. |
| Microinverter (Enphase IQ8) vs string inverter (SolarEdge) — which fits a typical SF rooftop? | SF rooftops often have multiple roof planes, dormers, and shading from neighboring buildings or chimneys, which favors microinverters or DC optimizers because each panel can operate independently. Enphase IQ8 series is the current default for residential. SolarEdge with optimizers is a reasonable alternative. String-only (no per-panel electronics) is rarely the right answer in SF because of shading variability. We share the design rationale. | String inverter is always cheapest; ignore shading. |
| My roof is over 20 years old. Should I re-roof before installing solar? | Removing and reinstalling solar later costs roughly $2,500-$5,000 depending on system size. If the roof has under 10 years of remaining life it is usually cheaper to re-roof first. We assess the roof at the site visit and share the remaining-life estimate plus the re-roof-first vs install-now math. We do not push you to install on a roof we would not install on at our own home. | Old roofs are fine; just install on top. |
| How do you handle structural review for an older SF Victorian or Edwardian roof? | For older roof framing we engage a structural engineer to verify the attachment plan meets the manufacturer specification and current CRC structural code. The review covers rafter sizing, attachment fastener pull-out, and snow / wind load (SF is low snow but coastal wind load matters in the Sunset and Outer Richmond). We share the stamped review as part of the SF DBI submission. | Structural review is overkill in SF. |
| How do you handle fire setback requirements (CRC R327) on the roof layout? | California CRC R327 sets fire access pathway requirements for rooftop PV: typically a 36-inch pathway along the ridge and to vents and chimneys, plus access from the roof edge. SF adopts current CRC. We design the array within the setback envelope, share the layout drawing, and confirm it meets R327 before the SF DBI inspector arrives. We do not push the homeowner toward a layout that fails setback. | Fire setback rules are advisory; ignore them on small roofs. |
| What are the warranty terms on panels, inverter, and labor — and what voids each? | Tier-1 panels typically carry a 25 year product warranty plus a linear production warranty (typically 85-92 percent of nameplate at year 25). Microinverters (Enphase IQ8) carry 25 years; string inverters (SolarEdge) carry 10-12 years extendable. Our install labor warranty is separate (typically 5-10 years). We share each in writing and document what voids coverage (non-authorized servicing, modifications, off-spec environmental exposure). | All warranties are lifetime. |
| How do you analyze shading from neighboring buildings and trees, and can a property easement protect against future shading? | We model shading with HelioScope or Aurora using surrounding 3D massing for buildings and trees and run an 8760-hour analysis. For dense SF neighborhoods we model neighbor structures explicitly. The California Solar Shade Control Act (Solar Rights Act) provides some protection against new shading from neighbor trees but not from new construction. We share the shade analysis and explain the easement option separately if it matters to the homeowner. | Shading is not a real issue; modern panels work in shade. |
| What soiling derate do you assume for an SF install, and does coastal salt air matter? | Standard residential soiling derate is 2-5 percent annually; SF coastal locations (Outer Sunset, Outer Richmond) can see higher salt deposition that benefits from periodic rinse. We document the soiling assumption in the production model. We do not promise specific output; we share the inputs so you can compare against actual monitoring after install. | Soiling is not a real issue. |
| What does monitoring and commissioning look like at startup? | Commissioning includes panel-level production verification (Enphase Enlighten or SolarEdge MyEdge), inverter ground-fault test, AC disconnect labeling, and a startup report. Monitoring goes through the manufacturer app; we set up notifications for any per-panel underperformance flag. The commissioning report goes to you in writing. | Commissioning is a buzzword; the system just turns on. |
| What does the PG&E interconnection process look like, and how long does PTO take? | We submit the interconnection application to PG&E with the design package after SF DBI permit issuance. PG&E reviews, issues an agreement (Net Billing Tariff under NEM 3.0), and after final SF DBI inspection sends a Permission to Operate (PTO) letter. PTO typically lands 2-6 weeks after final inspection in current PG&E queue. We track the application and email status updates. | PG&E PTO is automatic; no tracking needed. |
| If I am planning to add HP HVAC, HPWH, and an EV, how does that change the solar sizing? | We model the future-load scenario (HP HVAC kWh from Manual J, HPWH typical annual kWh, EV miles plus efficiency) and add it to the present-day usage baseline. Sizing the array for present-day usage only underestimates future need; the resulting underbuild costs more to add later because of incremental permit and labor costs. We share both sizing scenarios. | Size for what you use today; do not worry about future loads. |
| Which circuits will be backed up during an outage, and for how long? | We provide a backup-loads list (refrigerator, internet, lights, HVAC controls, well pump if any), estimate runtime in hours at typical and worst-case usage, and explain whether whole-home or essential-loads backup is recommended. | The battery powers the house. |
| Does my install qualify for SGIP (Self-Generation Incentive Program), and at what tier? | We verify current SGIP budget status before quoting: as of December 31, 2025 the ratepayer-funded General Market, Equity, and Equity Resiliency budgets are closed to new applications, and only the AB 209-funded RSSE (Residential Solar and Storage Equity) tier remains open — and that budget is fully reserved with new applications served via an attrition-based waitlist (selfgenca.com). We document the waitlist position rather than promising a rebate, and we explain that pre-approval is required before equipment is delivered. | SGIP always pays out the maximum amount. |
| What is the battery's usable kWh and continuous inverter power, and how do they relate? | We specify both: kWh determines how long the backup lasts; the inverter's continuous AC output determines what can run at once (refrigerator + lights + maybe HVAC vs everything). | kWh is the only number that matters. |
| Is the battery AC-coupled or DC-coupled with the solar array, and why? | AC-coupled batteries use a separate inverter and are easier to retrofit to existing solar. DC-coupled batteries share an inverter with new solar and are typically more efficient end-to-end. We choose based on whether the solar array is new or existing. | Coupling does not matter. |
| Can we add more battery capacity later, and what are the limits? | Most modern systems support stacking additional units up to a vendor-specified maximum. We document the maximum stack today, what is needed to add capacity later (matching firmware, software update, possible electrical re-work), and whether SGIP can be applied to expansion units. | Buy the biggest battery today; expansion is impossible. |
| What depth-of-discharge limit does the battery use, and how does that affect usable kWh? | We explain the nameplate kWh vs usable kWh: modern LFP batteries reserve very little for cycle life (often 95 to 100 percent of nameplate is usable); older chemistries reserve 10 to 20 percent. We quote usable kWh in the proposal so you can compare like-for-like. | Nameplate kWh is the usable kWh. |
| What is the manufacturer warranty on the battery, and what limits it? | Most residential batteries carry a 10 to 12 year warranty, often paired with a cycle count (e.g. 6,000 to 10,000 cycles) or throughput limit (e.g. 37.8 MWh) - whichever comes first. We provide the spec sheet and explain what voids coverage. | Lifetime warranty; no fine print. |
| Are time-of-use arbitrage cycles counted against the warranty? | Yes. Every charge-discharge cycle counts toward the throughput limit; aggressive daily TOU arbitrage may shorten the years-based warranty window. We model expected cycles per year for your usage pattern. | Cycling does not count against the warranty. |
| How will the battery shift load away from PG&E peak hours? | We program the battery to charge from solar during midday and discharge during the PG&E EV2-A or E-ELEC peak window (typically 4-9pm), saving you the peak-period delta. We tune the schedule for your actual usage and rate plan. | The battery charges and discharges whenever. |
| How does NEM 3.0 change the battery payback? | Under NEM 3.0, export compensation dropped by roughly 75 percent, so self-consumption (using your solar via the battery instead of exporting) is now the primary battery economic driver. We model expected savings under NEM 3.0 with your specific rate plan. | NEM 3.0 has no effect on battery payback. |
| How will the install meet CRC 1207 / R327 fire-setback rules for energy storage? | We design the install per California Residential Code R327 (formerly section 1207): separation from windows, doors, openings into the dwelling, and other batteries; smoke and heat detectors per code; and an exterior wall location where possible. We document compliance in the permit submittal. | Fire setbacks are optional. |
| What is your post-install commissioning checklist? | Commissioning includes verifying battery state-of-charge reporting, testing backup-mode transfer with a simulated outage, walking through the app for backup-only vs TOU modes, and confirming the SGIP system performance metering is functioning if SGIP is part of the project. | We turn it on and leave. |
| Are you an installer certified by the battery manufacturer? | Yes. We provide our certification number for the specific battery brand (Tesla Powerwall, Enphase IQ, LG Chem RESU, FranklinWH, etc.); certification is typically required to preserve full warranty coverage. | Certification does not matter for batteries. |
| Who handles the PG&E interconnection update for the new battery? | We submit the updated PG&E interconnection paperwork to add the battery to your existing or new solar interconnection, and we obtain the updated Permission to Operate before energizing. | PG&E interconnection happens automatically. |
| What panel-side breaker work or interconnection method does the battery require? | We confirm whether the battery interconnects via a back-fed breaker (with sum-of-breakers check per NEC 705.12), a supply-side tap, or a dedicated battery sub-panel; we show the calculation on the permit drawings. | Any spare slot will work. |
| How does SGIP apply for a residential battery in PG&E territory (SF)? | SGIP is administered by PG&E in SF. Budget status as of 2026: per the SGIP program administrators, the ratepayer-funded General Market (around $150/kWh), Equity (around $850/kWh for income-qualified customers at or below 80 percent AMI or in CalEnviroScreen Disadvantaged Communities), and Equity Resiliency (around $1,000/kWh for customers also meeting Medical Baseline, Tier 3-4 High Fire Threat District, or DAC criteria) budgets are no longer accepting new applications. Only the AB 209-funded RSSE (Residential Solar and Storage Equity) tier remains open to new applications — and that budget is fully reserved as of December 31, 2025; new RSSE applications go to a waitlist served through attrition of cancelled projects. RSSE rates were around $1,100/kWh storage plus around $3,100/kW solar, targeted at income-qualified solar-plus-battery customers. Pre-approval is required before installation; we verify current budget status at selfgenca.com and your administrator, reserve through the appropriate path, and document the reservation number (or waitlist position) in the proposal. We confirm only what we have reserved; we do not assume eligibility. | You will receive SGIP for the whole battery cost. |
| How does the battery improve solar payback under NEM 3.0 in San Francisco? | Under NEM 3.0 (Net Billing Tariff), exporting to the grid pays at the hourly Avoided Cost Calculator rate, which is materially lower than NEM 2.0 retail rates. A battery stores midday solar for use during the late-afternoon peak window, which is the highest-rate window on PG&E EV2-A and E-ELEC. We model self-consumption ratio (typically 60-80 percent with battery vs 30-50 percent solar-only on a typical SF roof) and share the year-1 cost comparison. | Adding a battery always cuts your bill in half. |
| Should the battery be AC-coupled or DC-coupled with the solar array? | AC-coupling (Tesla Powerwall 3 with its integrated hybrid inverter, Enphase IQ Battery 5P, FranklinWH aPower) lets the battery and solar each operate independently and works well for adding battery to an existing solar install. DC-coupling (a hybrid inverter shared between PV and battery, often SolarEdge or SMA) is more efficient when installing solar and battery together. We share the topology choice and the round-trip efficiency assumption. For an existing solar retrofit, AC-coupling is usually the path; for a fresh install, either can work. | AC vs DC does not matter. |
| What is a realistic backup-loads list for a typical SF house during a multi-hour outage? | We build the backup list with you. Typical SF priorities: refrigerator and freezer (compressor cycling), interior lighting on a few key circuits, Wi-Fi and modem, medical equipment if any, a few outlets for phone charging, and selective EV slow-charging at Level 1 if range matters. We exclude high-draw loads (HP HVAC compressor, electric oven, EV Level 2) from full-time backup unless you are sizing for it. We share the load list with each circuit's expected wattage. | Backup will cover everything in the house for a week. |
| Should I get 1, 2, or 3 batteries (5-30 kWh)? | Sizing follows backup goals (essentials only, partial home, whole home) and self-consumption goals (NEM 3.0 arbitrage on TOU). For SF essentials-only plus modest TOU arbitrage, one Powerwall 3 (13.5 kWh) or one Enphase IQ Battery 5P (5 kWh) is typical. For whole-home backup with HP HVAC and EV consideration, two or three units are common. We model both target scenarios and share the kWh-per-hour drawdown estimate for each. | Buy as many as you can fit. |
| Critical-loads sub-panel vs whole-house backup — which fits an older SF house? | Older SF houses with 100A panels and limited bus capacity usually do better with a critical-loads sub-panel: only the listed backup circuits move to the sub-panel and ride the battery during an outage. Whole-house backup requires either a larger battery (multiple units) or a smart panel that can shed loads dynamically (Span, Lumin). We share the cost delta and the wiring impact. | Whole-house backup is always better. |
| What is the usable kWh (depth of discharge), and how does LFP chemistry affect that? | Modern residential batteries are nearly all LFP (lithium iron phosphate) chemistry, with usable depth of discharge at 95-100 percent of nameplate. Older NMC residential batteries (Powerwall 2 era) ran 90 percent usable. Quote should state nameplate kWh AND usable kWh AND the manufacturer's listed continuous AC output (Powerwall 3 is 13.5 kWh nameplate, 13.5 usable, 11.5 kW continuous AC). We document all three in the proposal. | Nameplate is what you can use. |
| Battery warranty: years, cycles, AND throughput. What do those mean? | A complete warranty has three dimensions. Years (typically 10) covers calendar age. Cycles (often 'unlimited' or 6,000+) covers number of full charge-discharge cycles. Throughput (typically 37 MWh for Powerwall 3) caps lifetime energy delivered. The warranty pays when whichever limit is reached first. We share the warranty doc and explain which limit your usage pattern hits first. | Battery warranty is 10 years; nothing else matters. |
| How long can the battery run my backup loads during an outage? | Runtime = usable kWh / continuous load (in kW). A 13.5 kWh battery running a 1 kW backup load runs 13.5 hours theoretical (less round-trip efficiency). If solar is producing during a daytime outage, the battery recharges via PV passthrough if the inverter supports island mode. We share the runtime estimate for your modeled backup-loads list under both grid-down-with-PV and grid-down-no-PV scenarios. | The battery lasts forever during an outage. |
| What does the PG&E interconnection process look like for a battery add to an existing solar install? | Adding a battery to an existing NEM 2.0 solar install triggers a NEM 3.0 transition only if the system size increases beyond a small threshold; we confirm the threshold against current PG&E rules and document the agreement type in the proposal. For fresh installs the agreement is the Net Billing Tariff. PG&E updates the meter and issues a revised PTO after final SF DBI inspection. | Adding a battery never affects your NEM agreement. |
| What UL certifications should the battery and the install meet? | Residential batteries should be UL 9540 listed (system certification) and the cells should pass UL 9540A (large-scale fire test) testing. We confirm the chosen battery's UL listings before quoting and share the documentation. SF DBI inspectors usually verify the UL listing as part of the permit. We do not install equipment that is not UL 9540 listed. | UL listings are paperwork; they do not matter. |
| Tesla Powerwall 3, Enphase IQ Battery 5P, FranklinWH, LG Energy Solution RESU — which fits an SF install? | Powerwall 3 (13.5 kWh, 11.5 kW continuous AC, integrated hybrid inverter, supports up to 4 stacked units) suits whole-home backup with high continuous load. Enphase IQ Battery 5P (5 kWh modular, pairs with IQ8 microinverters) suits incremental add-on. FranklinWH aPower (15 kWh, modular up to 3 units, full whole-home backup) is a competitive whole-home alternative. LG RESU is less common in SF post-2024 due to LG's pivot to commercial. We share the comparison; brand choice depends on goals. | Tesla is the only option. |
| How do I monitor the battery, and what app or dashboard comes with it? | Each manufacturer has its own app: Tesla app for Powerwall, Enphase Enlighten for IQ Battery, FranklinWH app for aPower. Functions include state of charge, real-time power flow (solar / grid / battery / loads), backup-mode toggle, and TOU schedule. We set up the app on your phone at commissioning and confirm push notifications for outage start and end. | Monitoring is included automatically; do not worry about it. |
| What does battery commissioning look like at startup? | Commissioning includes inverter firmware update, AC and DC voltage checks, ground-fault test, backup-loads selection (which circuits ride the battery), TOU schedule setup, app onboarding, and a test outage (we open the grid-side disconnect and confirm the battery seamlessly carries the backup loads). We share a one-page commissioning report. | Commissioning is a buzzword; the system works. |
Questions for electricians
| Question | Good response | Bad response |
|---|---|---|
| What is my panel size and service size, and is it adequate for adding a heat pump? | We inspect the panel labels and main breaker on site, explain whether 100A, 125A, 150A, or 200A is adequate, and verify the service drop matches the panel. | We guess from a photo only; no on-site inspection. |
| Can we avoid a service upgrade by using smart load management? | Possibly. We will perform a formal Article 220 load calculation, propose smart load management for HVAC + EV + water heater coordination, and explain the tradeoff vs upgrading. | You always need 200A; no calculation needed. |
| Will the heat pump need a new dedicated circuit, and what breaker size? | Yes, the outdoor unit and air handler each typically need dedicated circuits at the breaker sizes the manufacturer specifies (often 30-50A for outdoor, 15-30A for indoor). | Any spare breaker will work. |
| Does the install require a dedicated electrical circuit, and what size? | Standard heat pump water heaters typically need a dedicated 30A 240V circuit; some 120V hybrid models can operate on a 15A or 20A circuit at reduced capacity. We size the circuit per the manufacturer's data plate and document conductor gauge and breaker rating in the quote. | Share the circuit with the dishwasher. |
| Should we install a 240V/30A circuit or use a 120V plug-in hybrid like the Rheem ProTerra Plug-In? | Standard HPWHs (Rheem ProTerra, A.O. Smith Voltex AL, Bradford White AeroTherm) need a dedicated 240V/30A circuit. The 120V plug-in models (Rheem ProTerra Plug-In) plug into an existing 120V/15A outlet and avoid an electrical upgrade, which can be a path for an older SF panel that lacks 240V capacity without an upgrade. The tradeoff is slower recovery and lower peak output. We share both paths with cost and recovery-time tradeoffs. | 120V plug-in is always best. |
| What charger amperage do you recommend, and why? | We size the charger based on your vehicle, expected daily mileage, panel capacity, and future second-EV plans (typically 32-48A continuous draw on a 40-60A circuit). | Always install the biggest charger; bigger is better. |
| Will the charger need a dedicated 240V circuit? | Yes. We run a dedicated 240V circuit sized at 125 percent of the charger's continuous draw, with the correct conductor gauge and conduit per code. | Share a circuit with the dryer. |
| How will you confirm my panel has capacity for the charger? | We perform an Article 220 load calculation on site, consider existing loads and planned heat pump or HVAC additions, and explain whether smart load management can avoid a service upgrade. | Your panel is fine; no calculation needed. |
| Can smart load management let me add a charger without upgrading the panel? | Often yes. Devices like Span panels or charger-side load-share modules may avoid a service upgrade by throttling the charger when other loads (HVAC, water heater) are active. | Load management is unreliable; always upgrade the panel. |
| How would you support a second EV without re-wiring everything later? | We may install a load-sharing charger today, or pre-pull conductors for a second circuit. We document the planned future load in the Article 220 calc. | One charger is plenty for any household. |
| How will you handle grounding and bonding for the new circuit? | We verify the service ground meets code, bond the charger neutral and equipment per Article 250, and confirm the GFCI protection (built in or required separately). | Grounding is standard; nothing to discuss. |
| Where will the conduit run, and what does it cost to extend? | We walk the routing on site (interior wall vs exterior, attic vs trench), specify conduit fill code requirements, and itemize incremental cost per linear foot. | Conduit routing is included; don't worry about it. |
| What labor warranty do you provide on the install, separate from the manufacturer warranty? | We provide a 1-2 year labor warranty on installation; the manufacturer warranty (typically 3-5 years on the charger) is separate. | Lifetime warranty on everything. |
| How do you handle EV charger installation if the home has no driveway and only on-street parking? | We assess three paths: a curbside conduit run with a NEMA outlet near the property line (subject to SFMTA + SF DBI sign-off and a fire-code review), a relocatable EVSE near the garage door if applicable, or recommending Level 1 plus neighborhood DC fast-charging as a viable interim. We do not promise a particular outcome until SF DBI confirms what your property allows. | Just drop the cable across the sidewalk; SF doesn't enforce. |
| How do you size the dedicated circuit per NEC Article 625 for the EVSE? | NEC 625 classifies EV charging as a continuous load, which requires a circuit sized at 125 percent of the EVSE's rated continuous current. For a 48A EVSE that is a 60A circuit (60A breaker, conductors rated for 60A continuous including any derating). We document the EVSE rated current, the breaker size, and the conductor gauge in the proposal. | Just match the breaker to the charger's amp rating. |
| Will you do a full NEC Article 220 load calculation on the SF panel before quoting? | Yes. We tabulate current connected loads (range, dryer, water heater, HVAC, general lighting) per NEC 220 demand factors and add the EVSE as a continuous load at 125 percent. We then add planned future loads (HP HVAC, HPWH, induction, battery) if the homeowner is staging a whole-home plan. The calculation sheet goes into the proposal so you can verify it. | Most SF houses are fine; no load calc needed. |
| Which smart Level 2 chargers do you recommend for off-peak scheduling, and what is the brand tradeoff? | Common choices are Tesla Universal Wall Connector (NACS plus J1772 adapter, 48A), ChargePoint Home Flex (50A), Wallbox Pulsar Plus (40A), and the Emporia EVSE (48A) for budget. We compare based on connector type, max continuous amperage, WiFi reliability for off-peak scheduling, OCPP support for utility demand-response, and the install-warranty terms. We share the comparison so you can pick. | Brand does not matter; they are all the same. |
| My SF house has a 100A panel. Can load management avoid a panel upgrade? | Often yes. After the NEC 220 calc we look at smart load management options: a charger with built-in load management (DCC, Wallbox Pulsar Plus), a whole-home device (Span panel, Emporia Vue with load shed), or a dedicated EV load management device. We compare device cost plus install against the panel-upgrade cost and share both numbers. Older SF 100A panels with sub-fed knob-and-tube are sometimes still better off upgrading. | Always upgrade to 200A; that is the only path. |
| If I add solar later, how does that affect the EVSE install and the panel? | Future solar plus battery touches the same panel; NEC 705.12 sets a 120 percent rule for combined inverter sources plus main breaker against the busbar rating. We document the existing busbar rating now so the future PV install knows the headroom. Where the busbar is undersized we recommend a sub-panel or a smart panel as part of the EVSE work to avoid a second panel upgrade later. | Solar has nothing to do with EVSE installs; do not worry about it. |
| The panel is in the basement and the parking spot is at the back of the garage. How do you size for voltage drop? | We measure the actual conductor run length, apply NEC 210.19 informational note recommendations (under 3 percent voltage drop on branch circuits), and upsize the conductor gauge if needed. Long runs on an older SF row house can push 6 AWG to 4 AWG. We document the calculated voltage drop and the conductor selection in the proposal. | Voltage drop is not real; copper is copper. |
| If the EVSE is in an outdoor or detached-garage location in SF, what ground-fault protection is required? | Outdoor receptacles require GFCI protection per NEC 210.8; many EVSEs include internal CCID-20 ground-fault detection that conflicts with an upstream GFCI breaker (nuisance trips). For hardwired EVSEs we follow the manufacturer's install manual, which usually says no upstream GFCI. For NEMA 14-50 receptacles we use a GFCI breaker. We document the chosen approach and confirm it matches the EVSE manual. | GFCI is optional outdoors; the breaker does not matter. |
| Should the install be a NEMA 14-50 receptacle or hardwired EVSE? | NEMA 14-50 receptacles are convenient (charger is portable) but limit continuous current to 40A (50A breaker, 80 percent continuous). Hardwired allows 48A continuous (60A breaker) and avoids receptacle-failure risk under heavy continuous use, which has been a documented failure mode on residential 14-50s. For frequent charging at full 48A we recommend hardwired; for occasional charging the receptacle is fine. We document the recommendation and the basis. | Always use a NEMA 14-50; it is the standard. |
| Some EVSE brands require an authorized installer for the install warranty. Are you certified for the brand we are picking? | We share our manufacturer certifications (Tesla Approved Wall Connector Installer, ChargePoint Certified Installer, Wallbox Certified Installer, etc.) and confirm the chosen brand is on that list before signing. Using a non-certified installer can void the install warranty even if the equipment warranty is intact. | Manufacturer certifications do not matter. |
| If solar is in the future plan, should we oversize the conduit now during the EVSE install? | Often yes. Pulling spare conduit (or a larger conduit with a pull string) during the EVSE trench or wall chase avoids a second open-up later. The marginal cost during this install is small. We share the conduit-fill calculation per NEC Article 300 and Chapter 9 Table 1 and confirm the spare capacity meets future PV plus battery conductor sizes. | Spare conduit is wasted money. |
| Will the chosen charger support utility demand-response programs via WiFi or OCPP? | Most modern Level 2 chargers (Tesla, ChargePoint, Wallbox, Emporia) support WiFi-based off-peak scheduling. Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) support varies by brand and is required for some utility demand-response enrollments; ChargePoint and Wallbox have stronger OCPP coverage, Tesla supports its own ecosystem. We share which protocol the chosen charger uses and what utility programs accept it. | Smart features do not matter; just plug it in. |
| What is the separate warranty on the charger hardware vs the install labor? | Charger hardware typically comes with a 3-5 year manufacturer warranty (Tesla 4 years, ChargePoint 3 years, Wallbox 3 years). Our install labor warranty is separate (usually 1 year). We share both warranty terms in writing and explain what voids each (manufacturer voids on non-authorized installer; labor voids on tampering or non-permitted modifications). | Everything is covered forever. |
| How does the inverter sizing comply with NEC 690 PV and 705.12 interconnection? | NEC 690 covers PV system installation; NEC 705.12 sets the 120 percent rule for combined inverter sources plus main breaker against the busbar rating. We share the bus calculation and confirm whether a sub-panel, supply-side connection, or load-side tap is the right interconnection method for your existing panel. Older SF panels often need either a sub-panel or a smart panel as part of the install. | NEC 705.12 is optional. |
| How do NEC Article 706 (ESS) and 705.12 (interconnection) apply? | NEC 706 covers energy storage system installation: disconnect, signage, working clearance. NEC 705.12 applies to the interconnection point on the existing panel; combined inverter sources must satisfy the 120 percent rule against the busbar. We share the bus calc, confirm the disconnect location meets the AHJ requirement (within sight or otherwise per code), and document the labeling per 706.21. | NEC 706 does not really apply to residential. |
| How does NEC Article 250 grounding apply to the ESS install? | The battery's AC output ties into the existing grounding electrode system at the main panel; we verify the existing grounding electrode meets NEC 250 (ground rod, water pipe bond, ufer if present) and upgrade if not. For wall-mounted batteries we follow the manufacturer's bonding instructions for the enclosure. We document the grounding upgrade as a line item if required. | Existing grounding is fine; nothing to check. |
| Will you perform an NEC Article 220 load calculation before sizing the new panel or service? | Yes. We total existing connected loads, apply Article 220 demand factors, then add expected future loads (heat pump HVAC, heat pump water heater, EV charger, induction range, battery) before recommending a service size. | We size from the existing panel rating. |
| Is this a service upgrade or a panel-only replacement, and how do you decide? | We explain the difference plainly: a service upgrade changes the service drop, meter, and main breaker rating (utility coordination required); a panel-only replacement swaps the breaker box at the existing service rating. We base the recommendation on the Article 220 result, not on a default upsell. | It is the same thing. |
| Who coordinates with the utility for the service upgrade, and what lead time should we expect? | We coordinate with the serving utility (your investor-owned utility such as PG&E, SCE, or SDG&E, or your municipal utility such as LADWP or SMUD) for the service drop, meter swap, and any utility-side work. We document the expected utility lead time in the quote because it often dominates the project schedule. | The utility handles itself. |
| How do you decide between 200A, 225A, or 320A service, and how much headroom should we plan for? | We size to the Article 220 calculated demand plus headroom for the ten-year horizon of electrification projects already on the table. For most California single-family homes adding heat pump HVAC, heat pump water heater, and one or two EVs, a properly sized 200A service is enough; 225A or 320A is only justified when the load calc shows it. | Bigger is always better, so we go 320A. |
| When does a smart panel (Span, Lumin, Eaton EV Choice) make sense versus a standard load center? | A smart panel can avoid a service upgrade when load shedding can keep peak demand under the existing service rating, or when granular per-circuit metering is desired. A standard load center is the right choice when the Article 220 result already fits the service rating, the homeowner does not want app-based controls, or budget is tight. | Smart panels are always the answer. |
| Is a sub-panel addition (for a detached garage, ADU, or workshop) a viable alternative to a full service upgrade? | A sub-panel can serve outbuilding loads without changing the main service rating when the Article 220 calc shows the existing service still has capacity. We size the sub-panel feeder per NEC and run it under permit. | Sub-panels always require a service upgrade. |
| Will you inspect and update the grounding electrode system as part of the panel work? | Yes. We verify the grounding electrode system (ground rods, water-pipe bond, concrete-encased electrode where present), measure resistance where required, and upgrade conductors and connections to the current code edition adopted by your jurisdiction. | Grounding is fine if the panel is bonded. |
| Which circuits in the new panel will require AFCI or GFCI protection, and what code edition are you applying? | We apply the California Electrical Code edition currently adopted by your local AHJ (the California Electrical Code is based on the NEC with California amendments). We itemize AFCI-required and GFCI-required circuits and price the AFCI/GFCI breakers separately so the homeowner sees the cost driver. | AFCI rules are confusing, so we skip them. |
| Will the quote include whole-home surge protection, and which type? | We recommend a Type 2 surge protective device (SPD) integrated with the new panel as a standard line item; Type 1 SPD at the service entrance is an upgrade option for homes with frequent utility-side transients. We explain warranty terms and replacement procedure after a major surge event. | Surge protection is unnecessary. |
| Does the existing panel location meet current code clearances, or do we need to relocate it? | We measure NEC Article 110 working-clearance requirements (depth in front of the panel, clear width, headroom) and confirm the panel is not behind cabinets, in clothes closets, or in other prohibited locations. If the location does not meet current code, we quote the relocation. | The existing spot is fine because the old panel fit. |
| Will you use conduit or NM cable for the new circuits, and how do you decide? | We follow the California Electrical Code wiring methods permitted for residential occupancies. Conduit is required for exterior runs and where physical damage is likely; NM cable is permitted in many concealed interior runs. We size conductors for the future load, not just today's circuit. | Whatever is easiest and cheapest. |
| Who pulls the electrical permit at the local AHJ (city or county permit center), and is the fee itemized in your quote? | We pull the electrical permit at the local AHJ in our own name, attend the inspection, and itemize the permit fee in the quote. We do not ask the homeowner to pull the permit. | We do not pull permits because they slow the job. |
| Walk us through the inspection process: which inspections are required and what does each one check? | We typically schedule a rough-in inspection (panel mounted, grounding electrode system verified, conductors run) and a final inspection (devices terminated, AFCI/GFCI verified under test, labeling complete). The exact sequence depends on the local AHJ. | There is just one inspection at the end. |
| How long will the home be without power during the panel swap, and what time of day will it occur? | A panel-only swap typically takes 6 to 10 hours; a service upgrade with meter swap can take a full day and is constrained by the utility's window. We confirm the exact window and time-of-day with the utility before scheduling. | Will not take long. |
| Will the new panel be sized and labeled for future solar or battery interconnection per NEC Article 705.12? | Yes. We size the busbar and main breaker so the future solar PV and battery interconnection meets NEC Article 705.12 (the 120% rule or supply-side connection, depending on the configuration). We document the headroom available so the future installer can verify quickly. | Solar and battery do not affect panel sizing. |
| If we may add a generator interlock or transfer switch later, what should the new panel design account for? | We can include a generator interlock kit with the panel install, or pre-wire space for a future automatic transfer switch. Interlock is the lowest-cost option for occasional backup; ATS is the right path for whole-home automatic backup. | Generator readiness is a future problem. |
| How are you treating the federal §25C tax credit for panel-upgrade work? | The federal §25C Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit expired December 31, 2025 under OBBBA (PL 119-21). For panel work performed in 2026 and later, we do not list §25C as an applicable credit and we will not claim eligibility. | You qualify for the 30 percent federal tax credit on panel work. |
| Is panel-upgrade work eligible for HEEHRA (Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates) in California, and what is the current funding status? | Panel-upgrade work, sub-panel additions, and electrical wiring needed to support qualifying electrification projects can be eligible HEEHRA expenses for income-qualified households. CPUC reported HEEHRA funds fully reserved earlier this year, so we do not promise current availability and confirm against the CPUC HEEHRA portal at quote time. | HEEHRA covers all panel upgrades automatically. |
| Are there TECH Clean California, CCA (Community Choice Aggregator), or utility-side incentives that apply to this panel work? | TECH Clean California is statewide for qualifying heat-pump installations; panel-upgrade work tied to a qualifying heat pump may be eligible. Many CCAs (such as MCE, SVCE, CleanPowerSF, SJCE) and IOUs run their own electrification rebates with panel-work eligibility. We confirm the program rules in writing before the quote and list each program with its reservation status. | All rebates are guaranteed if you sign today. |
| What is the manufacturer warranty on the new panel, breakers, and any smart-panel hardware? | We list the manufacturer warranty for the panel and main breaker (typically 10 years), branch-circuit breakers (typically 1 to 10 years), and smart-panel hardware separately. We explain what voids each. | Warranty is whatever the box says. |
| What is your labor warranty on the panel installation, and does it cover related troubleshooting? | We offer a written labor warranty (typically 1 to 5 years) covering workmanship on terminations, conduit runs, and grounding work. We explain what is covered and what is not. | Our work is good, no warranty needed. |
| Based on the Article 220 result, what do you recommend as the best next action and why? | We propose a single recommended option with the load-calc rationale, list one alternative with the cost delta, and explain what would change our recommendation. We are clear about which costs are firm and which depend on the utility or AHJ. | Whatever you want is fine. |
General questions for every contractor
| Question | Good response | Bad response |
|---|---|---|
| Can you separate confirmed incentives from assumed incentives in the quote? | Yes. We mark each incentive as confirmed (with program ID and current reservation status) versus assumed (subject to verification before contract). | All listed incentives are yours. |
| Does the federal Section 25C tax credit apply to my installation? | Section 25C expired December 31, 2025 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Public Law 119-21). Installations completed in 2026 or later do not qualify for §25C. | You'll get the federal credit on your taxes. |
| Are BayREN Home+ rebates available for this installation? | BayREN Home+ may apply for Bay Area homeowners; we verify the program is currently funded and that the equipment qualifies before submitting. | BayREN always pays out automatically. |
| What is the equipment and labor warranty, and what voids it? | We provide the manufacturer warranty (typically 10 years parts when registered) plus our labor warranty (1-2 years standard); we explain what voids coverage including improper electrical, missing filters, and skipped annual service. | The warranty covers everything forever. |
| What is the best next step before signing a contract? | Schedule a site visit and Manual J load calculation, get a written quote with line-item pricing, verify all incentive reservation requirements, and confirm permit handling. | Sign today to lock in pricing before incentives expire. |
| Who pulls the mechanical and electrical permits with San Francisco DBI and how is that visible to me? | We pull the mechanical permit through SF DBI (sf.gov / Department of Building Inspection) under our contractor license, plus a separate electrical permit if the new circuit requires it. You receive copies of both permit applications, the permit numbers, the inspection schedule, and final card sign-offs. Permit fees are itemized separately in the proposal, not bundled into labor. | Permits add cost; most heat-pump swaps don't really need one. |
| How does CleanPowerSF's default Green vs SuperGreen product affect the carbon-accounting story of switching to a heat pump? | CleanPowerSF is your default CCA. The standard Green product is at least 70 percent California-certified renewable, and SuperGreen is 100 percent renewable. Switching from a gas furnace to an electric heat pump moves that combustion load onto your CleanPowerSF supply, so the carbon outcome depends on which product you are on. We do not promise a specific carbon number; we explain the product tiers and let you decide. | CleanPowerSF makes heat pumps automatically zero-carbon. |
| What does the BayREN Home+ heat-pump rebate path look like in San Francisco and what are the reservation rules? | BayREN Home+ covers San Francisco (one of nine BayREN counties). The heat-pump HVAC rebate is currently up to $1,000 on a point-based system that can stack with TECH Clean California rebates and other local or federal incentives. Reservation order matters; we walk you through which incentive is reserved before which, and we share the reservation numbers in writing. Funding can run out, so we verify availability at the time of contract. | BayREN automatically applies; you do not need to track anything. |
| After we install the heat pump, which PG&E rate plan are you recommending: E-ELEC or staying on E-TOU-C? | We model both with your most recent 12 months of usage. E-ELEC has wider time-of-use spreads and pairs well with electrified loads including HP HVAC and future battery. E-TOU-C is the default residential plan and may still be the cheapest for households with low overnight loads. The PG&E March 2026 rate restructure added a roughly $24/month Base Services Charge across plans, so we factor that in. We share the spreadsheet. | Everybody on a heat pump should switch to E-ELEC. |
| I rent out the in-law unit downstairs. Who has install authority and who pays for what? | We confirm in writing who the property owner is and which tenant occupancies are affected. SF rent ordinance and tenant rights apply; capital improvements affecting tenants typically require advance notice. We do not pull permits without owner authorization. We recommend the homeowner consult the SF Rent Board on cost-passthrough rules separately. | Just install it; tenants do not need to know. |
| Does the federal Section 25C tax credit apply to a 2026 heat-pump install in SF? | Section 25C expired December 31, 2025 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Public Law 119-21). Installs placed in service in 2026 or later do not qualify. Any contractor who quotes a §25C federal credit for a 2026 SF install has it wrong; flag that as a red flag and ask for a corrected quote. | §25C still applies in 2026; you will get 30 percent back on your taxes. |
| Can we get a HEEHRA rebate for a heat pump install in San Francisco? | HEEHRA single-family rebates were reported fully reserved statewide as of February 24, 2026 (TECH Clean California / CEC), with new reservations going on a waitlist that only pays out if funding reopens. We do not include HEEHRA as a confirmed line item in the quote unless your reservation is already approved; we list it as waitlisted instead. | HEEHRA covers every California homeowner; the rebate is yours. |
| Is PG&E's heat pump financing offer something I should use, or is cash plus rebate the better path? | PG&E periodically runs an On-Bill Financing option for residential heat pumps that puts the install on a payment plan against the utility bill, with a credit check. For a homeowner with cash on hand the rebate-only path is usually cheaper because financing costs more than the rebate's time value. We model both with your numbers and share the math, including the March 2026 PG&E Base Services Charge restructure. | The PG&E loan is free money; always take it. |
| Does HEEHRA currently offer a rebate for heat pump water heaters? | Heat pump water heaters are a HEEHRA-eligible category statewide; CPUC reservations for HEEHRA were fully subscribed as of February 2026. We verify current status at energy.ca.gov and may mark HEEHRA as assumed until a reservation is confirmed. | HEEHRA pays out automatically for every install. |
| Does the unit qualify for TECH Clean California, and what is the current status? | TECH Clean California covers qualifying heat pump water heaters statewide; we verify current scope, eligible model lists, and per-unit incentive amount at techcleanca.com before citing a number in the quote. | TECH covers every model on the market. |
| Does the BayREN Home+ program offer a rebate path for heat pump water heaters? | BayREN Home+ has historically offered a heat pump water heater rebate for Bay Area homeowners. We verify current program scope and rebate amount at bayrenhomes.org before submitting. | BayREN funds every Bay Area install at the same amount. |
| Does the federal Section 25C credit apply to the install? | Section 25C expired December 31, 2025 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Public Law 119-21). Heat pump water heater installations completed in 2026 or later do not qualify for the §25C federal tax credit. | The federal credit applies as long as you install before tax day. |
| Who coordinates the plumber and electrician — your team or me? | We coordinate plumber and electrician scheduling under a single project lead, sequence the work so electrical and plumbing don't conflict, and present a unified quote with both trades line-itemed. | You hire and coordinate the electrician separately. |
| Will the quote separate confirmed incentives from assumed incentives? | Yes. Each incentive line shows program ID, reservation status (confirmed vs assumed), and a verify-by date. HEEHRA, TECH, BayREN, and SJCE EcoHome are commonly marked assumed until reservation is granted. | All listed incentives are yours. |
| What is the best next step before signing a heat pump water heater contract? | Get a written quote with line-item pricing covering model, capacity in gallons, first-hour rating, UEF, install location and ducting plan, dedicated electrical circuit, condensate drain plan, gas decommissioning (if applicable), SJPermits.org mechanical and electrical permit fees, and incentives separated into confirmed vs assumed with verify-by dates. | Sign today to lock in the incentive before it runs out. |
| Who pulls the mechanical and electrical permits with SF DBI for the HPWH swap? | We pull both the mechanical permit (for the appliance, condensate, ducting if applicable, and gas decommissioning) and the electrical permit (for the new dedicated 240V or 120V circuit) through the SF DBI online permitting and tracking system. Each fee is itemized in the proposal as a pass-through, not bundled into labor. We share permit numbers and inspection cards. | HPWH swaps in SF do not need permits. |
| What BayREN Home+ rebate is currently available for an HPWH install in SF? | BayREN Home+ offers a standard $1,000 rebate for heat pump water heaters in the nine BayREN counties including San Francisco. It stacks with TECH Clean California rebates plus other local and federal incentives. We pre-reserve through bayren.org and document the reservation number in the proposal. Funding can run out, so we verify availability at contract signing. | BayREN automatically pays out for every HPWH install. |
| Does CleanPowerSF offer any HPWH-specific rebate or bill credit in 2026? | CleanPowerSF launched bill-credit programs around home electrification as part of its 10-year anniversary. The specific HPWH credit and amount can change; we verify the current cleanpowersf.org program list before listing any CleanPowerSF line in the quote. If a program is not currently active for HPWH we do not include it as a confirmed savings line. | CleanPowerSF pays for the whole HPWH install automatically. |
| Is there a HEEHRA rebate for an HPWH install in SF? | HEEHRA covers HPWH as an eligible category, but as of February 24, 2026 single-family HEEHRA rebates were reported fully reserved statewide (per TECH Clean California / CEC). New reservations go on a waitlist that only pays out if funding reopens. We do not include HEEHRA as a confirmed line item in the quote unless your reservation is already approved; we list it as waitlisted instead. | HEEHRA pays the whole HPWH cost; you qualify automatically. |
| Does the federal Section 25C tax credit apply to a 2026 HPWH install in SF? | Section 25C expired December 31, 2025 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Public Law 119-21). Installs placed in service in 2026 or later do not qualify for §25C. Any contractor who quotes a §25C federal credit for a 2026 SF HPWH install has it wrong; flag that as a red flag and ask for a corrected quote. | §25C still applies in 2026. |
| After we install the HPWH, does the PG&E rate plan change matter? | An HPWH uses roughly 1,500-2,500 kWh / year. On E-TOU-C the cost is modest; on E-ELEC or EV2-A the off-peak rates are lower, so scheduling the HPWH to run off-peak (most models support a schedule) tilts the math further. We model the cost on each plan and share the comparison. The PG&E March 2026 Base Services Charge applies across plans. | Rate plan does not matter for HPWH; it is too small to notice. |
| What is the best next step before signing an SF HPWH contract? | Schedule a site visit (verify install location, electrical service, condensate routing, gas decommissioning), confirm BayREN reservation status, compare 2-3 brands sized to your FHR target, get a written quote with all line items (equipment, electrical, mechanical, condensate, gas decommissioning, permits, incentives separated), and compare two bids on the same scope. | Sign today; HPWH inventory is going up. |
| Does the federal §30C credit for EV charging equipment apply to my install? | §30C federal EV-charger credit had a statutory cliff on June 30, 2026 (OBBBA Public Law 119-21). Installations permitted and operational before that date may have qualified in eligible census tracts (low-income community or non-urban) — verify with your contractor and tax preparer. Installations after June 30, 2026 do not qualify. | You will receive the federal credit on your taxes. |
| Are PG&E EV charger rebates currently available? | PG&E's residential EV charger rebate program changes periodically; we verify current funding and program rules with PG&E before submitting on your behalf. | PG&E always pays out. |
| Will the quote separate confirmed incentives from assumed incentives? | Yes. Each incentive is marked confirmed (with program ID and current funding status) or assumed (subject to verification before contract signing). | All listed incentives are yours. |
| What is the warranty on the charger hardware, and what voids it? | The manufacturer typically warrants the charger for 3-5 years; we note that physical damage, surge events without a whole-home surge protector, and tampering may void coverage. | Warranty covers everything forever. |
| What is the best next step before signing a contract? | Get a written quote with line-item pricing including conduit footage, panel-capacity verification, an Article 220 load calc, and a clear permit and inspection plan. | Sign today to lock in pricing. |
| Should I plan for bidirectional (vehicle-to-home) charging now or later? | We may explain that bidirectional charging requires a charger with V2H or V2G capability plus a compatible EV; we recommend pre-pulling extra conductors only if you have a specific vehicle target. | Bidirectional is mandatory; install it now. |
| Which PG&E rate plan are you recommending after the charger install: EV2-A, E-ELEC, or staying on E-TOU-C? | We compare three scenarios using your most recent 12 months of usage: EV2-A (the dedicated EV time-of-use plan with cheap midnight-to-3pm rates including weekends), E-ELEC (whole-home time-of-use that pairs with HP HVAC and battery), and E-TOU-C as the baseline. We share the spreadsheet showing estimated monthly cost on each plan with your modeled charging pattern, including the PG&E March 2026 Base Services Charge. | EV2-A is always the cheapest for EV owners. |
| What does the SF DBI electrical permit process look like for a 240V Level 2 EV charger? | We pull an SF DBI electrical permit under our contractor license through the SF DBI online permitting and tracking system. The application includes a load-calculation page, circuit specifications, AFCI / GFCI required by the currently adopted CEC edition, and the EVSE manufacturer cut sheet. Permit fee is itemized in the proposal. Final card sign-off happens at the inspection visit. We share copies of all docs with you. | EV chargers don't need permits in San Francisco. |
| Does the federal Section 30C EV charger credit apply to my install? The OBBBA changed the timeline. | §30C federal EV-charger credit had a statutory cliff on June 30, 2026 (OBBBA Public Law 119-21). The credit covered 30 percent of equipment plus installation up to $1,000 for residential, the property had to be placed in service by June 30, 2026, and the address had to be in an eligible (non-urban or low-income community) census tract. Installations permitted and operational before that date may have qualified — we confirm whether the SF property was in an eligible tract before listing the credit; many central SF addresses were not. Installations after June 30, 2026 do not qualify. | 30C is permanent; you will receive the credit on your taxes. |
| Does CleanPowerSF have an EV-specific program or bill credit I should know about? | CleanPowerSF is your default CCA in SF. The supplier-side rate (Green default at 70 percent renewable, or SuperGreen at 100 percent) replaces PG&E's generation portion; the delivery portion still goes to PG&E. CleanPowerSF has launched bill-credit programs around home electrification; we verify what is currently active on cleanpowersf.org before listing it as savings. CCA enrollment does not change the underlying PG&E EV rate plan (EV2-A or E-ELEC). | Switching to CleanPowerSF makes EV charging free. |
| Does BayREN Home+ cover any of the EV charger install cost? | BayREN Home+ historically focuses on heat pumps and water heaters; EV chargers have not been a BayREN core category. We verify on bayren.org what is currently funded for the SF market before listing any BayREN line item; if it is not currently a BayREN-covered category for EV chargers we do not include it in the quote. | BayREN covers EV chargers; you will get the rebate. |
| How are the SF DBI permit fees itemized in the quote? | We itemize plan check fee, permit issuance fee, and inspection fee separately as a pass-through cost, not bundled into labor. We share the SF DBI fee schedule URL and the application receipt. Total residential EV charger permit fees in SF typically land in the low-hundreds-of-dollars range; we document the actual figure once SF DBI quotes it. | Permits are included; do not ask about the breakdown. |
| If I cannot install at home, does SF or PG&E have curbside / public-charging programs I should know about? | SF has piloted curbside Level 2 chargers through city programs and PG&E participates in California Public Utilities Commission programs that subsidize multi-family and public chargers. These are not direct residential installs; we mention them so you know the alternatives if a private install at your address is not feasible. For a residential install we focus on what your property allows; for public charging we point you to PlugShare and the SFMTA + PG&E program pages to research current availability. | Public chargers do not exist in SF; you need a home install. |
| Does the federal Section 25D residential clean energy credit apply to my installation? | Section 25D expired December 31, 2025 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Public Law 119-21). Installations completed in 2026 or later do not qualify for the 30 percent §25D credit. | You will receive the 30 percent federal credit on your taxes. |
| Does TECH Clean California currently offer a solar incentive? | TECH Clean California primarily targets heat pump HVAC and heat pump water heaters, not standalone solar. We verify current TECH program scope at techcleanca.com before citing any incentive. | TECH covers solar; assume the rebate applies. |
| Are BayREN Home+ rebates available for our solar or solar plus battery project? | BayREN Home+ is primarily a building shell and heat-pump program for Bay Area homeowners; we verify whether a solar or battery incentive is currently active at bayren.org and explain the application path if so. | BayREN always pays out for solar. |
| What is the best next step before signing a solar contract? | Get a written quote with line-item pricing including the design model output (kWh per year), shade analysis, panel and inverter make and model, permit and PG&E interconnection fees, production guarantee terms, and warranty terms. | Sign today to lock in pricing before incentives change. |
| How do solar permits work with SF DBI? | For PV systems 4 kW DC or smaller on existing single or two-family homes we use SF DBI's SolarAPP+ portal for instant electrical-permit issuance (SF DBI has handled SolarAPP+ residential solar permits via its online permitting and tracking system since January 2023). Above that threshold or with structural attachment on an older Victorian or Edwardian roof we go through standard plan check and add a structural review. Permission to operate (PTO) from PG&E typically takes 2-6 weeks after final inspection. We share all permit applications and inspection cards. | Solar permits are easy and same-day in SF. |
| Does the federal Section 25D residential solar credit apply to a 2026 install in SF? | Section 25D expired December 31, 2025 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Public Law 119-21). Installs placed in service in 2026 or later do not qualify for §25D. Any contractor who quotes the 30 percent federal credit for a 2026 install has it wrong; flag that as a red flag and ask for a corrected quote without the federal-credit line item. | §25D still applies in 2026; you will receive 30 percent on your taxes. |
| Does the California Title 24 Solar Mandate apply to a retrofit on my existing SF house? | Title 24 Solar Mandate applies to new construction and some major remodels. Adding solar to an existing house is a separate path (voluntary retrofit). We confirm whether your project triggers the mandate and document the determination. For voluntary retrofits, the design just needs to meet the standard residential electrical and structural codes; the Title 24 Solar Mandate compliance path is not required. | Title 24 applies to every solar install in SF. |
| Does BayREN Home+ cover any of the solar install cost? | BayREN Home+ focuses on building-shell measures and heat pumps; solar PV has not been a BayREN core rebate category historically. We verify current bayren.org program status before listing any BayREN line item for solar; if it is not currently funded for solar we do not include it. | BayREN always rebates solar in SF. |
| If I add solar, should I also upgrade to CleanPowerSF SuperGreen, or does the rooftop solar make that unnecessary? | CleanPowerSF SuperGreen is a supplier-side product at 100 percent renewable; rooftop solar offsets the grid energy you consume but not the energy you still pull from the grid at night or in winter. Upgrading to SuperGreen also covers that remaining import. The decision is about residual carbon, not solar economics; we explain both and let you choose. CleanPowerSF SuperGreen does not change PG&E delivery charges or your NEM 3.0 export rate. | SuperGreen is required if you have solar. |
| What is the best next step before signing an SF solar contract? | Schedule the site visit, get the PVsyst or HelioScope production model with neighborhood-microclimate derate, confirm SolarAPP+ eligibility, decide on the NEM 3.0 self-consumption strategy (solar-only vs solar plus battery), and get a written quote with all line items: panels, inverter, racking, labor, permits, structural review, monitoring. Compare two or three bids on the same scope. | Sign today; the prices are going up. |
| Does the federal Section 25D residential clean energy credit apply to my battery install? | Section 25D expired December 31, 2025 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Public Law 119-21). Battery installations completed in 2026 or later do not qualify for the 30 percent §25D credit. | You will receive the 30 percent federal credit on your taxes. |
| Does HEEHRA or TECH Clean California currently offer a battery incentive? | Neither HEEHRA nor TECH primarily fund residential batteries; SGIP is the main California battery program. We verify current TECH scope at techcleanca.com and HEEHRA status at energy.ca.gov before citing any battery incentive. | HEEHRA covers batteries automatically. |
| Will the quote separate confirmed SGIP incentives from assumed? | Yes. SGIP is marked confirmed only after pre-approval is granted and the funding tier is reserved; we mark the line as assumed in the quote until then and explain the reservation status. | All listed incentives are yours. |
| What is the best next step before signing a battery contract? | Get a written quote with line-item pricing including usable kWh, continuous AC inverter output, AC vs DC coupling, manufacturer warranty terms (years AND cycles AND throughput), labor warranty separately, SJPermits.org permit fees, PG&E interconnection plan, and an honest SGIP workflow: as of December 31, 2025 only the AB 209-funded RSSE budget accepts new applications and it is fully reserved (attrition-based waitlist via selfgenca.com), so the proposal documents the waitlist position rather than promising a rebate. | Sign today to lock in SGIP before funding runs out. |
| What does the SF DBI permit process look like for a battery install? | We pull an SF DBI electrical permit through the online permitting and tracking system. For wall-mounted batteries we also confirm structural attachment per the manufacturer install manual. Fire setback follows CRC R327; we document the setback measurements in the permit submission. Final card sign-off happens at inspection. We share all permit copies and inspection cards. | Batteries don't need permits in SF for under 20 kWh. |
| Does the federal Section 25D credit apply to my battery install in 2026? | Section 25D expired December 31, 2025 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Public Law 119-21). Installs placed in service in 2026 or later do not qualify for §25D. Any contractor who quotes the 30 percent federal credit for a 2026 battery install has it wrong; SGIP plus state and PG&E stacks are the current path. | §25D still applies in 2026. |
| Some SF neighborhoods are in High Fire Threat Districts (HFTD). Does that change my SGIP tier? | SGIP Equity Resiliency tier eligibility historically included residence in a Tier 3 or Tier 4 High Fire Threat District as defined by the CPUC map, combined with Equity criteria (income or DAC). Some SF properties on the western edge or near open space are in HFTD; most central SF is not. As of 2026 the ratepayer-funded Equity Resiliency budget is no longer accepting new applications — only the AB 209-funded RSSE (Residential Solar and Storage Equity) tier remains open, and that budget is fully reserved with new applications on a waitlist via attrition. We check the CPUC HFTD map for your address and walk through eligibility honestly before listing any SGIP line item, but practical access in 2026 is limited to the RSSE waitlist for income-qualified solar-plus-battery projects. We verify current budget status at selfgenca.com before quoting. | All SF is in HFTD; you get the top tier automatically. |
| What is the best next step before signing an SF battery contract? | Schedule a site visit, verify SGIP budget status on selfgenca.com (as of December 31, 2025 only the AB 209-funded RSSE budget accepts new applications and it is fully reserved — new apps go to an attrition-based waitlist; we document the waitlist position rather than promising a rebate), decide on the backup-loads list and battery sizing, run the NEM 3.0 self-consumption model, and get a written quote with line-item pricing: battery hardware, inverter, gateway, installation labor, SF DBI permits, structural attachment if wall-mounted, monitoring setup. Compare two or three bids on the same scope and battery brand. | Sign today; SGIP funding will run out by tomorrow. |
Good vs reasonable vs bad answers
| Question | Good | Reasonable | Bad |
|---|---|---|---|
| Will you perform a Manual J load calculation before sizing the heat pump? | Yes. We calculate heating and cooling load based on home size, insulation, windows, orientation, ductwork, and infiltration. | We will run Manual J after a site visit and duct inspection. | We just replace the existing furnace with the same tonnage system. |
| Will you inspect ducts before specifying the heat pump? | Yes. We inspect duct size, leakage rate, return air paths, and airflow because heat pumps need good airflow at moderate static pressure. | We inspect ducts during install and modify if airflow targets are not met. | Ducts are always fine; no need to check. |
| How do you decide system size in tons or BTU? | We explain tons and BTU using Manual J inputs, not just square footage. | — | We use 1 ton per 500 square feet as a rule of thumb. |
| What refrigerant does the system use, and is it compliant with current EPA rules? | We specify the refrigerant (R-454B or R-32 for new systems after the EPA A2L transition) and confirm it meets current code. | — | Refrigerant does not affect homeowners. |
| Are you a TECH Clean California enrolled contractor, and is the program currently funded for heat pump HVAC? | We verify current TECH Clean California program status (single-family Phase I has been fully reserved since November 2025) and explain whether it applies before signing. | — | TECH always pays out; assume the rebate is yours. |
| Does my household income make us eligible for HEEHRA, and what does that involve? | We confirm income eligibility (below 80 percent AMI or 80 to 150 percent AMI), explain pre-approval is required, and verify program status (Phase I single-family is currently fully reserved per CEC as of 2026-02-24). | HEEHRA may apply if eligibility is verified after a site visit and income documentation. | HEEHRA covers everyone; you qualify automatically. |
| What is my panel size and service size, and is it adequate for adding a heat pump? | We inspect the panel labels and main breaker on site, explain whether 100A, 125A, 150A, or 200A is adequate, and verify the service drop matches the panel. | — | We guess from a photo only; no on-site inspection. |
| Can we avoid a service upgrade by using smart load management? | Possibly. We will perform a formal Article 220 load calculation, propose smart load management for HVAC + EV + water heater coordination, and explain the tradeoff vs upgrading. | We need to see your panel labels and load history before recommending. | You always need 200A; no calculation needed. |
| Will the heat pump need a new dedicated circuit, and what breaker size? | Yes, the outdoor unit and air handler each typically need dedicated circuits at the breaker sizes the manufacturer specifies (often 30-50A for outdoor, 15-30A for indoor). | — | Any spare breaker will work. |
| Can you separate confirmed incentives from assumed incentives in the quote? | Yes. We mark each incentive as confirmed (with program ID and current reservation status) versus assumed (subject to verification before contract). | — | All listed incentives are yours. |
| Does the federal Section 25C tax credit apply to my installation? | Section 25C expired December 31, 2025 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Public Law 119-21). Installations completed in 2026 or later do not qualify for §25C. | — | You'll get the federal credit on your taxes. |
| Are BayREN Home+ rebates available for this installation? | BayREN Home+ may apply for Bay Area homeowners; we verify the program is currently funded and that the equipment qualifies before submitting. | — | BayREN always pays out automatically. |
| What is the equipment and labor warranty, and what voids it? | We provide the manufacturer warranty (typically 10 years parts when registered) plus our labor warranty (1-2 years standard); we explain what voids coverage including improper electrical, missing filters, and skipped annual service. | — | The warranty covers everything forever. |
| What is the best next step before signing a contract? | Schedule a site visit and Manual J load calculation, get a written quote with line-item pricing, verify all incentive reservation requirements, and confirm permit handling. | — | Sign today to lock in pricing before incentives expire. |
| How does the BAAQMD natural-gas appliance regulation affect a like-for-like furnace replacement on this house? | BAAQMD Rule 9-4 sets a zero-NOx requirement on residential furnaces manufactured after January 1, 2029, and Rule 9-6 sets the same on water heaters under 75,000 BTU/hr after January 1, 2027. The rules apply only when existing equipment burns out, so timing matters. We confirm whether your replacement falls before or after the rule's effective date for your appliance class and walk through whether a heat-pump path avoids a regulatory dead-end. We document the regulatory citation in writing in the proposal. | We confirm the BAAQMD effective dates against your appliance class before quoting. | BAAQMD rules don't affect homeowners, only contractors. |
| How do you size a heat pump for San Francisco's marine climate where the heating design temperature is around 38F and summer cooling load is minimal? | We use ACCA Manual J 8th Edition with the ASHRAE 99 percent heating design temperature for the SF weather station closest to the home and the actual cooling-load demand for your microclimate (Sunset, Marina, Mission, and Bernal each behave differently). We do not oversize the cooling stage; an inverter-driven heat pump that modulates down to a low minimum stage is preferred in this climate. We share the Manual J output with you. | We will run Manual J after a site visit; our experience says SF homes are typically smaller heat-pump tonnage than Peninsula homes. | We use a 1-ton-per-500-square-feet rule of thumb. |
| Who pulls the mechanical and electrical permits with San Francisco DBI and how is that visible to me? | We pull the mechanical permit through SF DBI (sf.gov / Department of Building Inspection) under our contractor license, plus a separate electrical permit if the new circuit requires it. You receive copies of both permit applications, the permit numbers, the inspection schedule, and final card sign-offs. Permit fees are itemized separately in the proposal, not bundled into labor. | We pull permits through SF DBI; we share the application copies once submitted. | Permits add cost; most heat-pump swaps don't really need one. |
| How does CleanPowerSF's default Green vs SuperGreen product affect the carbon-accounting story of switching to a heat pump? | CleanPowerSF is your default CCA. The standard Green product is at least 70 percent California-certified renewable, and SuperGreen is 100 percent renewable. Switching from a gas furnace to an electric heat pump moves that combustion load onto your CleanPowerSF supply, so the carbon outcome depends on which product you are on. We do not promise a specific carbon number; we explain the product tiers and let you decide. | If carbon accounting matters to you, the SuperGreen upgrade is the simplest path; it is a customer-initiated change on the CleanPowerSF site. | CleanPowerSF makes heat pumps automatically zero-carbon. |
| What does the BayREN Home+ heat-pump rebate path look like in San Francisco and what are the reservation rules? | BayREN Home+ covers San Francisco (one of nine BayREN counties). The heat-pump HVAC rebate is currently up to $1,000 on a point-based system that can stack with TECH Clean California rebates and other local or federal incentives. Reservation order matters; we walk you through which incentive is reserved before which, and we share the reservation numbers in writing. Funding can run out, so we verify availability at the time of contract. | We pre-check BayREN funding and document the reservation in the proposal. | BayREN automatically applies; you do not need to track anything. |
| After we install the heat pump, which PG&E rate plan are you recommending: E-ELEC or staying on E-TOU-C? | We model both with your most recent 12 months of usage. E-ELEC has wider time-of-use spreads and pairs well with electrified loads including HP HVAC and future battery. E-TOU-C is the default residential plan and may still be the cheapest for households with low overnight loads. The PG&E March 2026 rate restructure added a roughly $24/month Base Services Charge across plans, so we factor that in. We share the spreadsheet. | Most heat-pump-plus-future-electrification households we model land on E-ELEC; we walk through both before you commit. | Everybody on a heat pump should switch to E-ELEC. |
| Many older SF homes have no ductwork or hydronic heating only. How do you handle a heat-pump retrofit without ducts? | We assess whether a ductless multi-zone mini-split fits the floor plan, where to place indoor heads (line-of-sight to occupied space, away from beds for noise), and the refrigerant line-set routing. We run Manual J zone-by-zone rather than a single-zone whole-house calculation. We share the proposed indoor-head locations as a drawing before install. | We will assess at the site visit; ducted, ductless, or mixed are all on the table depending on layout. | Ductless mini-splits are always the best choice for SF. |
| How do you account for the leakier envelope on an older Victorian or Edwardian in SF when sizing the heat pump? | We use realistic ACH50 (air changes per hour at 50 Pa) assumptions for the construction era, not a tight new-build default, and adjust the Manual J infiltration inputs accordingly. Where it makes sense we recommend a blower-door test before final sizing. We do not pretend the envelope is tighter than it is; we share the Manual J inputs we used. | We use era-typical infiltration assumptions; a blower-door test is optional but it tightens the Manual J output. | Older SF houses are basically the same as new construction for sizing. |
| What refrigerant does the system use, and how do the A2L safety requirements affect installation in a small SF utility room? | New residential systems use R-454B or R-32 (both mildly flammable A2L refrigerants). Indoor-unit charge limits set a minimum room volume; we measure the actual indoor location and confirm the manufacturer's listed indoor charge fits the room. If the room is too small, we propose either a different unit or relocating the indoor section. We document the refrigerant choice and the room-volume calculation. | We confirm A2L room-volume limits at the site visit; small SF utility rooms sometimes need the indoor section relocated. | A2L safety rules don't matter for homeowners. |
| Where will the outdoor condenser go given SF's narrow lots, neighbor property lines, and noise concerns? | We propose a location that meets SF noise ordinance setbacks from neighboring habitable space and that provides manufacturer-required service clearance and clear airflow. For lots with shared light wells or shotgun side yards we sometimes recommend a roof-mounted or rear-yard pad with a sound blanket. We share the proposed location and decibel rating in the quote. | We will walk the lot at the site visit and propose two locations with the decibel rating noted. | Heat pumps are quiet enough; setbacks do not matter in SF. |
| Beyond Manual J, will you also do Manual S equipment selection and Manual D duct design? | Yes. Manual J gives us the load; Manual S matches a specific equipment model and capacity at the design conditions; Manual D sizes the ducts (or confirms existing duct adequacy) for the airflow the equipment needs. We share all three outputs. Skipping Manual S is the most common way contractors end up oversizing. | We always do Manual J and Manual S; Manual D is required when we touch ductwork. | Manual J is enough; the other steps are for new construction only. |
| Should we go all-electric heat pump or dual-fuel (heat pump plus gas furnace backup) in SF's mild climate? | In SF the design temperature is mild enough that a properly sized inverter heat pump can carry the load down to the coldest hours without backup. Dual-fuel typically does not make sense unless you are keeping a gas appliance for another reason. We share the modeled hours below balance point so the choice is honest, and we note that BAAQMD Rule 9-4 affects future furnace replacements. | All-electric is the more common SF outcome; we will model both before you decide. | Always keep the gas furnace as backup; heat pumps cannot heat in winter. |
| If we go all-electric, what is the backup-heat strategy at the SF design temperature? | We size the heat pump to carry the design-day load without strip heat. Where the manufacturer requires emergency heat for low-stage failure protection, we install a low-kW electric resistance element with a lock-out at outdoor temperatures above the balance point. We share the modeled hours of strip operation per year. | Backup heat is small in SF; we will spec it from the Manual J output. | All electric heat pumps always need 10kW of strip backup. |
| Refrigerant line-set length and vertical lift between indoor and outdoor sections can be limiting on SF row houses. How do you handle that? | Each manufacturer publishes a maximum line-set length and vertical lift. We measure both at the site visit and confirm the planned route falls inside the listed limits. If it does not, we either choose a different unit or relocate the outdoor section. We document the route, length, and lift in the proposal. | We confirm at the site visit; SF rear-yard outdoor sections are usually within manufacturer limits, but rooftop installs sometimes are not. | Line-set length is not a real limit; any route works. |
| I rent out the in-law unit downstairs. Who has install authority and who pays for what? | We confirm in writing who the property owner is and which tenant occupancies are affected. SF rent ordinance and tenant rights apply; capital improvements affecting tenants typically require advance notice. We do not pull permits without owner authorization. We recommend the homeowner consult the SF Rent Board on cost-passthrough rules separately. | Owner authorization is required for permits; the SF Rent Board has separate rules on passthrough that we do not advise on directly. | Just install it; tenants do not need to know. |
| What does commissioning at startup look like, and do I get a report? | Commissioning includes measured airflow at each register, static pressure across the indoor coil, refrigerant charge verified by superheat or subcooling per the manufacturer chart, and outdoor-unit ambient and refrigerant temperatures. We give you a one-page commissioning report with all measured values and the technician name. We do not consider the install complete without it. | We do a startup checklist and share the measured values; full Manual D static-pressure verification is included on ducted retrofits. | Commissioning is a buzzword; the system runs, that is enough. |
| Does the federal Section 25C tax credit apply to a 2026 heat-pump install in SF? | Section 25C expired December 31, 2025 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Public Law 119-21). Installs placed in service in 2026 or later do not qualify. Any contractor who quotes a §25C federal credit for a 2026 SF install has it wrong; flag that as a red flag and ask for a corrected quote. | §25C does not apply to 2026 installs; state and local stacks (BayREN, PG&E, CleanPowerSF) are the path now. | §25C still applies in 2026; you will get 30 percent back on your taxes. |
| Can we get a HEEHRA rebate for a heat pump install in San Francisco? | HEEHRA single-family rebates were reported fully reserved statewide as of February 24, 2026 (TECH Clean California / CEC), with new reservations going on a waitlist that only pays out if funding reopens. We do not include HEEHRA as a confirmed line item in the quote unless your reservation is already approved; we list it as waitlisted instead. | HEEHRA is waitlisted; we will document the reservation status and not assume it as confirmed savings. | HEEHRA covers every California homeowner; the rebate is yours. |
| Outer Sunset and Outer Richmond get salt air off the ocean. How does that affect warranty terms for the outdoor section? | Manufacturers typically require a corrosion-resistant coil option or coating for coastal installs and may exclude warranty coverage of corrosion-related failures otherwise. We confirm the manufacturer's coastal-install spec, document the coating option in the proposal, and verify the warranty terms (parts, labor, and compressor) in writing. Skipping the coastal option is a recognizable shortcut. | We spec the coastal corrosion package for Outer Sunset and Outer Richmond installs; warranty terms are documented in writing. | Salt air is not a real issue inside SF city limits. |
| Is PG&E's heat pump financing offer something I should use, or is cash plus rebate the better path? | PG&E periodically runs an On-Bill Financing option for residential heat pumps that puts the install on a payment plan against the utility bill, with a credit check. For a homeowner with cash on hand the rebate-only path is usually cheaper because financing costs more than the rebate's time value. We model both with your numbers and share the math, including the March 2026 PG&E Base Services Charge restructure. | Most homeowners with cash are better off paying directly and stacking BayREN plus state rebates; we model both before you decide. | The PG&E loan is free money; always take it. |
| Where will the heat pump water heater go, and does the location have adequate air volume? | We assess garage and utility room candidates (heat pump water heaters need roughly 700 to 1000 cubic feet of conditioned air around the unit, or a ducted exhaust path), evaluate noise impact, and confirm clearance per the manufacturer's install manual. | — | Any closet works for a heat pump water heater. |
| How will you handle the condensate drain? | We route a gravity drain to an approved disposal location or use a condensate pump; we explain freeze risk and overflow safety per CPC, and itemize the work in the quote. | — | Condensate isn't really an issue. |
| Does the install require a dedicated electrical circuit, and what size? | Standard heat pump water heaters typically need a dedicated 30A 240V circuit; some 120V hybrid models can operate on a 15A or 20A circuit at reduced capacity. We size the circuit per the manufacturer's data plate and document conductor gauge and breaker rating in the quote. | — | Share the circuit with the dishwasher. |
| How will you size the tank, 50, 65, or 80 gallons? | We size from household occupancy, peak-hour fixture demand (showers, dishwasher, clothes washer simultaneity), and recovery preferences. A typical 3-to-4-person household lands on a 65 or 80 gallon unit to compensate for slower heat pump recovery vs gas. | — | Match the gallons of whatever tank is there now. |
| What is the first-hour rating of the proposed unit, and is it sufficient for our peak demand? | We provide the manufacturer's first-hour rating (gallons delivered in the first hour of peak use) and compare it to your typical morning or evening peak demand. We may suggest a larger tank or a mixing valve strategy when the rating runs tight. | — | First-hour rating isn't really relevant. |
| What is the Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) of the proposed unit, and how does it affect rebate eligibility? | We document the UEF on the spec sheet (modern heat pump water heaters typically range 3.0 to 4.0+ UEF). Many rebates require UEF at or above a threshold (often 3.0) or a NEEA Advanced Water Heater Specification tier rating; we confirm the eligible tier before submitting. | — | UEF doesn't matter for rebates. |
| Will the install be ambient (drawing from the room) or ducted? | Ambient installs are simplest and cheapest in a garage or large utility room. Conditioned-space installs may need ducted intake or exhaust to avoid cooling the living space; ducting adds labor and material cost. We model the tradeoff in the quote. | — | Ducting is always required. |
| What operating modes does the unit support, and which one do you recommend by default? | Most modern units offer heat-pump-only (most efficient), hybrid (heat pump plus resistance backup on high demand), and resistance-only (emergency or cold-snap) modes. We recommend hybrid as a default and explain how mode choice changes runtime and operating cost. | — | Modes are a gimmick; leave it on resistance. |
| What is the manufacturer warranty on the tank, the heat pump compressor, and labor? | Most residential heat pump water heaters carry a 10-year tank warranty and a separate compressor warranty (often shorter). We provide the spec sheet and itemize our labor warranty separately so they aren't confused. | — | Lifetime warranty; no fine print. |
| Does HEEHRA currently offer a rebate for heat pump water heaters? | Heat pump water heaters are a HEEHRA-eligible category statewide; CPUC reservations for HEEHRA were fully subscribed as of February 2026. We verify current status at energy.ca.gov and may mark HEEHRA as assumed until a reservation is confirmed. | — | HEEHRA pays out automatically for every install. |
| Does the unit qualify for TECH Clean California, and what is the current status? | TECH Clean California covers qualifying heat pump water heaters statewide; we verify current scope, eligible model lists, and per-unit incentive amount at techcleanca.com before citing a number in the quote. | — | TECH covers every model on the market. |
| Does the BayREN Home+ program offer a rebate path for heat pump water heaters? | BayREN Home+ has historically offered a heat pump water heater rebate for Bay Area homeowners. We verify current program scope and rebate amount at bayrenhomes.org before submitting. | — | BayREN funds every Bay Area install at the same amount. |
| Does the federal Section 25C credit apply to the install? | Section 25C expired December 31, 2025 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Public Law 119-21). Heat pump water heater installations completed in 2026 or later do not qualify for the §25C federal tax credit. | — | The federal credit applies as long as you install before tax day. |
| Who coordinates the plumber and electrician — your team or me? | We coordinate plumber and electrician scheduling under a single project lead, sequence the work so electrical and plumbing don't conflict, and present a unified quote with both trades line-itemed. | — | You hire and coordinate the electrician separately. |
| If we are switching from gas, how will you decommission the gas line? | We cap and label the abandoned gas line per CPC, pressure-test or visually verify the cap, and remove the abandoned T&P discharge pipe if it conflicts with the new install. The work is itemized in the quote. | — | Just leave the old gas line where it is. |
| What is your post-install commissioning checklist? | Commissioning includes pressure testing the plumbing, verifying the T&P relief valve and discharge routing, confirming the condensate drain runs free, setting the default operating mode, and walking through the app and any user controls. | — | We turn it on and leave. |
| What is the expected recovery time after a high-demand event, like back-to-back showers? | In heat-pump-only mode, recovery is slower than gas (typically 2 to 3 hours to reheat a depleted tank). Hybrid mode shortens that. We explain mode tradeoffs and may recommend a larger tank or a mixing valve strategy when recovery is a concern. | — | Recovery is the same as gas; no tradeoff. |
| Will the quote separate confirmed incentives from assumed incentives? | Yes. Each incentive line shows program ID, reservation status (confirmed vs assumed), and a verify-by date. HEEHRA, TECH, BayREN, and SJCE EcoHome are commonly marked assumed until reservation is granted. | — | All listed incentives are yours. |
| What is the best next step before signing a heat pump water heater contract? | Get a written quote with line-item pricing covering model, capacity in gallons, first-hour rating, UEF, install location and ducting plan, dedicated electrical circuit, condensate drain plan, gas decommissioning (if applicable), SJPermits.org mechanical and electrical permit fees, and incentives separated into confirmed vs assumed with verify-by dates. | — | Sign today to lock in the incentive before it runs out. |
| Who pulls the mechanical and electrical permits with SF DBI for the HPWH swap? | We pull both the mechanical permit (for the appliance, condensate, ducting if applicable, and gas decommissioning) and the electrical permit (for the new dedicated 240V or 120V circuit) through the SF DBI online permitting and tracking system. Each fee is itemized in the proposal as a pass-through, not bundled into labor. We share permit numbers and inspection cards. | We pull both permits and share copies and inspection cards. | HPWH swaps in SF do not need permits. |
| What BayREN Home+ rebate is currently available for an HPWH install in SF? | BayREN Home+ offers a standard $1,000 rebate for heat pump water heaters in the nine BayREN counties including San Francisco. It stacks with TECH Clean California rebates plus other local and federal incentives. We pre-reserve through bayren.org and document the reservation number in the proposal. Funding can run out, so we verify availability at contract signing. | We pre-reserve BayREN and document the reservation; the rebate is contingent on funding at install time. | BayREN automatically pays out for every HPWH install. |
| Does CleanPowerSF offer any HPWH-specific rebate or bill credit in 2026? | CleanPowerSF launched bill-credit programs around home electrification as part of its 10-year anniversary. The specific HPWH credit and amount can change; we verify the current cleanpowersf.org program list before listing any CleanPowerSF line in the quote. If a program is not currently active for HPWH we do not include it as a confirmed savings line. | We verify current CleanPowerSF programs and only list confirmed line items. | CleanPowerSF pays for the whole HPWH install automatically. |
| How does BAAQMD Rule 9-6 affect the timing of my water heater replacement? | BAAQMD Rule 9-6 sets a zero-NOx requirement on residential natural gas water heaters under 75,000 BTU/hr manufactured after January 1, 2027. The rule applies at the point of equipment burn-out, not retroactively. If your current gas water heater is approaching end of life, replacing it with a heat pump water heater now avoids buying a soon-to-be-non-compliant gas replacement. We document the BAAQMD citation and the burn-out timing in the proposal. | Rule 9-6 affects 2027+ gas water heater replacements; HPWH now sidesteps it. | BAAQMD rules don't affect homeowners. |
| Is there a HEEHRA rebate for an HPWH install in SF? | HEEHRA covers HPWH as an eligible category, but as of February 24, 2026 single-family HEEHRA rebates were reported fully reserved statewide (per TECH Clean California / CEC). New reservations go on a waitlist that only pays out if funding reopens. We do not include HEEHRA as a confirmed line item in the quote unless your reservation is already approved; we list it as waitlisted instead. | HEEHRA is waitlisted; we document reservation status and do not assume the rebate. | HEEHRA pays the whole HPWH cost; you qualify automatically. |
| Does the federal Section 25C tax credit apply to a 2026 HPWH install in SF? | Section 25C expired December 31, 2025 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Public Law 119-21). Installs placed in service in 2026 or later do not qualify for §25C. Any contractor who quotes a §25C federal credit for a 2026 SF HPWH install has it wrong; flag that as a red flag and ask for a corrected quote. | §25C does not apply to 2026 installs; BayREN plus PG&E and CleanPowerSF are the current paths. | §25C still applies in 2026. |
| What UEF (Uniform Energy Factor) does the unit need to meet for rebate eligibility, and what is the NEEA AWHS tier? | Most current rebate programs require UEF >= 3.0 for HPWHs (often a Tier 3 or higher in the NEEA Advanced Water Heater Specification). We confirm the model's UEF, NEEA AWHS tier, and CEC listing in the proposal. We do not list a rebate as confirmed if the unit does not meet the program's UEF or tier requirement. | We confirm UEF and NEEA tier before listing a rebate. | Any HPWH gets the rebate. |
| How do you decide between 50, 65, and 80 gallon HPWH for a typical SF household? | We size based on First-Hour Rating (FHR) per the EPA WaterSense or DOE methodology, factoring household size, peak-hour fixture demand, and recovery rate. SF households of 1-2 people with one bathroom often fit 50 gallons; 3-4 people with multiple bathrooms typically fit 65-80 gallons. Heat-pump-only mode has slower recovery than gas, so we size up rather than down when peak demand is unknown. We share the FHR calculation. | We size by FHR; SF households often benefit from a slight upsize because of slower HP recovery. | Match the existing tank size; never size up. |
| My HPWH would go in the garage / basement utility area. Does that affect efficiency vs a conditioned-space install? | HPWHs pull heat from ambient air; cold ambient (an unheated SF garage in winter) drops the COP and slows recovery. Garage installs are common in SF and work fine for most households but the model's published COP at cold ambient matters. Conditioned-space installs (an interior closet) need either an air-volume calculation per the manufacturer (typically 700-1000 cubic feet minimum) or a ducted intake / exhaust kit. We share the ambient assumption used. | Garage installs are SF default; we share the cold-ambient COP and ducting plan if needed. | Location does not matter; the HPWH works the same anywhere. |
| Should we install a 240V/30A circuit or use a 120V plug-in hybrid like the Rheem ProTerra Plug-In? | Standard HPWHs (Rheem ProTerra, A.O. Smith Voltex AL, Bradford White AeroTherm) need a dedicated 240V/30A circuit. The 120V plug-in models (Rheem ProTerra Plug-In) plug into an existing 120V/15A outlet and avoid an electrical upgrade, which can be a path for an older SF panel that lacks 240V capacity without an upgrade. The tradeoff is slower recovery and lower peak output. We share both paths with cost and recovery-time tradeoffs. | 240V is the default; 120V plug-in is a real option for older SF panels. | 120V plug-in is always best. |
| What refrigerant does the HPWH use, and does that affect SF installs? | Most current HPWHs use R-134a or R-513A (lower-GWP alternative). The Sanden SANCO2 uses CO2 (R-744) as refrigerant, with very high efficiency and low GWP, though it is split-system (outdoor compressor, indoor tank) rather than a standard integrated unit and costs more. We share the refrigerant choice in the proposal and confirm it meets current EPA rules. | We document refrigerant; R-513A is current default; Sanden CO2 is the premium split option. | Refrigerant does not affect homeowners. |
| Rheem ProTerra, A.O. Smith Voltex AL, Bradford White AeroTherm, Stiebel Eltron Accelera 300, Sanden CO2 — which fits an SF install? | Rheem ProTerra (50/65/80 gal, integrated, plug-in option available) is the most common SF retrofit. A.O. Smith Voltex AL (50/66/80 gal, integrated, high UEF) is competitive. Bradford White AeroTherm covers similar capacities. Stiebel Eltron Accelera 300 (80 gal, German build, high UEF) is premium. Sanden SANCO2 (CO2 refrigerant, split system) is the highest-efficiency / lowest-GWP option but the most expensive. We share a 3-way comparison sized to your needs. | Rheem ProTerra is the SF default; we compare 2-3 brands for your sizing. | One brand is the only choice. |
| How do you actually calculate First-Hour Rating (FHR) and match it to my household? | FHR is the published gallons of hot water the unit can deliver in the first hour with a full tank. We compare the published FHR against your peak-hour demand (back-to-back showers, dishwasher run, laundry) using the DOE worksheet. Typical SF household FHR target: 50-60 gallons for 1-2 people, 60-75 for 3-4 people, 80+ for larger or high-demand households. We share the worksheet. | We share the FHR worksheet and the household demand match. | FHR is theoretical; ignore it. |
| What is the difference between FHR and recovery rate, and which one matters for my SF household? | FHR is the first-hour delivery starting from a full tank. Recovery rate (gallons / hour) is the steady-state reheat rate after the tank is depleted. For most households FHR matters more (covers the morning peak); recovery matters for sustained high-demand events (large family + back-to-back uses). HPs have slower recovery than gas, which is why we size up rather than match the gas tank. | FHR matters for most SF households; recovery matters for high-demand cases. | Recovery and FHR are the same number. |
| When the existing gas water heater is removed, how is the gas line decommissioned? | Per the California Plumbing Code (CPC), we cap the gas line at the shutoff or at the closest accessible fitting upstream, label the cap as 'gas, abandoned', and pressure-test the upstream line if it serves other appliances. The cap and label are visible at inspection. We document the decommissioning step in the proposal as a separate line. | We cap, label, and pressure-test per CPC; this is on the proposal as a line item. | Just disconnect the gas line; no cap needed. |
| What warranty terms do you provide on tank, parts, and labor? | Tank: typically 10 years manufacturer warranty against leaks. Parts (compressor, heat-pump module, controls): typically 6-10 years depending on brand and model; Rheem ProTerra is 10 years parts. Our install labor warranty: 1-2 years standard. We share each warranty in writing and explain what voids each (missing annual filter service, non-authorized servicing, etc.). | We share three separate warranty docs. | Everything covered for life. |
| What does commissioning look like, and do you set up vacation mode and heat-pump-only mode? | Commissioning includes initial fill, leak check, electrical continuity test, anode rod confirmation, mode setting (heat-pump-only for best efficiency, hybrid for faster recovery, electric-only as backup), TOU schedule if the model supports it, and vacation-mode setup. We walk you through the app and the front-panel controls. Commissioning report is in writing. | We commission with heat-pump-only default; vacation mode is set up at install. | Set it to electric mode and leave it. |
| After we install the HPWH, does the PG&E rate plan change matter? | An HPWH uses roughly 1,500-2,500 kWh / year. On E-TOU-C the cost is modest; on E-ELEC or EV2-A the off-peak rates are lower, so scheduling the HPWH to run off-peak (most models support a schedule) tilts the math further. We model the cost on each plan and share the comparison. The PG&E March 2026 Base Services Charge applies across plans. | Schedule the HPWH off-peak; rate plan choice is usually driven by other electrified loads, not the HPWH alone. | Rate plan does not matter for HPWH; it is too small to notice. |
| What is the best next step before signing an SF HPWH contract? | Schedule a site visit (verify install location, electrical service, condensate routing, gas decommissioning), confirm BayREN reservation status, compare 2-3 brands sized to your FHR target, get a written quote with all line items (equipment, electrical, mechanical, condensate, gas decommissioning, permits, incentives separated), and compare two bids on the same scope. | Compare two bids on the same scope and same brand before signing. | Sign today; HPWH inventory is going up. |
| How is the condensate drain routed in an SF basement or garage install, given the older drain configurations? | HPWHs produce 5-15 gallons / day of condensate that must go to a code-approved drain (interior sanitary drain, exterior gravity drain, or condensate pump to a higher drain). California Plumbing Code requires a P-trap and air gap at the drain connection. We share the proposed condensate route at the site visit and confirm it meets CPC; older SF basements sometimes need a small condensate pump because the nearest drain is uphill. | We confirm the route at site visit; condensate pump is sometimes required for older SF basements. | Just drain it into the floor; it evaporates. |
| What charger amperage do you recommend, and why? | We size the charger based on your vehicle, expected daily mileage, panel capacity, and future second-EV plans (typically 32-48A continuous draw on a 40-60A circuit). | — | Always install the biggest charger; bigger is better. |
| Will the charger need a dedicated 240V circuit? | Yes. We run a dedicated 240V circuit sized at 125 percent of the charger's continuous draw, with the correct conductor gauge and conduit per code. | — | Share a circuit with the dryer. |
| How will you confirm my panel has capacity for the charger? | We perform an Article 220 load calculation on site, consider existing loads and planned heat pump or HVAC additions, and explain whether smart load management can avoid a service upgrade. | — | Your panel is fine; no calculation needed. |
| Can smart load management let me add a charger without upgrading the panel? | Often yes. Devices like Span panels or charger-side load-share modules may avoid a service upgrade by throttling the charger when other loads (HVAC, water heater) are active. | — | Load management is unreliable; always upgrade the panel. |
| How would you support a second EV without re-wiring everything later? | We may install a load-sharing charger today, or pre-pull conductors for a second circuit. We document the planned future load in the Article 220 calc. | — | One charger is plenty for any household. |
| How will you handle grounding and bonding for the new circuit? | We verify the service ground meets code, bond the charger neutral and equipment per Article 250, and confirm the GFCI protection (built in or required separately). | — | Grounding is standard; nothing to discuss. |
| Where will the conduit run, and what does it cost to extend? | We walk the routing on site (interior wall vs exterior, attic vs trench), specify conduit fill code requirements, and itemize incremental cost per linear foot. | — | Conduit routing is included; don't worry about it. |
| What labor warranty do you provide on the install, separate from the manufacturer warranty? | We provide a 1-2 year labor warranty on installation; the manufacturer warranty (typically 3-5 years on the charger) is separate. | — | Lifetime warranty on everything. |
| Does the federal §30C credit for EV charging equipment apply to my install? | §30C federal EV-charger credit had a statutory cliff on June 30, 2026 (OBBBA Public Law 119-21). Installations permitted and operational before that date may have qualified in eligible census tracts (low-income community or non-urban) — verify with your contractor and tax preparer. Installations after June 30, 2026 do not qualify. | — | You will receive the federal credit on your taxes. |
| Are PG&E EV charger rebates currently available? | PG&E's residential EV charger rebate program changes periodically; we verify current funding and program rules with PG&E before submitting on your behalf. | — | PG&E always pays out. |
| Will the quote separate confirmed incentives from assumed incentives? | Yes. Each incentive is marked confirmed (with program ID and current funding status) or assumed (subject to verification before contract signing). | — | All listed incentives are yours. |
| What is the warranty on the charger hardware, and what voids it? | The manufacturer typically warrants the charger for 3-5 years; we note that physical damage, surge events without a whole-home surge protector, and tampering may void coverage. | — | Warranty covers everything forever. |
| What is the best next step before signing a contract? | Get a written quote with line-item pricing including conduit footage, panel-capacity verification, an Article 220 load calc, and a clear permit and inspection plan. | — | Sign today to lock in pricing. |
| Should I plan for bidirectional (vehicle-to-home) charging now or later? | We may explain that bidirectional charging requires a charger with V2H or V2G capability plus a compatible EV; we recommend pre-pulling extra conductors only if you have a specific vehicle target. | — | Bidirectional is mandatory; install it now. |
| Which PG&E rate plan are you recommending after the charger install: EV2-A, E-ELEC, or staying on E-TOU-C? | We compare three scenarios using your most recent 12 months of usage: EV2-A (the dedicated EV time-of-use plan with cheap midnight-to-3pm rates including weekends), E-ELEC (whole-home time-of-use that pairs with HP HVAC and battery), and E-TOU-C as the baseline. We share the spreadsheet showing estimated monthly cost on each plan with your modeled charging pattern, including the PG&E March 2026 Base Services Charge. | EV2-A is typical for EV-only households; E-ELEC starts winning once you add HP HVAC or battery. We model both before you commit. | EV2-A is always the cheapest for EV owners. |
| How do you handle EV charger installation if the home has no driveway and only on-street parking? | We assess three paths: a curbside conduit run with a NEMA outlet near the property line (subject to SFMTA + SF DBI sign-off and a fire-code review), a relocatable EVSE near the garage door if applicable, or recommending Level 1 plus neighborhood DC fast-charging as a viable interim. We do not promise a particular outcome until SF DBI confirms what your property allows. | We do a site visit and confirm with SF DBI whether a permit-compliant install is feasible; many SF houses without driveways have to use Level 1 or shared chargers. | Just drop the cable across the sidewalk; SF doesn't enforce. |
| What does the SF DBI electrical permit process look like for a 240V Level 2 EV charger? | We pull an SF DBI electrical permit under our contractor license through the SF DBI online permitting and tracking system. The application includes a load-calculation page, circuit specifications, AFCI / GFCI required by the currently adopted CEC edition, and the EVSE manufacturer cut sheet. Permit fee is itemized in the proposal. Final card sign-off happens at the inspection visit. We share copies of all docs with you. | We pull the SF DBI permit and share copies; the inspection usually happens within 2-3 weeks of submission. | EV chargers don't need permits in San Francisco. |
| Does the federal Section 30C EV charger credit apply to my install? The OBBBA changed the timeline. | §30C federal EV-charger credit had a statutory cliff on June 30, 2026 (OBBBA Public Law 119-21). The credit covered 30 percent of equipment plus installation up to $1,000 for residential, the property had to be placed in service by June 30, 2026, and the address had to be in an eligible (non-urban or low-income community) census tract. Installations permitted and operational before that date may have qualified — we confirm whether the SF property was in an eligible tract before listing the credit; many central SF addresses were not. Installations after June 30, 2026 do not qualify. | §30C had a sunset on June 30, 2026 and required census-tract eligibility; for installs before that date we verify the address before adding it as a confirmed line item, and for installs after that date the credit is not available. | 30C is permanent; you will receive the credit on your taxes. |
| Does CleanPowerSF have an EV-specific program or bill credit I should know about? | CleanPowerSF is your default CCA in SF. The supplier-side rate (Green default at 70 percent renewable, or SuperGreen at 100 percent) replaces PG&E's generation portion; the delivery portion still goes to PG&E. CleanPowerSF has launched bill-credit programs around home electrification; we verify what is currently active on cleanpowersf.org before listing it as savings. CCA enrollment does not change the underlying PG&E EV rate plan (EV2-A or E-ELEC). | CleanPowerSF affects the supply side of the bill; the EV-specific savings come from PG&E rate-plan choice, not from CleanPowerSF. | Switching to CleanPowerSF makes EV charging free. |
| How do you size the dedicated circuit per NEC Article 625 for the EVSE? | NEC 625 classifies EV charging as a continuous load, which requires a circuit sized at 125 percent of the EVSE's rated continuous current. For a 48A EVSE that is a 60A circuit (60A breaker, conductors rated for 60A continuous including any derating). We document the EVSE rated current, the breaker size, and the conductor gauge in the proposal. | We size at 125 percent per NEC 625 and document the breaker plus conductor selection. | Just match the breaker to the charger's amp rating. |
| Will you do a full NEC Article 220 load calculation on the SF panel before quoting? | Yes. We tabulate current connected loads (range, dryer, water heater, HVAC, general lighting) per NEC 220 demand factors and add the EVSE as a continuous load at 125 percent. We then add planned future loads (HP HVAC, HPWH, induction, battery) if the homeowner is staging a whole-home plan. The calculation sheet goes into the proposal so you can verify it. | Load calc is standard practice for any new EVSE circuit; we share the sheet. | Most SF houses are fine; no load calc needed. |
| Which smart Level 2 chargers do you recommend for off-peak scheduling, and what is the brand tradeoff? | Common choices are Tesla Universal Wall Connector (NACS plus J1772 adapter, 48A), ChargePoint Home Flex (50A), Wallbox Pulsar Plus (40A), and the Emporia EVSE (48A) for budget. We compare based on connector type, max continuous amperage, WiFi reliability for off-peak scheduling, OCPP support for utility demand-response, and the install-warranty terms. We share the comparison so you can pick. | Tesla's Universal is becoming the default; ChargePoint and Wallbox are reasonable alternatives. | Brand does not matter; they are all the same. |
| My SF house has a 100A panel. Can load management avoid a panel upgrade? | Often yes. After the NEC 220 calc we look at smart load management options: a charger with built-in load management (DCC, Wallbox Pulsar Plus), a whole-home device (Span panel, Emporia Vue with load shed), or a dedicated EV load management device. We compare device cost plus install against the panel-upgrade cost and share both numbers. Older SF 100A panels with sub-fed knob-and-tube are sometimes still better off upgrading. | Load management often works; we share both options with costs. | Always upgrade to 200A; that is the only path. |
| If I add solar later, how does that affect the EVSE install and the panel? | Future solar plus battery touches the same panel; NEC 705.12 sets a 120 percent rule for combined inverter sources plus main breaker against the busbar rating. We document the existing busbar rating now so the future PV install knows the headroom. Where the busbar is undersized we recommend a sub-panel or a smart panel as part of the EVSE work to avoid a second panel upgrade later. | We document the busbar rating now; the future solar contractor uses it for the 705.12 calculation. | Solar has nothing to do with EVSE installs; do not worry about it. |
| The panel is in the basement and the parking spot is at the back of the garage. How do you size for voltage drop? | We measure the actual conductor run length, apply NEC 210.19 informational note recommendations (under 3 percent voltage drop on branch circuits), and upsize the conductor gauge if needed. Long runs on an older SF row house can push 6 AWG to 4 AWG. We document the calculated voltage drop and the conductor selection in the proposal. | We measure the run, calculate, and upsize the conductor where needed. | Voltage drop is not real; copper is copper. |
| If the EVSE is in an outdoor or detached-garage location in SF, what ground-fault protection is required? | Outdoor receptacles require GFCI protection per NEC 210.8; many EVSEs include internal CCID-20 ground-fault detection that conflicts with an upstream GFCI breaker (nuisance trips). For hardwired EVSEs we follow the manufacturer's install manual, which usually says no upstream GFCI. For NEMA 14-50 receptacles we use a GFCI breaker. We document the chosen approach and confirm it matches the EVSE manual. | Hardwired EVSE typically does not need upstream GFCI; receptacle install does. We follow the manufacturer manual. | GFCI is optional outdoors; the breaker does not matter. |
| Should the install be a NEMA 14-50 receptacle or hardwired EVSE? | NEMA 14-50 receptacles are convenient (charger is portable) but limit continuous current to 40A (50A breaker, 80 percent continuous). Hardwired allows 48A continuous (60A breaker) and avoids receptacle-failure risk under heavy continuous use, which has been a documented failure mode on residential 14-50s. For frequent charging at full 48A we recommend hardwired; for occasional charging the receptacle is fine. We document the recommendation and the basis. | Hardwired for frequent high-amperage charging; 14-50 receptacle is fine for occasional use. | Always use a NEMA 14-50; it is the standard. |
| Does BayREN Home+ cover any of the EV charger install cost? | BayREN Home+ historically focuses on heat pumps and water heaters; EV chargers have not been a BayREN core category. We verify on bayren.org what is currently funded for the SF market before listing any BayREN line item; if it is not currently a BayREN-covered category for EV chargers we do not include it in the quote. | EV chargers are usually outside BayREN; we verify and only list confirmed rebates. | BayREN covers EV chargers; you will get the rebate. |
| How are the SF DBI permit fees itemized in the quote? | We itemize plan check fee, permit issuance fee, and inspection fee separately as a pass-through cost, not bundled into labor. We share the SF DBI fee schedule URL and the application receipt. Total residential EV charger permit fees in SF typically land in the low-hundreds-of-dollars range; we document the actual figure once SF DBI quotes it. | Permit fees are itemized; we share the receipt. | Permits are included; do not ask about the breakdown. |
| Some EVSE brands require an authorized installer for the install warranty. Are you certified for the brand we are picking? | We share our manufacturer certifications (Tesla Approved Wall Connector Installer, ChargePoint Certified Installer, Wallbox Certified Installer, etc.) and confirm the chosen brand is on that list before signing. Using a non-certified installer can void the install warranty even if the equipment warranty is intact. | We share certifications before signing. | Manufacturer certifications do not matter. |
| If solar is in the future plan, should we oversize the conduit now during the EVSE install? | Often yes. Pulling spare conduit (or a larger conduit with a pull string) during the EVSE trench or wall chase avoids a second open-up later. The marginal cost during this install is small. We share the conduit-fill calculation per NEC Article 300 and Chapter 9 Table 1 and confirm the spare capacity meets future PV plus battery conductor sizes. | We propose a small upsize when the homeowner has a stated solar plan. | Spare conduit is wasted money. |
| Will the chosen charger support utility demand-response programs via WiFi or OCPP? | Most modern Level 2 chargers (Tesla, ChargePoint, Wallbox, Emporia) support WiFi-based off-peak scheduling. Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) support varies by brand and is required for some utility demand-response enrollments; ChargePoint and Wallbox have stronger OCPP coverage, Tesla supports its own ecosystem. We share which protocol the chosen charger uses and what utility programs accept it. | WiFi scheduling is the practical feature most homeowners use; OCPP matters if you want to enroll in PG&E or CleanPowerSF demand response. | Smart features do not matter; just plug it in. |
| What is the separate warranty on the charger hardware vs the install labor? | Charger hardware typically comes with a 3-5 year manufacturer warranty (Tesla 4 years, ChargePoint 3 years, Wallbox 3 years). Our install labor warranty is separate (usually 1 year). We share both warranty terms in writing and explain what voids each (manufacturer voids on non-authorized installer; labor voids on tampering or non-permitted modifications). | We share both warranties in writing and explain what voids each. | Everything is covered forever. |
| If I cannot install at home, does SF or PG&E have curbside / public-charging programs I should know about? | SF has piloted curbside Level 2 chargers through city programs and PG&E participates in California Public Utilities Commission programs that subsidize multi-family and public chargers. These are not direct residential installs; we mention them so you know the alternatives if a private install at your address is not feasible. For a residential install we focus on what your property allows; for public charging we point you to PlugShare and the SFMTA + PG&E program pages to research current availability. | If your address cannot support a private install we point you at the current SF + PG&E public-charger options to research separately. | Public chargers do not exist in SF; you need a home install. |
| How will you size the solar array for our future electric load (heat pump HVAC, EV, water heater)? | We model expected future usage including planned heat pump, EV miles, and water heater, then size the array to offset that load under NEM 3.0 export economics. | — | We size the system from last year's utility bill only. |
| How does NEM 3.0 change the economics versus older interconnections? | NEM 3.0 cut export compensation by ~75 percent versus NEM 2.0, which makes battery storage important for self-consumption. We model expected savings under NEM 3.0 specifically. | — | NEM 3.0 is the same as NEM 2.0 economically. |
| Is my roof suitable for solar, and what is its remaining lifetime? | We inspect the roof condition, slope, orientation, and shade pattern; we recommend roof replacement first if the roof is near end of life. | — | Any roof works. |
| Which panel and inverter brands do you recommend, and why? | We name the specific panel model (wattage, efficiency, temperature coefficient, degradation curve) and inverter brand (string vs microinverter), explain the tradeoffs for our roof, and provide the manufacturer datasheets. | — | We use whatever is cheapest in stock this month. |
| Will the array use string inverters, microinverters, or DC optimizers, and why? | We choose based on roof shading patterns and orientation: microinverters or optimizers for shaded or multi-orientation roofs, string inverters for unshaded uniform arrays. We explain the cost and monitoring tradeoff. | — | Microinverters are always best. |
| What does the shade analysis show for our roof across the year? | We run a shade analysis tool (HelioScope, Aurora, or similar) using a site survey and roof imagery, and we share the annual production estimate per panel with shade losses called out. | — | Shade is not significant. |
| Do you offer a production guarantee, and how is it enforced? | We offer an annual production guarantee in kWh based on the design model, and we explain the remediation path (true-up payment or system correction) if actual production falls below the threshold. | — | Production guarantees are a marketing gimmick. |
| What monitoring platform comes with the system, and are there subscription fees? | We name the monitoring platform (Enphase Enlighten, SolarEdge mySolarEdge, or similar), describe what data is visible per panel or per string, and disclose any optional or recurring fees. | — | Monitoring is included; do not worry about the details. |
| If we add a battery later, can we still apply for SGIP at that time? | Yes — SGIP applications are tied to the battery install, not the solar install. As of 2026, only the AB 209-funded RSSE (Residential Solar and Storage Equity) tier remains open to new applications, and that budget is fully reserved with new apps on a waitlist served via attrition; ratepayer-funded General Market / Equity / Equity Resiliency budgets are no longer accepting new applications. We verify current SGIP budget status at selfgenca.com when the battery is added and explain that pre-approval is required before equipment is delivered. | — | SGIP only counts if solar and battery are installed together. |
| Does the federal Section 25D residential clean energy credit apply to my installation? | Section 25D expired December 31, 2025 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Public Law 119-21). Installations completed in 2026 or later do not qualify for the 30 percent §25D credit. | — | You will receive the 30 percent federal credit on your taxes. |
| Does TECH Clean California currently offer a solar incentive? | TECH Clean California primarily targets heat pump HVAC and heat pump water heaters, not standalone solar. We verify current TECH program scope at techcleanca.com before citing any incentive. | — | TECH covers solar; assume the rebate applies. |
| Are BayREN Home+ rebates available for our solar or solar plus battery project? | BayREN Home+ is primarily a building shell and heat-pump program for Bay Area homeowners; we verify whether a solar or battery incentive is currently active at bayren.org and explain the application path if so. | — | BayREN always pays out for solar. |
| Who handles the PG&E interconnection paperwork, and what is the typical timeline? | We submit the PG&E interconnection application on your behalf, file the city permits, and coordinate Permission to Operate (PTO). Typical PG&E PTO timelines range from 2 to 6 weeks after the city sign-off; we document the expected window in the quote. | — | Interconnection happens automatically. |
| What is your post-install commissioning checklist? | Commissioning includes verifying each panel reports correctly in the monitoring platform, checking inverter firmware, confirming production matches the design model on a clear day, and walking us through reading the monitoring app. | — | We turn it on and leave. |
| How will you confirm the roof structure supports the array? | We perform a structural assessment including rafter sizing, spacing, and condition; for older or unusual roofs we may engage a licensed structural engineer to provide a letter for the permit submittal. | — | Roofs always handle solar. |
| How will the array meet California fire-setback rules? | We design the array to meet the California Residential Code fire access pathway requirements: ridge setbacks, hip-to-eave pathways, and emergency egress clearances, and we document compliance in the permit submittal. | — | Fire setbacks are optional. |
| What ongoing maintenance does the system need? | Typical maintenance is light: annual visual inspection, occasional rinse if local dust or pollen reduces production, and inverter firmware updates pushed by the manufacturer. We explain the warranty implications of skipping recommended maintenance. | — | Solar is install-and-forget; no maintenance ever. |
| What warranties cover the panels, inverter, and labor? | Panels typically carry a 25 year product warranty plus a 25 year linear production warranty; inverters carry 10 to 12 years standard (extendable); we provide a 5 to 10 year labor warranty separately. We document what voids each. | — | Lifetime warranty on everything. |
| What is the best next step before signing a solar contract? | Get a written quote with line-item pricing including the design model output (kWh per year), shade analysis, panel and inverter make and model, permit and PG&E interconnection fees, production guarantee terms, and warranty terms. | — | Sign today to lock in pricing before incentives change. |
| How do you size and model production for an SF home given foggy summer mornings in the Sunset or Outer Richmond? | We model production with PVsyst or HelioScope using NREL TMY3 data for the nearest SF weather station, then apply a microclimate derate based on neighborhood (Sunset and Outer Richmond run 5-10 percent below Mission or Bernal). We give you a 12-month production model with monthly breakdown and share it. We do not promise specific kWh production; we provide a model with explicit inputs you can verify. | We model production per neighborhood and share the report; SF production typically runs 10-15 percent below SJ for the same roof. | SF gets the same production as San Jose. |
| How does NEM 3.0 (Net Billing Tariff) affect the export economics for a typical SF rooftop? | NEM 3.0 took effect April 15, 2023 for new PG&E interconnections. Export compensation is set by the hourly Avoided Cost Calculator (ACC) and is materially lower than NEM 2.0, especially during midday hours. A solar-only system with limited self-consumption has a much longer payback than under NEM 2.0. We model self-consumption with and without battery so you see the difference, and we share the ACC export-price hourly schedule we used. | NEM 3.0 changes payback math; battery storage materially improves it. We model both options. | NEM 3.0 is fine; you'll still net to zero on your bill. |
| How do solar permits work with SF DBI? | For PV systems 4 kW DC or smaller on existing single or two-family homes we use SF DBI's SolarAPP+ portal for instant electrical-permit issuance (SF DBI has handled SolarAPP+ residential solar permits via its online permitting and tracking system since January 2023). Above that threshold or with structural attachment on an older Victorian or Edwardian roof we go through standard plan check and add a structural review. Permission to operate (PTO) from PG&E typically takes 2-6 weeks after final inspection. We share all permit applications and inspection cards. | We use SolarAPP+ when eligible; otherwise standard SF DBI plan check applies. | Solar permits are easy and same-day in SF. |
| Does the federal Section 25D residential solar credit apply to a 2026 install in SF? | Section 25D expired December 31, 2025 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Public Law 119-21). Installs placed in service in 2026 or later do not qualify for §25D. Any contractor who quotes the 30 percent federal credit for a 2026 install has it wrong; flag that as a red flag and ask for a corrected quote without the federal-credit line item. | §25D does not apply to 2026 installs; we list state and PG&E + CleanPowerSF + BayREN paths as the current incentive stack. | §25D still applies in 2026; you will receive 30 percent on your taxes. |
| Will you provide a written production guarantee, and what does it actually cover? | A production guarantee specifies a minimum kWh / year over a defined period (often 5-10 years) and a remedy if measured production falls below it (cash refund or system makeup). We share the contract language and the monitoring data source (Enphase Enlighten, SolarEdge MyEdge, SunPower MySunPower). We do not promise specific dollars; we promise kWh tied to the modeled output minus a tolerance. | We share the guarantee language and the monitoring data we use to enforce it. | Production guarantees are not necessary; the system will work. |
| Microinverter (Enphase IQ8) vs string inverter (SolarEdge) — which fits a typical SF rooftop? | SF rooftops often have multiple roof planes, dormers, and shading from neighboring buildings or chimneys, which favors microinverters or DC optimizers because each panel can operate independently. Enphase IQ8 series is the current default for residential. SolarEdge with optimizers is a reasonable alternative. String-only (no per-panel electronics) is rarely the right answer in SF because of shading variability. We share the design rationale. | Microinverters or DC optimizers are the SF default; we share the design rationale. | String inverter is always cheapest; ignore shading. |
| My roof is over 20 years old. Should I re-roof before installing solar? | Removing and reinstalling solar later costs roughly $2,500-$5,000 depending on system size. If the roof has under 10 years of remaining life it is usually cheaper to re-roof first. We assess the roof at the site visit and share the remaining-life estimate plus the re-roof-first vs install-now math. We do not push you to install on a roof we would not install on at our own home. | We assess and share the estimate; older roofs in SF often warrant re-roof first. | Old roofs are fine; just install on top. |
| How do you handle structural review for an older SF Victorian or Edwardian roof? | For older roof framing we engage a structural engineer to verify the attachment plan meets the manufacturer specification and current CRC structural code. The review covers rafter sizing, attachment fastener pull-out, and snow / wind load (SF is low snow but coastal wind load matters in the Sunset and Outer Richmond). We share the stamped review as part of the SF DBI submission. | Structural review is standard on older SF roofs; we share the stamped report. | Structural review is overkill in SF. |
| Does the California Title 24 Solar Mandate apply to a retrofit on my existing SF house? | Title 24 Solar Mandate applies to new construction and some major remodels. Adding solar to an existing house is a separate path (voluntary retrofit). We confirm whether your project triggers the mandate and document the determination. For voluntary retrofits, the design just needs to meet the standard residential electrical and structural codes; the Title 24 Solar Mandate compliance path is not required. | Title 24 Mandate is for new construction; retrofits follow the standard residential path. | Title 24 applies to every solar install in SF. |
| How do you handle fire setback requirements (CRC R327) on the roof layout? | California CRC R327 sets fire access pathway requirements for rooftop PV: typically a 36-inch pathway along the ridge and to vents and chimneys, plus access from the roof edge. SF adopts current CRC. We design the array within the setback envelope, share the layout drawing, and confirm it meets R327 before the SF DBI inspector arrives. We do not push the homeowner toward a layout that fails setback. | R327 is non-negotiable; we share the layout drawing with setback dimensions. | Fire setback rules are advisory; ignore them on small roofs. |
| What are the warranty terms on panels, inverter, and labor — and what voids each? | Tier-1 panels typically carry a 25 year product warranty plus a linear production warranty (typically 85-92 percent of nameplate at year 25). Microinverters (Enphase IQ8) carry 25 years; string inverters (SolarEdge) carry 10-12 years extendable. Our install labor warranty is separate (typically 5-10 years). We share each in writing and document what voids coverage (non-authorized servicing, modifications, off-spec environmental exposure). | We share three separate warranty docs and explain what voids each. | All warranties are lifetime. |
| How do you analyze shading from neighboring buildings and trees, and can a property easement protect against future shading? | We model shading with HelioScope or Aurora using surrounding 3D massing for buildings and trees and run an 8760-hour analysis. For dense SF neighborhoods we model neighbor structures explicitly. The California Solar Shade Control Act (Solar Rights Act) provides some protection against new shading from neighbor trees but not from new construction. We share the shade analysis and explain the easement option separately if it matters to the homeowner. | We share the 8760-hour shade analysis; legal easements are a separate conversation. | Shading is not a real issue; modern panels work in shade. |
| What soiling derate do you assume for an SF install, and does coastal salt air matter? | Standard residential soiling derate is 2-5 percent annually; SF coastal locations (Outer Sunset, Outer Richmond) can see higher salt deposition that benefits from periodic rinse. We document the soiling assumption in the production model. We do not promise specific output; we share the inputs so you can compare against actual monitoring after install. | Standard soiling derate is what we use; coastal locations benefit from occasional rinse. | Soiling is not a real issue. |
| What does monitoring and commissioning look like at startup? | Commissioning includes panel-level production verification (Enphase Enlighten or SolarEdge MyEdge), inverter ground-fault test, AC disconnect labeling, and a startup report. Monitoring goes through the manufacturer app; we set up notifications for any per-panel underperformance flag. The commissioning report goes to you in writing. | We do a commissioning checklist and share the startup report. | Commissioning is a buzzword; the system just turns on. |
| What does the PG&E interconnection process look like, and how long does PTO take? | We submit the interconnection application to PG&E with the design package after SF DBI permit issuance. PG&E reviews, issues an agreement (Net Billing Tariff under NEM 3.0), and after final SF DBI inspection sends a Permission to Operate (PTO) letter. PTO typically lands 2-6 weeks after final inspection in current PG&E queue. We track the application and email status updates. | We submit and track PG&E interconnection; PTO lead time varies with current queue. | PG&E PTO is automatic; no tracking needed. |
| If I am planning to add HP HVAC, HPWH, and an EV, how does that change the solar sizing? | We model the future-load scenario (HP HVAC kWh from Manual J, HPWH typical annual kWh, EV miles plus efficiency) and add it to the present-day usage baseline. Sizing the array for present-day usage only underestimates future need; the resulting underbuild costs more to add later because of incremental permit and labor costs. We share both sizing scenarios. | We model both scenarios so you can decide whether to oversize now. | Size for what you use today; do not worry about future loads. |
| How does the inverter sizing comply with NEC 690 PV and 705.12 interconnection? | NEC 690 covers PV system installation; NEC 705.12 sets the 120 percent rule for combined inverter sources plus main breaker against the busbar rating. We share the bus calculation and confirm whether a sub-panel, supply-side connection, or load-side tap is the right interconnection method for your existing panel. Older SF panels often need either a sub-panel or a smart panel as part of the install. | We share the bus calc and the interconnection method. | NEC 705.12 is optional. |
| Does BayREN Home+ cover any of the solar install cost? | BayREN Home+ focuses on building-shell measures and heat pumps; solar PV has not been a BayREN core rebate category historically. We verify current bayren.org program status before listing any BayREN line item for solar; if it is not currently funded for solar we do not include it. | Solar is generally outside BayREN; we verify and document. | BayREN always rebates solar in SF. |
| If I add solar, should I also upgrade to CleanPowerSF SuperGreen, or does the rooftop solar make that unnecessary? | CleanPowerSF SuperGreen is a supplier-side product at 100 percent renewable; rooftop solar offsets the grid energy you consume but not the energy you still pull from the grid at night or in winter. Upgrading to SuperGreen also covers that remaining import. The decision is about residual carbon, not solar economics; we explain both and let you choose. CleanPowerSF SuperGreen does not change PG&E delivery charges or your NEM 3.0 export rate. | SuperGreen affects residual grid imports; it is a separate decision from solar economics. | SuperGreen is required if you have solar. |
| What is the best next step before signing an SF solar contract? | Schedule the site visit, get the PVsyst or HelioScope production model with neighborhood-microclimate derate, confirm SolarAPP+ eligibility, decide on the NEM 3.0 self-consumption strategy (solar-only vs solar plus battery), and get a written quote with all line items: panels, inverter, racking, labor, permits, structural review, monitoring. Compare two or three bids on the same scope. | Compare two or three bids on the same scope before signing. | Sign today; the prices are going up. |
| Which circuits will be backed up during an outage, and for how long? | We provide a backup-loads list (refrigerator, internet, lights, HVAC controls, well pump if any), estimate runtime in hours at typical and worst-case usage, and explain whether whole-home or essential-loads backup is recommended. | — | The battery powers the house. |
| Does my install qualify for SGIP (Self-Generation Incentive Program), and at what tier? | We verify current SGIP budget status before quoting: as of December 31, 2025 the ratepayer-funded General Market, Equity, and Equity Resiliency budgets are closed to new applications, and only the AB 209-funded RSSE (Residential Solar and Storage Equity) tier remains open — and that budget is fully reserved with new applications served via an attrition-based waitlist (selfgenca.com). We document the waitlist position rather than promising a rebate, and we explain that pre-approval is required before equipment is delivered. | — | SGIP always pays out the maximum amount. |
| What is the battery's usable kWh and continuous inverter power, and how do they relate? | We specify both: kWh determines how long the backup lasts; the inverter's continuous AC output determines what can run at once (refrigerator + lights + maybe HVAC vs everything). | — | kWh is the only number that matters. |
| Is the battery AC-coupled or DC-coupled with the solar array, and why? | AC-coupled batteries use a separate inverter and are easier to retrofit to existing solar. DC-coupled batteries share an inverter with new solar and are typically more efficient end-to-end. We choose based on whether the solar array is new or existing. | — | Coupling does not matter. |
| Can we add more battery capacity later, and what are the limits? | Most modern systems support stacking additional units up to a vendor-specified maximum. We document the maximum stack today, what is needed to add capacity later (matching firmware, software update, possible electrical re-work), and whether SGIP can be applied to expansion units. | — | Buy the biggest battery today; expansion is impossible. |
| What depth-of-discharge limit does the battery use, and how does that affect usable kWh? | We explain the nameplate kWh vs usable kWh: modern LFP batteries reserve very little for cycle life (often 95 to 100 percent of nameplate is usable); older chemistries reserve 10 to 20 percent. We quote usable kWh in the proposal so you can compare like-for-like. | — | Nameplate kWh is the usable kWh. |
| What is the manufacturer warranty on the battery, and what limits it? | Most residential batteries carry a 10 to 12 year warranty, often paired with a cycle count (e.g. 6,000 to 10,000 cycles) or throughput limit (e.g. 37.8 MWh) - whichever comes first. We provide the spec sheet and explain what voids coverage. | — | Lifetime warranty; no fine print. |
| Are time-of-use arbitrage cycles counted against the warranty? | Yes. Every charge-discharge cycle counts toward the throughput limit; aggressive daily TOU arbitrage may shorten the years-based warranty window. We model expected cycles per year for your usage pattern. | — | Cycling does not count against the warranty. |
| How will the battery shift load away from PG&E peak hours? | We program the battery to charge from solar during midday and discharge during the PG&E EV2-A or E-ELEC peak window (typically 4-9pm), saving you the peak-period delta. We tune the schedule for your actual usage and rate plan. | — | The battery charges and discharges whenever. |
| How does NEM 3.0 change the battery payback? | Under NEM 3.0, export compensation dropped by roughly 75 percent, so self-consumption (using your solar via the battery instead of exporting) is now the primary battery economic driver. We model expected savings under NEM 3.0 with your specific rate plan. | — | NEM 3.0 has no effect on battery payback. |
| How will the install meet CRC 1207 / R327 fire-setback rules for energy storage? | We design the install per California Residential Code R327 (formerly section 1207): separation from windows, doors, openings into the dwelling, and other batteries; smoke and heat detectors per code; and an exterior wall location where possible. We document compliance in the permit submittal. | — | Fire setbacks are optional. |
| What is your post-install commissioning checklist? | Commissioning includes verifying battery state-of-charge reporting, testing backup-mode transfer with a simulated outage, walking through the app for backup-only vs TOU modes, and confirming the SGIP system performance metering is functioning if SGIP is part of the project. | — | We turn it on and leave. |
| Are you an installer certified by the battery manufacturer? | Yes. We provide our certification number for the specific battery brand (Tesla Powerwall, Enphase IQ, LG Chem RESU, FranklinWH, etc.); certification is typically required to preserve full warranty coverage. | — | Certification does not matter for batteries. |
| Who handles the PG&E interconnection update for the new battery? | We submit the updated PG&E interconnection paperwork to add the battery to your existing or new solar interconnection, and we obtain the updated Permission to Operate before energizing. | — | PG&E interconnection happens automatically. |
| What panel-side breaker work or interconnection method does the battery require? | We confirm whether the battery interconnects via a back-fed breaker (with sum-of-breakers check per NEC 705.12), a supply-side tap, or a dedicated battery sub-panel; we show the calculation on the permit drawings. | — | Any spare slot will work. |
| Does the federal Section 25D residential clean energy credit apply to my battery install? | Section 25D expired December 31, 2025 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Public Law 119-21). Battery installations completed in 2026 or later do not qualify for the 30 percent §25D credit. | — | You will receive the 30 percent federal credit on your taxes. |
| Does HEEHRA or TECH Clean California currently offer a battery incentive? | Neither HEEHRA nor TECH primarily fund residential batteries; SGIP is the main California battery program. We verify current TECH scope at techcleanca.com and HEEHRA status at energy.ca.gov before citing any battery incentive. | — | HEEHRA covers batteries automatically. |
| Will the quote separate confirmed SGIP incentives from assumed? | Yes. SGIP is marked confirmed only after pre-approval is granted and the funding tier is reserved; we mark the line as assumed in the quote until then and explain the reservation status. | — | All listed incentives are yours. |
| What is the best next step before signing a battery contract? | Get a written quote with line-item pricing including usable kWh, continuous AC inverter output, AC vs DC coupling, manufacturer warranty terms (years AND cycles AND throughput), labor warranty separately, SJPermits.org permit fees, PG&E interconnection plan, and an honest SGIP workflow: as of December 31, 2025 only the AB 209-funded RSSE budget accepts new applications and it is fully reserved (attrition-based waitlist via selfgenca.com), so the proposal documents the waitlist position rather than promising a rebate. | — | Sign today to lock in SGIP before funding runs out. |
| How does SGIP apply for a residential battery in PG&E territory (SF)? | SGIP is administered by PG&E in SF. Budget status as of 2026: per the SGIP program administrators, the ratepayer-funded General Market (around $150/kWh), Equity (around $850/kWh for income-qualified customers at or below 80 percent AMI or in CalEnviroScreen Disadvantaged Communities), and Equity Resiliency (around $1,000/kWh for customers also meeting Medical Baseline, Tier 3-4 High Fire Threat District, or DAC criteria) budgets are no longer accepting new applications. Only the AB 209-funded RSSE (Residential Solar and Storage Equity) tier remains open to new applications — and that budget is fully reserved as of December 31, 2025; new RSSE applications go to a waitlist served through attrition of cancelled projects. RSSE rates were around $1,100/kWh storage plus around $3,100/kW solar, targeted at income-qualified solar-plus-battery customers. Pre-approval is required before installation; we verify current budget status at selfgenca.com and your administrator, reserve through the appropriate path, and document the reservation number (or waitlist position) in the proposal. We confirm only what we have reserved; we do not assume eligibility. | We verify current SGIP budget status before quoting; only RSSE is open to new applications today and it is on a waitlist via attrition. We document the waitlist position rather than promising a rebate. | You will receive SGIP for the whole battery cost. |
| How does the battery improve solar payback under NEM 3.0 in San Francisco? | Under NEM 3.0 (Net Billing Tariff), exporting to the grid pays at the hourly Avoided Cost Calculator rate, which is materially lower than NEM 2.0 retail rates. A battery stores midday solar for use during the late-afternoon peak window, which is the highest-rate window on PG&E EV2-A and E-ELEC. We model self-consumption ratio (typically 60-80 percent with battery vs 30-50 percent solar-only on a typical SF roof) and share the year-1 cost comparison. | Battery improves payback under NEM 3.0; we show the modeled difference for your usage. | Adding a battery always cuts your bill in half. |
| What does the SF DBI permit process look like for a battery install? | We pull an SF DBI electrical permit through the online permitting and tracking system. For wall-mounted batteries we also confirm structural attachment per the manufacturer install manual. Fire setback follows CRC R327; we document the setback measurements in the permit submission. Final card sign-off happens at inspection. We share all permit copies and inspection cards. | SF DBI permits are required; we share copies on submission. | Batteries don't need permits in SF for under 20 kWh. |
| Should the battery be AC-coupled or DC-coupled with the solar array? | AC-coupling (Tesla Powerwall 3 with its integrated hybrid inverter, Enphase IQ Battery 5P, FranklinWH aPower) lets the battery and solar each operate independently and works well for adding battery to an existing solar install. DC-coupling (a hybrid inverter shared between PV and battery, often SolarEdge or SMA) is more efficient when installing solar and battery together. We share the topology choice and the round-trip efficiency assumption. For an existing solar retrofit, AC-coupling is usually the path; for a fresh install, either can work. | AC-coupling for solar retrofits; either for fresh installs. We share the rationale. | AC vs DC does not matter. |
| What is a realistic backup-loads list for a typical SF house during a multi-hour outage? | We build the backup list with you. Typical SF priorities: refrigerator and freezer (compressor cycling), interior lighting on a few key circuits, Wi-Fi and modem, medical equipment if any, a few outlets for phone charging, and selective EV slow-charging at Level 1 if range matters. We exclude high-draw loads (HP HVAC compressor, electric oven, EV Level 2) from full-time backup unless you are sizing for it. We share the load list with each circuit's expected wattage. | We share the load list; most SF backup plans cover essentials for 8-24 hours. | Backup will cover everything in the house for a week. |
| Should I get 1, 2, or 3 batteries (5-30 kWh)? | Sizing follows backup goals (essentials only, partial home, whole home) and self-consumption goals (NEM 3.0 arbitrage on TOU). For SF essentials-only plus modest TOU arbitrage, one Powerwall 3 (13.5 kWh) or one Enphase IQ Battery 5P (5 kWh) is typical. For whole-home backup with HP HVAC and EV consideration, two or three units are common. We model both target scenarios and share the kWh-per-hour drawdown estimate for each. | Sizing depends on backup goals; we share the drawdown model for each option. | Buy as many as you can fit. |
| Critical-loads sub-panel vs whole-house backup — which fits an older SF house? | Older SF houses with 100A panels and limited bus capacity usually do better with a critical-loads sub-panel: only the listed backup circuits move to the sub-panel and ride the battery during an outage. Whole-house backup requires either a larger battery (multiple units) or a smart panel that can shed loads dynamically (Span, Lumin). We share the cost delta and the wiring impact. | Critical-loads sub-panel is the SF default; whole-house backup requires more battery or a smart panel. | Whole-house backup is always better. |
| What is the usable kWh (depth of discharge), and how does LFP chemistry affect that? | Modern residential batteries are nearly all LFP (lithium iron phosphate) chemistry, with usable depth of discharge at 95-100 percent of nameplate. Older NMC residential batteries (Powerwall 2 era) ran 90 percent usable. Quote should state nameplate kWh AND usable kWh AND the manufacturer's listed continuous AC output (Powerwall 3 is 13.5 kWh nameplate, 13.5 usable, 11.5 kW continuous AC). We document all three in the proposal. | Usable kWh and continuous AC output are what matter; we document both. | Nameplate is what you can use. |
| Battery warranty: years, cycles, AND throughput. What do those mean? | A complete warranty has three dimensions. Years (typically 10) covers calendar age. Cycles (often 'unlimited' or 6,000+) covers number of full charge-discharge cycles. Throughput (typically 37 MWh for Powerwall 3) caps lifetime energy delivered. The warranty pays when whichever limit is reached first. We share the warranty doc and explain which limit your usage pattern hits first. | All three dimensions matter; we share the warranty doc and explain which limit applies. | Battery warranty is 10 years; nothing else matters. |
| How long can the battery run my backup loads during an outage? | Runtime = usable kWh / continuous load (in kW). A 13.5 kWh battery running a 1 kW backup load runs 13.5 hours theoretical (less round-trip efficiency). If solar is producing during a daytime outage, the battery recharges via PV passthrough if the inverter supports island mode. We share the runtime estimate for your modeled backup-loads list under both grid-down-with-PV and grid-down-no-PV scenarios. | Runtime depends on backup-load drawdown; we share both grid-down-with-PV and no-PV scenarios. | The battery lasts forever during an outage. |
| Does the federal Section 25D credit apply to my battery install in 2026? | Section 25D expired December 31, 2025 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Public Law 119-21). Installs placed in service in 2026 or later do not qualify for §25D. Any contractor who quotes the 30 percent federal credit for a 2026 battery install has it wrong; SGIP plus state and PG&E stacks are the current path. | §25D does not apply to 2026 installs; SGIP is the primary path. | §25D still applies in 2026. |
| What does the PG&E interconnection process look like for a battery add to an existing solar install? | Adding a battery to an existing NEM 2.0 solar install triggers a NEM 3.0 transition only if the system size increases beyond a small threshold; we confirm the threshold against current PG&E rules and document the agreement type in the proposal. For fresh installs the agreement is the Net Billing Tariff. PG&E updates the meter and issues a revised PTO after final SF DBI inspection. | We confirm the NEM transition threshold and document the agreement type. | Adding a battery never affects your NEM agreement. |
| How do NEC Article 706 (ESS) and 705.12 (interconnection) apply? | NEC 706 covers energy storage system installation: disconnect, signage, working clearance. NEC 705.12 applies to the interconnection point on the existing panel; combined inverter sources must satisfy the 120 percent rule against the busbar. We share the bus calc, confirm the disconnect location meets the AHJ requirement (within sight or otherwise per code), and document the labeling per 706.21. | NEC 706 and 705.12 are required; we share the calc and labeling. | NEC 706 does not really apply to residential. |
| What UL certifications should the battery and the install meet? | Residential batteries should be UL 9540 listed (system certification) and the cells should pass UL 9540A (large-scale fire test) testing. We confirm the chosen battery's UL listings before quoting and share the documentation. SF DBI inspectors usually verify the UL listing as part of the permit. We do not install equipment that is not UL 9540 listed. | UL 9540 is the baseline; we confirm before quoting. | UL listings are paperwork; they do not matter. |
| Tesla Powerwall 3, Enphase IQ Battery 5P, FranklinWH, LG Energy Solution RESU — which fits an SF install? | Powerwall 3 (13.5 kWh, 11.5 kW continuous AC, integrated hybrid inverter, supports up to 4 stacked units) suits whole-home backup with high continuous load. Enphase IQ Battery 5P (5 kWh modular, pairs with IQ8 microinverters) suits incremental add-on. FranklinWH aPower (15 kWh, modular up to 3 units, full whole-home backup) is a competitive whole-home alternative. LG RESU is less common in SF post-2024 due to LG's pivot to commercial. We share the comparison; brand choice depends on goals. | We share a 3-way comparison; the right brand depends on backup goals and budget. | Tesla is the only option. |
| How do I monitor the battery, and what app or dashboard comes with it? | Each manufacturer has its own app: Tesla app for Powerwall, Enphase Enlighten for IQ Battery, FranklinWH app for aPower. Functions include state of charge, real-time power flow (solar / grid / battery / loads), backup-mode toggle, and TOU schedule. We set up the app on your phone at commissioning and confirm push notifications for outage start and end. | We set up the manufacturer app at commissioning. | Monitoring is included automatically; do not worry about it. |
| How does NEC Article 250 grounding apply to the ESS install? | The battery's AC output ties into the existing grounding electrode system at the main panel; we verify the existing grounding electrode meets NEC 250 (ground rod, water pipe bond, ufer if present) and upgrade if not. For wall-mounted batteries we follow the manufacturer's bonding instructions for the enclosure. We document the grounding upgrade as a line item if required. | We verify grounding meets NEC 250 and document any required upgrade. | Existing grounding is fine; nothing to check. |
| Some SF neighborhoods are in High Fire Threat Districts (HFTD). Does that change my SGIP tier? | SGIP Equity Resiliency tier eligibility historically included residence in a Tier 3 or Tier 4 High Fire Threat District as defined by the CPUC map, combined with Equity criteria (income or DAC). Some SF properties on the western edge or near open space are in HFTD; most central SF is not. As of 2026 the ratepayer-funded Equity Resiliency budget is no longer accepting new applications — only the AB 209-funded RSSE (Residential Solar and Storage Equity) tier remains open, and that budget is fully reserved with new applications on a waitlist via attrition. We check the CPUC HFTD map for your address and walk through eligibility honestly before listing any SGIP line item, but practical access in 2026 is limited to the RSSE waitlist for income-qualified solar-plus-battery projects. We verify current budget status at selfgenca.com before quoting. | We check the HFTD map for your address; most central SF is not in HFTD. | All SF is in HFTD; you get the top tier automatically. |
| What does battery commissioning look like at startup? | Commissioning includes inverter firmware update, AC and DC voltage checks, ground-fault test, backup-loads selection (which circuits ride the battery), TOU schedule setup, app onboarding, and a test outage (we open the grid-side disconnect and confirm the battery seamlessly carries the backup loads). We share a one-page commissioning report. | We do a startup checklist plus a test outage; commissioning report is in writing. | Commissioning is a buzzword; the system works. |
| What is the best next step before signing an SF battery contract? | Schedule a site visit, verify SGIP budget status on selfgenca.com (as of December 31, 2025 only the AB 209-funded RSSE budget accepts new applications and it is fully reserved — new apps go to an attrition-based waitlist; we document the waitlist position rather than promising a rebate), decide on the backup-loads list and battery sizing, run the NEM 3.0 self-consumption model, and get a written quote with line-item pricing: battery hardware, inverter, gateway, installation labor, SF DBI permits, structural attachment if wall-mounted, monitoring setup. Compare two or three bids on the same scope and battery brand. | Verify SGIP status on selfgenca.com — only RSSE is open and it is waitlisted — and compare two bids on the same scope before signing. | Sign today; SGIP funding will run out by tomorrow. |
| Will you perform an NEC Article 220 load calculation before sizing the new panel or service? | Yes. We total existing connected loads, apply Article 220 demand factors, then add expected future loads (heat pump HVAC, heat pump water heater, EV charger, induction range, battery) before recommending a service size. | We perform the Article 220 calculation during the site visit and share the worksheet with the quote. | We size from the existing panel rating. |
| Is this a service upgrade or a panel-only replacement, and how do you decide? | We explain the difference plainly: a service upgrade changes the service drop, meter, and main breaker rating (utility coordination required); a panel-only replacement swaps the breaker box at the existing service rating. We base the recommendation on the Article 220 result, not on a default upsell. | We confirm after the load calc whether the existing service amperage is adequate; if it is, we propose a panel-only replacement. | It is the same thing. |
| Who coordinates with the utility for the service upgrade, and what lead time should we expect? | We coordinate with the serving utility (your investor-owned utility such as PG&E, SCE, or SDG&E, or your municipal utility such as LADWP or SMUD) for the service drop, meter swap, and any utility-side work. We document the expected utility lead time in the quote because it often dominates the project schedule. | We open the utility ticket after permit issuance and update the schedule when the utility confirms its lead time. | The utility handles itself. |
| How do you decide between 200A, 225A, or 320A service, and how much headroom should we plan for? | We size to the Article 220 calculated demand plus headroom for the ten-year horizon of electrification projects already on the table. For most California single-family homes adding heat pump HVAC, heat pump water heater, and one or two EVs, a properly sized 200A service is enough; 225A or 320A is only justified when the load calc shows it. | We present two options with the load-calc deltas so the homeowner can decide between 200A and 225A. | Bigger is always better, so we go 320A. |
| When does a smart panel (Span, Lumin, Eaton EV Choice) make sense versus a standard load center? | A smart panel can avoid a service upgrade when load shedding can keep peak demand under the existing service rating, or when granular per-circuit metering is desired. A standard load center is the right choice when the Article 220 result already fits the service rating, the homeowner does not want app-based controls, or budget is tight. | We model both options against the load calc and present the cost delta plus tradeoffs. | Smart panels are always the answer. |
| Is a sub-panel addition (for a detached garage, ADU, or workshop) a viable alternative to a full service upgrade? | A sub-panel can serve outbuilding loads without changing the main service rating when the Article 220 calc shows the existing service still has capacity. We size the sub-panel feeder per NEC and run it under permit. | We compare a sub-panel addition against a service upgrade with the load-calc results, then recommend the option that fits the future plan. | Sub-panels always require a service upgrade. |
| Will you inspect and update the grounding electrode system as part of the panel work? | Yes. We verify the grounding electrode system (ground rods, water-pipe bond, concrete-encased electrode where present), measure resistance where required, and upgrade conductors and connections to the current code edition adopted by your jurisdiction. | We inspect the grounding electrode system during the rough-in and bring it to current code if any element is deficient. | Grounding is fine if the panel is bonded. |
| Which circuits in the new panel will require AFCI or GFCI protection, and what code edition are you applying? | We apply the California Electrical Code edition currently adopted by your local AHJ (the California Electrical Code is based on the NEC with California amendments). We itemize AFCI-required and GFCI-required circuits and price the AFCI/GFCI breakers separately so the homeowner sees the cost driver. | We apply AFCI and GFCI rules per the current adopted code edition and confirm exact requirements during permit submittal. | AFCI rules are confusing, so we skip them. |
| Will the quote include whole-home surge protection, and which type? | We recommend a Type 2 surge protective device (SPD) integrated with the new panel as a standard line item; Type 1 SPD at the service entrance is an upgrade option for homes with frequent utility-side transients. We explain warranty terms and replacement procedure after a major surge event. | We include a Type 2 SPD with the panel and price a Type 1 SPD upgrade separately. | Surge protection is unnecessary. |
| Does the existing panel location meet current code clearances, or do we need to relocate it? | We measure NEC Article 110 working-clearance requirements (depth in front of the panel, clear width, headroom) and confirm the panel is not behind cabinets, in clothes closets, or in other prohibited locations. If the location does not meet current code, we quote the relocation. | We verify clearance during the site visit and quote relocation only if the current spot does not meet code. | The existing spot is fine because the old panel fit. |
| Will you use conduit or NM cable for the new circuits, and how do you decide? | We follow the California Electrical Code wiring methods permitted for residential occupancies. Conduit is required for exterior runs and where physical damage is likely; NM cable is permitted in many concealed interior runs. We size conductors for the future load, not just today's circuit. | We follow code wiring methods and explain any conduit upgrades that affect the price. | Whatever is easiest and cheapest. |
| Who pulls the electrical permit at the local AHJ (city or county permit center), and is the fee itemized in your quote? | We pull the electrical permit at the local AHJ in our own name, attend the inspection, and itemize the permit fee in the quote. We do not ask the homeowner to pull the permit. | We pull the permit at the local AHJ and break out the fee on the quote. | We do not pull permits because they slow the job. |
| Walk us through the inspection process: which inspections are required and what does each one check? | We typically schedule a rough-in inspection (panel mounted, grounding electrode system verified, conductors run) and a final inspection (devices terminated, AFCI/GFCI verified under test, labeling complete). The exact sequence depends on the local AHJ. | We confirm the inspection sequence with the AHJ at permit submittal and update the homeowner on the schedule. | There is just one inspection at the end. |
| How long will the home be without power during the panel swap, and what time of day will it occur? | A panel-only swap typically takes 6 to 10 hours; a service upgrade with meter swap can take a full day and is constrained by the utility's window. We confirm the exact window and time-of-day with the utility before scheduling. | We give a window once the utility confirms the meter swap appointment. | Will not take long. |
| Will the new panel be sized and labeled for future solar or battery interconnection per NEC Article 705.12? | Yes. We size the busbar and main breaker so the future solar PV and battery interconnection meets NEC Article 705.12 (the 120% rule or supply-side connection, depending on the configuration). We document the headroom available so the future installer can verify quickly. | We confirm Article 705.12 compatibility during design and note the calculated headroom on the panel schedule. | Solar and battery do not affect panel sizing. |
| If we may add a generator interlock or transfer switch later, what should the new panel design account for? | We can include a generator interlock kit with the panel install, or pre-wire space for a future automatic transfer switch. Interlock is the lowest-cost option for occasional backup; ATS is the right path for whole-home automatic backup. | We pre-wire space for a future interlock or transfer switch if requested, and note it on the panel schedule. | Generator readiness is a future problem. |
| How are you treating the federal §25C tax credit for panel-upgrade work? | The federal §25C Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit expired December 31, 2025 under OBBBA (PL 119-21). For panel work performed in 2026 and later, we do not list §25C as an applicable credit and we will not claim eligibility. | We confirm the current federal-credit status against the IRS guidance at quote time and update the homeowner. | You qualify for the 30 percent federal tax credit on panel work. |
| Is panel-upgrade work eligible for HEEHRA (Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates) in California, and what is the current funding status? | Panel-upgrade work, sub-panel additions, and electrical wiring needed to support qualifying electrification projects can be eligible HEEHRA expenses for income-qualified households. CPUC reported HEEHRA funds fully reserved earlier this year, so we do not promise current availability and confirm against the CPUC HEEHRA portal at quote time. | We share the current HEEHRA funding status from the CPUC portal and adjust the incentive line items accordingly. | HEEHRA covers all panel upgrades automatically. |
| Are there TECH Clean California, CCA (Community Choice Aggregator), or utility-side incentives that apply to this panel work? | TECH Clean California is statewide for qualifying heat-pump installations; panel-upgrade work tied to a qualifying heat pump may be eligible. Many CCAs (such as MCE, SVCE, CleanPowerSF, SJCE) and IOUs run their own electrification rebates with panel-work eligibility. We confirm the program rules in writing before the quote and list each program with its reservation status. | We confirm current eligibility with each named program and document the reservation status on the quote. | All rebates are guaranteed if you sign today. |
| What is the manufacturer warranty on the new panel, breakers, and any smart-panel hardware? | We list the manufacturer warranty for the panel and main breaker (typically 10 years), branch-circuit breakers (typically 1 to 10 years), and smart-panel hardware separately. We explain what voids each. | We attach the manufacturer warranty documents with the quote. | Warranty is whatever the box says. |
| What is your labor warranty on the panel installation, and does it cover related troubleshooting? | We offer a written labor warranty (typically 1 to 5 years) covering workmanship on terminations, conduit runs, and grounding work. We explain what is covered and what is not. | We include a written labor warranty with the quote and explain the covered scope. | Our work is good, no warranty needed. |
| Based on the Article 220 result, what do you recommend as the best next action and why? | We propose a single recommended option with the load-calc rationale, list one alternative with the cost delta, and explain what would change our recommendation. We are clear about which costs are firm and which depend on the utility or AHJ. | We summarize the recommendation in writing after the site visit and load calc. | Whatever you want is fine. |
Green flags, reasonable caveats, red flags
Green flags
- Shared NEC 220 load calc across all future loads (HP HVAC plus HPWH plus EV plus battery)
- Single project lead coordinating SF DBI permits plus PG&E coordination plus structural review
- Sequenced phased plan with panel-capacity gating
- BAAQMD timing checked across HP HVAC plus HPWH
- Backup-loads list drives battery plus inverter sizing
- Rebate reservations confirmed with reservation numbers (BayREN, HEEHRA at current waitlist status, SGIP RSSE waitlist position — RSSE is the only SGIP tier accepting new applications as of 2026 and its budget is fully reserved)
Reasonable caveats
- Phased work means multiple SF DBI permit cycles
- Site visit cost may not credit toward later phases
- Rebate stacking timing matters (HEEHRA waitlist; SGIP RSSE waitlist order)
- Per-phase pricing may shift after site visit
Red flags
- Quotes whole-home lump-sum with no per-phase pricing
- Recommends solar or battery before panel-capacity verification
- Skips Manual J for HVAC sizing
- Promises stacking without confirmed reservations
- Claims §25C or §25D credits apply to 2026+ work
Quote checklist
Check every item before signing.
Required
Optional but recommended
Quote comparison worksheet
Print this and fill in by hand, or capture quotes side-by-side as you receive them.
| Line item | Contractor 1 | Contractor 2 | Contractor 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quote includes heat pump HVAC equipment model, capacity (tons / BTU), efficiency ratings (SEER2 / HSPF2), and warranty. (required) | |||
| Quote includes a Manual J load calculation, or commits to performing one before final sizing. (required) | |||
| Quote includes a duct inspection, return-air assessment, and any duct modifications needed. (required) | |||
| Quote includes electrical panel/service assessment and any load-calculation requirements. (required) | |||
| Quote explains whether a panel upgrade, service upgrade, or smart load management is needed. (required) | |||
| Quote separates confirmed incentives from assumed or maybe incentives with reservation requirements noted. (required) | |||
| Quote notes the refrigerant type and confirms it meets current EPA rules (R-454B / R-32 for systems installed after the A2L transition). | |||
| Quote notes the heat pump's published HSPF2 / COP at local design temperature and whether backup heat is required. (required) | |||
| Quote includes a startup / commissioning procedure: charge verification, airflow measurement, static pressure check. | |||
| Quote specifies the labor warranty (in addition to manufacturer parts warranty) and what voids each. | |||
| Quote names whether BAAQMD Rule 9-4 / 9-6 affects the replacement timing for this appliance class. (required) | |||
| Quote acknowledges SF microclimate sizing assumptions (ASHRAE 99 percent heating design temp around 38F; minimal cooling load). (required) | |||
| Quote names who pulls the SF DBI mechanical and electrical permit and itemizes the fee. (required) | |||
| Quote specifies model, capacity (gallons), first-hour rating, and UEF efficiency. (required) | |||
| Quote includes a location assessment with air volume calculation or ducting plan. (required) | |||
| Quote includes condensate drain routing and overflow safety per CPC. (required) | |||
| Quote includes the new dedicated electrical circuit, sized per manufacturer specs (conductor gauge and breaker rating itemized). (required) | |||
| Quote includes gas line decommissioning per CPC (capping and labeling) when replacing a gas tank. (required) | |||
| Quote notes the unit's decibel rating and how the install location affects living-area noise. | |||
| Quote specifies the manufacturer warranty (typically 10 years tank) and labor warranty separately. | |||
| Quote separates confirmed incentives from assumed incentives with program ID and reservation status. (required) | |||
| Quote names whether BAAQMD Rule 9-6 affects the replacement timing. (required) | |||
| Quote names the BayREN Home+ HPWH rebate path and reservation status. | |||
| Quote names who pulls the SF DBI mechanical and electrical permit. (required) | |||
| Quote specifies charger model, continuous amperage rating, and connector type (J1772 / NACS). (required) | |||
| Quote includes an Article 220 load calculation confirming panel and service capacity. (required) | |||
| Quote addresses whether smart load management (Span, Emporia, charger-side) can avoid a panel/service upgrade. | |||
| Quote lists conduit routing (interior / attic / exterior / trench) with linear footage and per-foot incremental cost. (required) | |||
| Quote explains the final inspection process including who is present and when final payment is due. (required) | |||
| Quote confirms grounding and bonding meet Article 250, including any service-ground updates. (required) | |||
| Quote notes whether the install supports a future second EV via load-sharing or pre-pulled conductors. | |||
| Quote separates manufacturer hardware warranty from installer labor warranty with terms for each. (required) | |||
| Quote includes EV2-A vs E-ELEC cost model based on 12 months of PG&E usage. (required) | |||
| Quote names who pulls the SF DBI electrical permit and itemizes the fee. (required) | |||
| Quote names alternatives (curbside conduit, relocatable EVSE, Level 1) if the home lacks a driveway. | |||
| Quote models future load (heat pump, EV, water heater) for sizing, not just past consumption. (required) | |||
| Quote uses NEM 3.0 export rates and explicitly notes the change from NEM 2.0. (required) | |||
| Quote includes roof condition assessment with remaining lifetime estimate. (required) | |||
| Quote specifies panel and inverter brand, wattage, efficiency, and warranty. (required) | |||
| Quote includes a shading analysis and string or microinverter design notes. (required) | |||
| Quote states the production guarantee (kWh/year) and how it is enforced. | |||
| Quote names the monitoring platform and any subscription cost. | |||
| Quote names who handles PG&E interconnection paperwork. (required) | |||
| Quote separates confirmed incentives from assumed with reservation status. (required) | |||
| Quote includes a 12-month production model with neighborhood-microclimate derate. (required) | |||
| Quote notes whether SolarAPP+ streamlined permitting applies. | |||
| Quote names whether SF DBI structural review is required for older Victorian or Edwardian roof attachment. (required) | |||
| Quote states usable kWh (not just nameplate) and continuous AC inverter output. (required) | |||
| Quote includes a backup-loads list with runtime estimates. (required) | |||
| Quote states whether the battery is AC-coupled or DC-coupled with the solar array. (required) | |||
| Quote states current SGIP budget status (as of 2026, ratepayer-funded General Market / Equity / Equity Resiliency budgets are no longer accepting new applications; only AB 209-funded RSSE remains open and that budget is fully reserved with new apps on a waitlist served via attrition) and any RSSE waitlist application reference if pursued. (required) | |||
| Quote confirms compliance with CRC 1207 / R327 fire setback rules for the chosen install location. (required) | |||
| Quote specifies battery warranty (years, cycles, throughput) and labor warranty separately. (required) | |||
| Quote names the battery monitoring platform and any user-side controls (time-of-use scheduling, backup-mode toggle). | |||
| Quote names who handles PG&E interconnection updates for the battery. (required) | |||
| Quote explains the SGIP RSSE waitlist application workflow and timeline before equipment is delivered (RSSE is the only SGIP tier accepting new applications as of 2026, and its budget is fully reserved with new apps on a waitlist served via attrition). | |||
| Quote names the SGIP path pursued (RSSE waitlist if income-qualified solar plus battery; otherwise no SGIP path is available in 2026 because the ratepayer-funded budgets are no longer accepting new applications) and includes any RSSE waitlist reference number. (required) | |||
| Quote names who pulls the SF DBI electrical permit and itemizes fire-setback measurements per CRC R327. (required) | |||
| Quote includes a year-1 self-consumption and cost model under NEM 3.0 with and without battery. (required) | |||
| Quote includes an NEC Article 220 load calculation accounting for current connected loads and planned future loads (heat pump, heat pump water heater, EV charger, induction range, battery). (required) | |||
| Quote states whether this is a service upgrade or panel-only replacement and the load-calc rationale behind the choice. (required) | |||
| Quote names the recommended service amperage (e.g. 200A or 225A) and the calculated headroom remaining after the planned future loads. (required) | |||
| Quote names who coordinates with the serving utility (PG&E, SCE, SDG&E, LADWP, SMUD, or other) and documents the expected utility lead time. (required) | |||
| Quote names who pulls the electrical permit at the local AHJ and itemizes the permit fee. (required) | |||
| Quote confirms AFCI and GFCI breaker requirements per the California Electrical Code edition currently adopted by the local AHJ and itemizes the AFCI / GFCI breaker cost separately. (required) | |||
| Quote includes inspection of the grounding electrode system and any conductor or connection upgrades required for the new panel. (required) | |||
| Quote confirms that the new panel busbar and main breaker are sized to support future solar PV or battery interconnection per NEC Article 705.12. (required) | |||
| Quote states the expected utility downtime window during the panel swap and the time-of-day window the utility has confirmed. (required) | |||
| Quote includes whole-home surge protection (Type 2 SPD integrated with the panel) and prices a Type 1 SPD upgrade separately. | |||
| Quote explains whether a smart panel (Span, Lumin, Eaton EV Choice) is appropriate versus a standard load center, with cost delta and tradeoffs. | |||
| Quote separates confirmed CA incentives (HEEHRA, TECH Clean California, IOU, CCA, municipal-utility programs) from assumed incentives with reservation status, and reflects current CPUC funding status for HEEHRA. (required) |
Incentive verification worksheet
| Program | Amount | Eligibility | Pre-approval? | Confidence | Verified | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Section 25C Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (heat pumps) | Expired Dec 31, 2025. For 2023–2025: up to $2,000/yr (30% of project cost, capped) for qualifying heat pumps and heat pump water heaters. | EXPIRED: This federal credit ended Dec 31, 2025 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Public Law 119-21, signed July 4, 2025). Installations completed in 2026 or later do not qualify, regardless of when payment was made. For installations completed during 2023–2025, the credit applied to U.S. primary residences with heat pumps or heat pump water heaters that met or exceeded the highest CEE efficiency tier in effect at the start of the install year; starting 2025, the manufacturer's Qualified Manufacturer Identification Number (QMID) was required on the tax return. Homeowners with eligible 2025 installations may still claim the credit on their 2025 federal tax return. Verify with a qualified tax professional. | Verify | high | 2026-05-30 | Internal Revenue Service, Internal Revenue Service, ENERGY STAR (EPA/DOE) |
| Section 25C Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (electrical panel upgrade) | Expired Dec 31, 2025. For 2023–2025: up to $600 (30% of project cost, capped) when paired with a qualifying 25C electrification project. | EXPIRED: This federal credit ended Dec 31, 2025 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Public Law 119-21, signed July 4, 2025). Installations completed in 2026 or later do not qualify, regardless of when payment was made. For installations completed during 2023–2025, the credit applied to electrical panel upgrades installed consistent with the National Electric Code, with a load capacity of at least 200 amps, installed in conjunction with (and enabling) a qualifying energy efficiency improvement or specific energy property (heat pump, heat pump water heater, central AC, water heater, furnace, boiler, or biomass stove/boiler). The credit fell under the $1,200 annual envelope cap. Homeowners with eligible 2025 installations may still claim the credit on their 2025 federal tax return. Verify with a qualified tax professional. | Verify | high | 2026-05-30 | Internal Revenue Service, Internal Revenue Service, ENERGY STAR (EPA/DOE) |
| Section 25D Residential Clean Energy Credit (solar PV) | Expired Dec 31, 2025. For 2023–2025: 30% of total installed cost, no cap. | EXPIRED: This federal credit ended Dec 31, 2025 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Public Law 119-21, signed July 4, 2025). Expenditures made after Dec 31, 2025 do not qualify — for §25D, the IRS treats the expenditure date as the date the installation is placed in service (completed), not the date of payment. A homeowner who paid a deposit in 2025 but whose system was placed in service in 2026 does not qualify. For installations placed in service during 2023–2025, the credit applied to solar PV systems supplying electricity to a U.S. residential dwelling used by the taxpayer as a residence (principal residence not required; second homes qualified; rentals not occupied by the taxpayer did not qualify), satisfying applicable fire and electrical codes, with installation costs included in the credit basis. The credit was nonrefundable with carryforward. Homeowners with eligible 2025 placed-in-service installations may still claim the credit on their 2025 federal tax return. Verify with a qualified tax professional. | Verify | high | 2026-05-30 | Internal Revenue Service, Internal Revenue Service, ENERGY STAR (EPA/DOE) |
| Section 25D Residential Clean Energy Credit (battery storage) | Expired Dec 31, 2025. For 2023–2025: 30% of total installed cost, no cap (battery capacity at least 3 kWh). | EXPIRED: This federal credit ended Dec 31, 2025 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Public Law 119-21, signed July 4, 2025). Expenditures made after Dec 31, 2025 do not qualify — for §25D, the IRS treats the expenditure date as the date the installation is placed in service (completed), not the date of payment. A homeowner who paid a deposit in 2025 but whose system was placed in service in 2026 does not qualify. For installations placed in service during 2023–2025, the credit applied to battery storage systems with a rated capacity of at least 3 kilowatt-hours installed in a U.S. home used by the taxpayer as a residence (existing homes and new construction; principal residence not required; rentals not occupied by the taxpayer did not qualify). Standalone batteries (not paired with solar) were explicitly eligible from Jan 1, 2023 onward. The credit was nonrefundable with carryforward. Homeowners with eligible 2025 placed-in-service installations may still claim the credit on their 2025 federal tax return. Verify with a qualified tax professional. | Verify | high | 2026-05-30 | Internal Revenue Service, Internal Revenue Service, ENERGY STAR (EPA/DOE) |
| California Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) — residential battery storage | As of 2026-06-08, only the Residential Solar and Storage Equity (RSSE) AB 209 budget remains open for new applications, and that budget is fully reserved — new applications are placed on a waitlist served through attrition of cancelled projects. Per-kWh rates by tier (for context — only RSSE accepts new apps in 2026): RSSE $1,100/kWh storage + $3,100/kW solar; Equity Resiliency $1,000/kWh; Equity $850/kWh; San Joaquin Valley Residential $1,100/kWh; Small Residential Storage / General Market $150/kWh. Per-project totals depend on installed battery capacity (kWh) and tier eligibility. | Administered by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and delivered through utility program administrators (PG&E, Center for Sustainable Energy / SDG&E territory, SoCalGas, SCE; LADWP customers are not eligible). Budget status as of 2026-06-08: per SGIP program administrator (CSE / sgipsd.org), 'as of December 31, 2025, all new application submissions are strictly available to the Residential Solar and Storage Equity (RSSE) AB 209 budget. At this time, all available RSSE AB 209 funding has been reserved.' New RSSE applications are placed on a waitlist in order received and funded through attrition of cancelled projects. The ratepayer-funded General Market, Equity, and Equity Resiliency budgets are not accepting new applications. Tier rates for reference (applicable to reservations made while budgets were open): (1) Residential Solar and Storage Equity (RSSE) — $1,100/kWh storage plus $3,100/kW solar; low-income residential customers; AB 209-funded; reservation window opened June 2, 2025. (2) Equity Resiliency — $1,000/kWh; IOU residential customers in high fire-threat districts and/or medical baseline / income-qualified. (3) Equity — $850/kWh; income-qualified IOU residential customers. (4) San Joaquin Valley Residential — $1,100/kWh; PG&E and SCE pilot footprint. (5) Small Residential Storage / General Market — $150/kWh. Reservations require a one-year completion window and enrollment in a qualified Demand Response program. Tier eligibility, income documentation, HFTD-tier residency, and budget-availability status must be verified against the current SGIP Handbook and the customer's utility administrator before any contractor work begins. | Yes | high | 2026-06-08 | California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) |
| California Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEEHRA) — single-family | When available, up to $8,000 (households below 80% AMI) or $4,000 (80–150% AMI) for a qualifying heat pump HVAC system, with additional rebates for heat pump water heaters, electrical panel upgrades, and wiring inside the per-household envelope. Phase I single-family funds are currently fully reserved (waitlist active). | PROGRAM STATUS: Single-family Phase I is FULLY RESERVED statewide as of 2026-02-24 — new single-family applications are not being accepted and a waitlist is in place. Multifamily applications remain open. Phase II is under development pending DOE approval. HEEHRA is California's implementation of the federal IRA Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates program, administered by the California Energy Commission (CEC) with single-family implementation through TECH Clean California. When open, eligibility requires income-qualified single-family homeowners (or landlords with income-qualified tenants) at or below 150% of Area Median Income; income tiers determine rebate amount (below 80% AMI vs 80–150% AMI). Projects must obtain an approved reservation before installation; rebates only apply to heat pumps installed after the reservation is approved. Income verification is required before a contractor can submit a reservation. Replacement of an existing non-heat-pump space heating system is required for the HVAC rebate. Homeowners should check techcleanca.com and the CEC IRA rebate page for re-opening announcements before signing a contract. | Yes | high | 2026-06-08 | California Energy Commission (CEC), California Energy Commission (CEC) / Energy Solutions |
| TECH Clean California — heat pump HVAC incentive (single-family, market-rate) | Currently unavailable: single-family heat pump HVAC incentives are fully reserved as of 2026-05-30. Historical incentive amounts varied by utility service territory and customer income tier — verify against techcleanca.com for re-opening announcements. | PROGRAM STATUS: Single-family heat pump HVAC incentives are FULLY RESERVED as of 2025-11-14 — new single-family reservations are not being accepted. Multifamily program activity continues. TECH Clean California is a statewide CEC initiative administered by Energy Solutions under contract with Southern California Edison on behalf of California utilities under CPUC oversight, designed to accelerate adoption of clean space and water heating. When open, single-family eligibility requires the homeowner to be a customer of a participating California utility, the installation to use an enrolled TECH contractor (1,600+ contractors enrolled statewide), and the project to obtain a reservation before installation. Specific dollar amounts varied by service territory and income tier — refer to techcleanca.com for the next-funded round's amounts and any income-qualified bonus structure. Homeowners should not assume an incentive is available; verify current reservation status with techcleanca.com before signing a contract. | Yes | high | 2026-06-08 | California Energy Commission (CEC) / Energy Solutions, California Energy Commission (CEC) / Energy Solutions |
| TECH Clean California — heat pump water heater incentive (single-family, market-rate) | Currently unavailable: single-family heat pump water heater incentives are fully reserved as of 2026-05-30. Service-area-specific funds were fully reserved between May 2024 and February 2025; the November 2025 round is also fully reserved. Historical incentive amounts varied by utility service territory and customer income tier — verify against techcleanca.com for re-opening announcements. | PROGRAM STATUS: Single-family heat pump water heater incentives are FULLY RESERVED as of 2025-11-14 — new single-family reservations are not being accepted. Service-area-specific incentives were fully reserved between May 2024 and February 2025; subsequent rounds have also exhausted. TECH Clean California is a statewide CEC initiative administered by Energy Solutions under CPUC oversight. When open, single-family eligibility requires the homeowner to be a customer of a participating California utility, the installation to use an enrolled TECH contractor, and the project to obtain a reservation before installation. Specific dollar amounts varied by service territory. Homeowners should not assume an incentive is available; verify current reservation status with techcleanca.com before signing a contract. Income-qualified homeowners may be routed to HEEHRA instead (also currently fully reserved for single-family). | Yes | high | 2026-06-08 | California Energy Commission (CEC) / Energy Solutions, California Energy Commission (CEC) / Energy Solutions |
| California Net Billing Tariff (NEM 3.0) — solar export compensation framework | Policy framework, not a direct rebate. Excess solar generation exported to the grid is compensated at a rate reflecting the time-varying grid value of that generation (Avoided Cost Calculator methodology), rather than at the retail electricity rate that NEM 2.0 used. Net export compensation under the Net Billing Tariff is typically materially lower than under NEM 2.0; pairing solar with battery storage may materially affect project economics under this framework. | POLICY IN EFFECT — NOT A REBATE: The Net Billing Tariff (NBT), commonly called 'NEM 3.0,' is the current Net Energy Metering framework for new residential solar interconnections in California, adopted by CPUC Decision 22-12-056 and effective for applications submitted on or after 2023-04-15. It applies to new customer-generator interconnections in the three large investor-owned utility territories: Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), Southern California Edison (SCE), and San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E). LADWP and other publicly owned utilities operate their own net-metering tariffs and are not covered by NBT. Under NBT, onsite solar generation first offsets the customer's own consumption; excess generation exported to the grid is compensated at a time-varying export rate based on the grid's avoided cost rather than the retail rate. Existing NEM 1.0 / NEM 2.0 customers are generally grandfathered under the legacy tariff for a defined period from their original interconnection date — verify against the customer's utility for the legacy term. Homeowners considering new residential solar in PG&E / SCE / SDG&E territory should model project economics specifically under NBT, with and without paired battery storage, before signing a contract. | Interconnection application required, not a financial preapproval. | high | 2026-05-30 | California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) |
| California Equitable Building Decarbonization (EBD) Direct Install Program | No-cost direct-install upgrades for income-qualified households — homeowner does not pay out-of-pocket for covered measures. Measures may include heat pump HVAC, heat pump water heater, induction stove, electrical panel upgrade, and weatherization, subject to a per-household scope set by the regional implementer. | Administered by the California Energy Commission (CEC) as the statewide Equitable Building Decarbonization Direct Install Program, with delivery through regional implementers and a separate Tribal Direct Install track. Targets low- and moderate-income households in low-income communities; specific AMI thresholds and per-region eligibility rules are set by the regional implementer rather than statewide. Both single-family homeowners and renters in eligible buildings may qualify, though scope and contractor selection are determined by the implementer (homeowners do not freely choose contractors). The program is funded through California IRA HOMES funding (60% allocation to Direct Install, approximately $130.3M) plus state appropriations. Direct Install retrofits began rolling out in summer 2025. Homeowners interested in EBD should contact the CEC at equitablebuildingdecarb@energy.ca.gov or watch for their regional implementer's launch announcement; the program does not accept open online applications the way TECH or HEEHRA do. | Yes | medium | 2026-05-30 | California Energy Commission (CEC), California Energy Commission (CEC) |
| Section 30C Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit (residential EV charger) | Had a statutory cliff on June 30, 2026. For property placed in service Jan 1, 2023 – June 30, 2026: 30% of the cost of qualifying residential EV charging property, up to $1,000 per item (per charging port, fuel dispenser, or storage property), claimed on IRS Form 8911. Only homes located in a qualifying low-income community or non-urban census tract may have qualified. Installations placed in service after June 30, 2026 do not qualify. | §30C federal EV-charger credit had a statutory cliff on June 30, 2026 (OBBBA Public Law 119-21, 139 Stat. 72, signed July 4, 2025). Under the statute, the credit 'will not be allowed for any property placed in service after June 30, 2026.' This was a cliff termination with no transition rate — installations placed in service on July 1, 2026 or later do not qualify, regardless of when payment or contracting occurred. For property placed in service Jan 1, 2023 through June 30, 2026, the credit covered 30% of the cost of qualifying alternative fuel vehicle refueling property installed at a U.S. home used by the taxpayer as a main home, capped at $1,000 per item (the cap applied separately to each charging port, fuel dispenser, or storage property). Property had to have original use beginning with the taxpayer. Census-tract eligibility was the load-bearing constraint: per IRS guidance, the property had to be installed in a low-income community census tract or non-urban census tract — 2015 Census Tract boundaries applied to installations placed in service before Jan 1, 2025; 2020 Census Tract boundaries applied to installations placed in service on or after Jan 1, 2025. Many urban high-income census tracts did not qualify even where the homeowner installed an otherwise eligible charger. Homeowners claimed the credit on Form 8911 attached to their federal tax return. Pre-cliff installs may have qualified — verify both the placed-in-service date and the census-tract eligibility of the install address with a qualified tax preparer before relying on this credit. | Verify | high | 2026-06-08 | Internal Revenue Service, Internal Revenue Service |
| Golden State Rebates — Heat Pump Water Heater (PG&E-served homes) | Up to $900 instant rebate (water-heating category temporarily unavailable as of January 2026; verify current status before purchase) | As of 2026-05-30 the water-heating category of Golden State Rebates is temporarily unavailable per the program operator; the program is scheduled to sunset June 30, 2026 or earlier if state funds run out. When active, residential customers on a residential rate served by a participating California IOU (PG&E, SCE, SDG&E, or SoCalGas) may qualify. Equipment must meet specified UEF and tank-size requirements (e.g., 45-55 gallon heat pump water heaters with UEF >= 3.30 when replacing an electric water heater). Verify current category status and qualifying-product list at goldenstaterebates.com before purchasing. | Instant rebates are typically applied at point of sale through participating distributors; verify current process at the program site. | medium | 2026-05-30 | California IOU Statewide Rebate Program (PG&E, SCE, SDG&E, SoCalGas) / CLEAResult, Pacific Gas & Electric |
| PG&E Heat Pump HVAC Rebate — current status | Not currently available as a standalone PG&E rebate | As of 2026-05-30 PG&E does not advertise a standalone utility-funded residential heat-pump HVAC rebate on its rebates index. Heat-pump HVAC incentives for PG&E-served homes have flowed through (a) TECH Clean California (single-family fully reserved since November 14, 2025; see ca-tech-heat-pump-hvac), (b) HEEHRA-CA (single-family fully reserved since February 24, 2026; see ca-heehra-single-family), and (c) BayREN Home+ for Bay Area homeowners outside PG&E's direct rebate stack. Homeowners may want to verify with PG&E and check whether any successor utility program has launched. | Verify | high | 2026-05-30 | Pacific Gas & Electric |
| PG&E Residential EV Charging Rebate (Standard and Rebate Plus tiers) | Standard: up to 50% of qualifying charger purchase. Rebate Plus (income-qualified): up to $2,000 for charger installation, or up to $5,000 combined for panel upgrade plus charger installation. | As of 2026-05-30 the program is active. Applicants must be active PG&E residential electric customers (CCA customers eligible) who own or lease a qualifying battery-electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle. The Standard tier has no income test. The Rebate Plus tier may be available to households at or below 80% of county Area Median Income, or to participants in CalFresh, Medi-Cal, SSI, WIC, or similar assistance programs, or to recent Rebate Plus participants in the Pre-Owned EV Rebate program. Standard applicants must apply within 180 days of charger purchase; Rebate Plus applicants receive pre-approval with contractor selection before installation. Rebates are first-come, first-served and limited to one per eligible household. Homeowners may not combine this with the now-closed Empower EV program. | Rebate Plus tier: yes (pre-approval before contractor selection). Standard tier: no, but apply within 180 days of purchase. | high | 2026-05-30 | Pacific Gas & Electric, Pacific Gas & Electric |
| PG&E Energy Savings Assistance Program (ESA) — income-qualified no-cost upgrades | No-cost (program-funded) upgrades. Reported scope includes weatherization, home repairs, lighting, refrigerators (units 15+ years old), heat pump water heaters, and furnace repair or replacement for eligible homeowners with inoperable or unsafe units. | As of 2026-05-30 the program is actively accepting applications. Eligibility is income-based; reported 2026 guidelines are roughly up to $39,125 for a one-person household and up to $80,375 for a four-person household, with guidelines published through May 31, 2026 (verify current thresholds at the program page). Homes must be at least five years old. Applicants who participate in CalFresh, Medi-Cal, SNAP, WIC, or similar assistance programs may qualify without providing income documentation. Application is a three-step process: confirm income guidelines, schedule an in-home assessment with a PG&E energy specialist, and complete the online application at energyinsight.pge.com. | Yes — an in-home assessment by a PG&E-authorized energy specialist determines which measures are installed. | high | 2026-05-30 | Pacific Gas & Electric |