Your Home Deserves Solar Done by People Who Actually Care
We are not a national chain. We are a family business that has earned its reputation one rooftop at a time — for over 22 years.
What We Do
Custom-engineered solar, battery, and EV charging systems — designed and managed by our team from start to finish.
Solar Panel Systems
Every system is custom-designed for your roof, your energy usage, and NEM 3.0. Premium panels with 25-year warranties.
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Tesla Powerwall Battery
Store your solar energy and power your home during peak hours. Whole-home backup when the grid goes down.
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EV Charger Installation
Level 2 Tesla Wall Connector and universal charger installs. Charge your car with free solar energy from your roof.
Learn More →The Tax Credit Didn’t Disappear — It Moved Into Your Lease
Even in 2026, the Federal Solar Tax Credit is still available — it just works differently depending on how you go solar. With a solar lease, the system is owned by the leasing provider, which allows them to claim the federal incentive on the hardware and installation.
That savings is then built directly into your lease structure, helping reduce your overall cost without requiring you to purchase the system upfront.
The result? You can go solar with $0 down, predictable monthly payments, and battery options available — while still benefiting from the federal incentive through the lease program.
YOUR TAX CREDIT SAVINGS DIDN’T DISAPPEAR, THEY JUST MOVED!
NEM 3.0 Changed the Game — But Solar Still Works
Under California’s new NEM 3.0 rules, the credits you get for sending solar energy back to the grid are much lower than before. That means solar panels alone are no longer enough to eliminate your bill.
The solution? Pair your panels with a Tesla Powerwall battery. Store your energy during the day and use it from 4–9 PM when Edison charges the most.
Our approach: We build every system 25% bigger than your usage and pair it with a Powerwall. The goal is zero grid power during peak hours, every single day.
See How Much You Can Save
Every system is custom-designed based on your roof, your usage, and your goals. Get a free estimate in minutes.
GET YOUR FREE QUOTEYour Solar Journey — Step by Step
Click each step to see exactly what happens. We handle everything from start to finish.
Step 1: Free Quote & Financing Approval
It all starts with a free consultation. We review your electricity bill, assess your roof using satellite imagery, and design a system sized specifically for your home and energy usage.
Once you decide to move forward, we get you approved for your preferred payment option — whether that is a $0 down solar lease, financing through a solar loan, or a cash purchase. Approval is fast and we walk you through every option so you can make the best decision for your budget.
There is absolutely no pressure and no obligation at this stage. If the numbers do not make sense for your home, we will tell you honestly.
Timeline: Same day to a few days for approval
Step 2: Professional Site Survey
Once you are approved and committed to the project, we schedule an in-person site survey at your home. Our team comes out to verify all roof measurements where your solar panels will be installed and evaluates your main electrical panel to determine if any upgrades are needed.
A major part of the site survey is determining the best location for your Tesla Powerwall battery. Batteries can be installed in the garage or on an exterior wall. If the battery is located in the garage, your city may require a bollard (a protective post to prevent vehicle impact) or a smoke detection system to meet fire safety codes — both of which can add cost to the project. We also verify that your specific city or municipality will approve the proposed battery location before moving forward.
If there are any changes from the original estimate — such as battery location requirements, electrical panel upgrades, conduit runs, or roof work — we provide you with a complete revised estimate with transparent pricing before proceeding. We want you to know exactly what you are getting and exactly what it costs. No surprises.
Timeline: Scheduled within 3–5 business days of approval
Step 3: Engineering Plans & City Permitting
After your site survey is complete and your contract is signed, we submit your project to our engineering team to create a full set of professionally engineered plans specific to your home. These plans include panel layout, electrical diagrams, structural calculations, and everything your city requires. Engineering typically takes 2–3 business days.
Once plans are complete, we submit them to your local city building department for permit approval. Permitting timelines vary by city — some cities turn permits around in a few days, while busier cities can take 2–6 weeks. We monitor the status closely and keep you updated throughout.
During this phase, we also handle your Net Energy Metering (NEM) paperwork with your utility company. This is the application that enrolls your system in the solar billing program so you receive credits for the energy your panels produce. We submit and manage this entirely on your behalf.
You do not have to do anything during this phase — we handle all engineering, city permits, and utility paperwork for you.
Timeline: 2–3 days for engineering + 2–6 weeks for city permits
Step 4: Installation & Inspection
Once your permits are approved, we schedule your installation. Most residential systems are completed in 1–2 days depending on system size. Our experienced crew handles everything — solar panel mounting, racking, electrical wiring, Tesla Powerwall installation, and full cleanup.
After installation is complete, we call your city to schedule a final building inspection. A city inspector visits your home to verify that the entire system meets local building codes and signs off on the project. If your install is completed on a Friday, the inspection typically occurs the following week.
For systems with a Tesla Powerwall 3, we also install the Tesla Smart Meter in a weatherproof enclosure next to your existing utility meter. We then submit a work order to Southern California Edison (SCE) to complete the meter connection. SCE typically takes 2–30 days to install the meter — once it is installed, your system begins operating.
Timeline: 1–2 days for installation + inspection the following week + 2–30 days for SCE meter
Step 5: Activation & You Start Saving
At the same time as the meter installation, we submit your PTO (Permission to Operate) paperwork to your utility company. PTO is the official approval from Edison that authorizes you to turn your system on and begin receiving solar credits on your bill. PTO will not be issued until the Smart Meter has been installed by SCE.
Important note about payments: If you are on a solar lease, your lease payments do not begin until you receive PTO and your system is officially activated. You will not pay a single lease payment until your system is producing energy and saving you money. If you purchased your system with cash or financing, be aware that financing payments may begin on their own schedule and could potentially overlap with the PTO waiting period.
Once PTO is granted, your system is fully activated. We send you an email confirming everything is live and schedule a time to walk you through the Tesla app so you can monitor your solar production, battery levels, home energy usage, and grid status in real time — all from your phone.
From this point forward, your solar system is working for you every single day — producing free energy from the sun, storing it in your battery, and dramatically reducing or eliminating your electric bill.
Total timeline from contract to activation: 6–10 weeks — however, many cities and municipalities move substantially faster than this. The 6–10 week range reflects a worst-case scenario based on slower permitting offices and SCE meter scheduling. Some homeowners are fully activated in as little as 4–5 weeks. We keep you informed at every step of the way.
Solar Lease Packages — $0 Down
Three plans designed to fit your home and your energy bill. All include Tesla Powerwall, full installation, and a 25-year warranty.
Essential
- ✓16 Solar Panels
- ✓1 Tesla Powerwall 3
- ✓25-Year Warranty
- ✓Full Installation
Plus
- ✓32 Solar Panels
- ✓1 Tesla Powerwall 3
- ✓25-Year Warranty
- ✓Full Installation
Premier
- ✓67 Solar Panels
- ✓1 Tesla Powerwall 3
- ✓25-Year Warranty
- ✓Full Installation
Whole-Home Backup with Tesla Powerwall 3
Keep your home powered during outages with the Tesla Powerwall 3 — a compact battery with an integrated solar inverter that delivers seamless backup protection and increased energy savings.
A single unit can power your entire home during a grid outage, automatically switching on without delay. It stores excess solar energy, lowers your electricity bills, and is built to withstand extreme weather.
As a Tesla Certified Installer, Pell Solar handles every step — from design and permitting to professional installation.
LEARN ABOUT POWERWALL →What Our Customers Say
53 five-star reviews on Yelp and top-rated on Google by homeowners across Southern California and Idaho.
“It is rare for me to leave a review but in this case it is well deserved! Pell Solar walked us through the entire process without a glitch. If you are considering solar, Pell Solar should be your first call.”
“We wanted a zero electric bill and we got it. Not just zero at the end of the year, but negative every month. That is how you plan and engineer a solar system. Exactly what we wanted.”
“I shopped around to about 5 different vendors and Pell was thousands cheaper. Shaun was so incredibly thorough, honest, and over-communicated throughout the process. Incredibly happy and satisfied!”
“Pell was our knight in solar armor. The competitive pricing, honest communication, no pressure sales tactics, and helpfulness before, during, and after install was all we could have hoped for.”
“Excellent from the first call until the end of the installation. You cannot go wrong with Pell Solar. The 35 panels look amazing.”
“Since I installed solar over a year ago I have not owed any money to Edison. That is exactly where I wanted to be. I would recommend Pell Solar to anyone looking for a reliable and honest solar company.”
Common Questions
Straight answers to the questions we hear most.
Here is the complete process from start to finish — we handle every step so you do not have to.
Step 1: Approval & Financing
First, we confirm that you are approved for your chosen payment method — whether that is a solar lease, financing, or cash purchase. This ensures everything is in place before we move forward.
Step 2: Site Survey
Once you are approved, we schedule a professional site survey at your home. Our team verifies all roof measurements where the solar panels will be installed, identifies the best locations for your Tesla Powerwall battery, and evaluates your electrical panel. If anything changes from the original estimate — such as additional work needed for your panel or roof — we will provide you with a complete revised estimate before moving forward. We typically do not schedule a site survey unless you are 100% committed to the project.
Step 3: Contract & Engineering
After the site survey, we send you a contract to review and sign. At the same time, we submit your project to our engineering team to create a full set of engineered plans specific to your home. This process usually takes 3–4 business days.
Step 4: City Permitting
Once your plans are completed, we submit them to your local city building department for approval. Permitting timelines vary by city — some cities turn permits around in a few days, while others can take 2–6 weeks depending on their workload. We monitor this closely and keep you updated.
Step 5: Installation Day
Once permits are approved, we schedule your installation. Most residential systems are installed in 1–2 days depending on system size. Our crew handles everything — panel mounting, electrical wiring, Powerwall installation, and cleanup.
Step 6: Final Inspection
After installation, we call your city to schedule a final building inspection. If your install is completed on a Friday, the inspection typically happens the following week. The inspector verifies that everything meets code and signs off on your project.
Step 7: Smart Meter Installation (Tesla Powerwall Systems)
All projects with a Tesla Powerwall 3 require a Tesla Smart Meter, which is installed before your utility meter. We install the meter in a weatherproof enclosure next to your existing meter and submit a work order to Southern California Edison (SCE) to complete the connection. SCE typically takes 2–30 days to install the meter. Once the meter is installed, your system begins operating.
Step 8: Permission to Operate (PTO)
At the same time, we submit your PTO (Permission to Operate) paperwork to your utility company. PTO is the official approval from Edison that allows you to turn your system on and start receiving credits. Your PTO will not be issued until the Smart Meter has been installed. Once PTO is granted, your system is fully activated.
Step 9: System Activation & Training
After PTO is received, we send you an email confirming that your system is live and activated through your utility. We then walk you through the Tesla app so you can monitor your solar production, battery levels, and home energy usage in real time. From this point forward, you are saving money every single day.
Typical total timeline: 6–10 weeks from contract to activation — though many cities move substantially faster. This range reflects a worst-case scenario; some homeowners are fully activated in as little as 4–5 weeks. We keep you informed at every step.
Get your free quote and we’ll walk you through the timeline →
No — a properly installed solar system will not void your roof warranty. We use industry-standard IronRidge racking and flashing systems that are engineered specifically to maintain your roof’s weatherproofing. Every roof penetration is sealed with code-compliant flashing and waterproof sealant to prevent leaks.
Before we design your system, we evaluate your roof’s age and condition. If your roof is near the end of its life, we will let you know upfront so you can plan accordingly — it is much more cost-effective to re-roof before installing solar than to remove and reinstall panels later.
If your roof does need replacement in the future, your panels can be safely removed and reinstalled. With a lease, this service is typically covered under your warranty for the life of the agreement.
Solar increases your home’s value. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, homes with solar sell for an average of 3–4% more than comparable homes without solar. That can mean $15,000 to $30,000 or more in added value depending on your system size and location.
If you own the system outright (cash purchase or paid-off loan), the system transfers with the home and becomes a major selling point — the new owner gets free electricity from day one.
If you have a solar lease, the lease can be transferred to the new homeowner with a simple approval process through the leasing company. Buyers love taking over a lease because they get solar with no upfront cost and predictable monthly payments that are typically lower than their current electric bill.
Either way, solar homes sell faster. Real estate agents consistently report that solar is one of the most in-demand features for homebuyers in Southern California.
Absolutely yes — when the system is designed correctly. Under California’s NEM 3.0 program (in effect since April 2023), the credits you receive for sending excess solar energy back to the grid were significantly reduced. This means solar panels alone are no longer enough to eliminate your electric bill.
The solution is pairing solar with a Tesla Powerwall battery. Instead of sending your excess energy to Edison for pennies, you store it in your battery and use it during peak hours (4–9 PM) when Edison charges the highest rates. This is how you take control of your bill and maximize your savings.
At Pell Solar, we design every NEM 3.0 system approximately 25% larger than your current usage and pair it with a Powerwall. The goal is zero grid power during peak hours, every single day. Our customers are still achieving near-zero electric bills under NEM 3.0.
Every solar system is custom-designed based on your roof, your energy usage, and your goals — so there is no single price that applies to everyone. That said, here is a general overview of your options:
Solar Lease ($0 down): Our most popular option. Monthly payments start at $240/month for a 16-panel system with Tesla Powerwall, and go up to $675/month for larger homes. The lease includes a full 25-year warranty covering panels, battery, inverter, and all maintenance. You pay nothing upfront.
Financing: Purchase your system with a solar loan. You own the equipment, claim any available tax credits, and build equity in your home. Monthly payments are typically similar to or less than your current electric bill.
Cash Purchase: The lowest total cost over the life of the system. You own everything outright with no monthly payments. Typical payback period is 5–8 years, and the system produces free electricity for 25+ years after that.
Under NEM 3.0, a battery is essential for maximizing your savings. Here is why: without a battery, your solar panels produce energy during the day when you may not be home. That excess energy gets sent to Edison’s grid, and under NEM 3.0, the credit you receive is only a fraction of what you pay during peak hours.
With a Tesla Powerwall 3, your excess solar energy is stored in your battery instead of being sent to the grid. Then from 4–9 PM — when Edison charges the highest rates — your home runs entirely on stored battery power. You are using your own free solar energy instead of buying expensive grid electricity.
The Powerwall 3 also provides whole-home backup power during grid outages. With the Tesla Smart Meter, a single Powerwall unit can back up your entire home — automatically and with zero delay.
We offer Powerwall as part of our lease packages or as a standalone battery-only installation starting at $173/month on a 12-year lease.
Areas We Serve
Serving Southern California since 2003.
Ready to Go Solar?
No pressure. No gimmicks. Just honest recommendations from a family-owned company that has been doing this for over 22 years.
GET YOUR FREE SOLAR QUOTEContractor License #949122 • CA, ID, AZ • Family-owned since 2003
