Solar Checklist
You can print and use this checklist t o help mak e planning
installation of y our new phot ov oltaic solar sys t em easier.
Prepare Your Home
Make your home energy efficient before solar installation to maximize investment.
Take five minutes to do your Home Energy Checkup at pge.com/homenergycheckup and
receive customized recommendations.
Do the Math
*
Explore financing options to determine the best photovoltaic solar system for your home.
Buy versus Lease
Use our solar calculator to estimate the size system you might need pge.com/solarcalc.
Be sure to use solar calculator results when requesting bids and selecting a contractor.
* Please note, experts recommend that a new solar system should offset 80 to 85 percent of
your energy use. Many residential systems are 4 to 5 kilowatts (kW) in size.
Find a Contractor
Pick experienced contractors from whom to request bids using the contractor database
available at gosolarcalifornia.ca.gov.
Request bids from a least three contractors.
Verify contractor licenses
Ensure all bids are prepared using the same assumptions as closely as possible so you
can compare “apples to apples.” Assumptions to review include:
system measurements
warranties
length of time to install
what is included as a base package versus an “adder”
Before signing a contract, read it carefully and thoroughly. Ensure all costs are included
and ask questions about anything you do not fully understand.
Take your time. Don’t rush into a decision before fully evaluating your options.
The California State License Board recommends that in general you should never pay more
than $1,000 or 10% of the contract price, whichever is less. To learn about a limited exception
to this guidance, please visit cslb.ca.gov.
PG&E” refers to Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation. ©2015 Pacific Gas and Electric Company. All rights reserved. These offerings are funded
by California utility cust omers and adminis tered by PG&E under the auspices of the California Public Utilities Commission. September 2015 CSO-0915-4698