Free Weekly Solar Education Sessions
Rebuilding and trying to make sense of solar and battery storage? Join the Power Up Palisades team for a free weekly online series covering the practical questions homeowners are facing as they plan their systems.
Come to one session or attend the whole series. Each session focuses on a different part of choosing, paying for and maintaining a solar and battery system.
• September 15: Solar System, Battery Sizing and Design
• September 22: Microinverters vs. String Inverters
• September 29: Solar Panel and Battery Brands
• October 6: Financing Options
• October 13: Warranties
• October 20: Solar Panel and Battery Maintenance
• October 27: Subpanel and Meter Collar Functions
Tuesdays at 6:00 PM on Zoom
When you register, you can select whichever sessions you would like to attend.
100+
Palisadians already interested in solar + batteries
50+
Homes installed with solar in Resilient Palisades' 2022 solar program
4
Vetted installers competing for your business.
THE PROCESS
How Power Up Palisades Works
We've done the vetting so you don't have to. Fill out one form, receive competitive quotes from multiple installers, and choose what's right for your home.
1
Fill out the intake form
2
Receive multiple quotes
3
Compare your options
4
Choose and go solar
Share details about your home and energy needs. Takes about 10 minutes.
Up to 4 vetted installers review your info and prepare proposals.
Review quotes side by side. Our resources help you know what to look for or meet with our technical assistant.
Select your installer. No obligation until you sign a contract.
OUR PARTNERS
Vetted Solar Installers
Every installer in the program has been reviewed by Resilient Palisades for experience, licensing, reviews, and commitment to the Palisades community. Meet our selected installers:
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Review installer pricing here. These are the maximum base prices installers will charge during the program for customers who enroll in PUP by October 15, 2026 and sign their contract by October 31, 2026. Solar roofing is also available through the program, with pricing provided upon request.
EVENTS
MEET US AND LEARN MORE
EDUCATION RESOURCES
Learn Before You Decide
Knowledge is the best way to get a good deal. These resources will help you understand your options and feel confident reviewing proposals.
Documents and stats to have ready before you start your application
Why go solar? How it works, and what it means for your energy bill
How it all works – program overview, what to expect, and contact info
Home battery storage – backup power, PSPS protection, and savings
Frequently Asked Questions
ABOUT POWER UP PALISADES
What is Power Up Palisades and who is it for? It's a group program that helps Pacific Palisades homeowners add rooftop solar and battery storage. It's aimed at people rebuilding after the January 2025 fires and those looking to add solar and batteries to an existing home. A local nonprofit, Resilient Palisades, vets a set of installers, has them all quote the same way, and gives you a simple way to compare them. You buy from the installer you pick. The nonprofit is not the seller.
How is this different from finding a solar company on my own? Three ways. The installers are already checked out, so you don't have to guess who to trust. They all quote on the same form, so you can compare offers line by line instead of trying to read many different formats. And the price they give the program is the price you get. They can't quote you higher than that for a standard system.
How are the solar installers in the program vetted? Through a competitive application. We score each installer on their experience, their finances, the quality of their equipment, their warranties, whether they're local, their references, their pricing, a sample project, and an interview with a panel of experts. The installers that score the highest are accepted into the program.
Who runs the Power Up Palisades program? Resilient Palisades is a volunteer-led Palisadian nonprofit working since 2019 to inspire local action to tackle the climate and ecological crisis. One full-time staff member runs it day to day and keeps an eye on how the installers are doing. The staff member is supported by several part-time consultants who are experts in the field.
Do I have to buy anything after I get quotes? No. You can get quotes, compare them, and walk away. Installers also have to tell you that you're free to get other offers outside the program before you sign.
How do I sign up for quotes? Complete the Intake Form linked above. At sign up, you fill out a short form so we have the basics. We pass your form to the participating installers. For 2026, sign-ups open at the August 3 launch and close October 15, 2026.
What if I'm not ready to install in 2026? The program runs each year and relaunches with fresh pricing (the next one is planned for April 2027). If your rebuild isn't far enough along this year, you can join a later round at that round's prices. That's often the smart move, since solar goes on once your home is framed and roofed.
Do installers pay Resilient Palisades to be in the program? Resilient Palisades receives a small per watt program fee from participating installers to help cover the costs of running Power Up Palisades, including homeowner education, outreach and staff support. This fee does not affect which installers participate in the program or which installer a homeowner chooses. Any program revenue received by Resilient Palisades helps support the nonprofit costs of operating Power Up Palisades, including homeowner education, technical assistance, outreach and program administration.
Will there be a Spring 2027 program, and what are the dates? Yes, Resilient Palisades plans to run the program again in 2027. Specific dates haven't been set yet — watch for announcements.
If already working with a contractor who has their own solar installer, can a homeowner still participate? If you participate in the PUP program, you're not locked into the four program installers. You can ask your existing contractor whether they'd work with one of the four, or just get additional quotes through the program to compare — there's no obligation to use a program installer.
HOW THE QUOTE PROCESS WORKS
How many installers can I get quotes from, and how long does it take? You will get a quote from all of the participating installers. Once you give an installer what they need, they send you a full quote within 10 business days.
Will installers come to my home, or is it done online first? Online first. An installer starts by looking at your site using satellite images and the details you give them. They may offer a short call, about 30 minutes. They visit in person when it's time to finalize the design.
What do installers need from me to make a quote? Your address, a recent electric bill or two, and some roof information. If you're rebuilding, they'll want your plans as they come together. If you're planning to switch to electric appliances or add an EV, tell them, because it changes the system size. We collect the basics at sign-up so you're not stuck chasing paperwork.
How do I compare the quotes? Use the program's Cover Sheet. It lines every offer up the same way, so you're comparing apples to apples. Look at the all-in price first. Then look at the price per watt, how much of your yearly power use the system covers, the itemized add-ons, and the lifetime cost of the electricity (explained below). After that, weigh the things that aren't about price: how soon they can install, their warranties, their service, and their references. We also give you a plain-language guide called "How to Read Your Quote" (linked above).
Who can help me sort through my options? Resilient Palisades is here to help you understand and compare offers. We don't push you toward any one installer. Sign up for one on one support with our subject matter expert.Resilient Palisades is here to help you understand and compare offers. We don't push you toward any one installer. Sign up for one on one support with our subject matter expert.
Can I negotiate, or are prices set? The base price isn't something you haggle over. Each installer commits to the price they gave the program, and they can't quote you higher than that for the standard system. Your leverage is comparison. You can get quotes from several installers and pick the best one. Any add-ons for your specific home are listed and explained, so you can see exactly what makes one quote different from another.
What happens after I pick an installer? You sign a contract directly with them, on the same terms as the quote. Contracts are signed by October 31, 2026. You have three business days to cancel for free. After that, the installer handles the design, the permits, and the hookup to LADWP, and finishes the install within 180 days of signing. It can take longer only for delays they can't control, like LADWP grid upgrades and interconnections.
What does "contract signage due by October" and becoming part of a "sale" mean? Does going through Resilient Palisades give discounts/rebates? To lock in program pricing, two deadlines apply: sign up for the program by October 15, 2026, and sign a contract with your chosen installer by October 31, 2026. Going through the program gets you the committed program pricing, a vetted installer, and standardized quotes you can compare side by side. It is not a rebate or a cash discount on top of that.
HOW SOLAR AND BATTERIES WORK
How does rooftop solar work? Your panels turn sunlight into electricity that runs your home during the day. Extra power charges your battery, if you have one, or goes to LADWP for a bill credit. Panels only make power in daylight. At night you run your home from electricity stored on your battery or buy from the grid using the credits you built up.
Will solar cover all my electricity costs? It depends on how many solar panels you add, how much power you use. The size of your system might be limited by your roof size, orientation, and shading. A well-sized system can cover most or all of what you use over a year, because LADWP credits your extra daytime power at full price and lets you use those credits later. But it's not guaranteed. Shade, roof space, and rising use from EVs or electric appliances all matter. You'll also still pay LADWP's small monthly minimum charge.
What is a home battery, and do I need one? A battery stores your solar power for when the sun isn't out. Its biggest job is keeping key parts of your home running during an outage or a planned power shutoff. In LADWP's area, where your extra power already earns full-price credit on your electricity bill, a battery is mostly about backup, not saving money day to day. It's optional. Many people here get one specifically for outage protection.
How does a battery help during an outage? Here's a key point: grid-tied solar without a battery shuts off during an outage for safety reasons. This means that solar panels alone won't keep your lights on in a power outage. With a battery, your stored power runs the home while the grid is down, and your panels recharge the battery the next day. How long it lasts depends on the battery's size and how much you're running. A home energy management system can help ensure that your battery power is only used for critical loads (medical equipment, refrigerators, internet etc) so your battery can power those things for longer.
Can solar and a battery help during a fire-related power shutoff? Yes, for keeping the power on. During a planned shutoff, a solar-and-battery system can run the things that matter most: your fridge, medical equipment, a well pump, and your internet and phones. It's backup power. It is not a reason to stay on your property during a fire. Always follow evacuation orders.
What happens to the extra power I make during the day but don’t use? It goes to LADWP, and they credit your account at the full retail rate, the same price you'd pay for power. Those credits roll over and don't expire, though you can't cash them out. You can also use extra power to charge an EV or run other electric things.
What is net metering, and how does it affect my bill? Net metering is how you get credit for the solar power you send to the grid. LADWP offers one of the best deals left in California. It credits your extra power at the full retail rate, not the lower rate that PG&E, SCE, and SDG&E customers now get. And the credits don't expire. This is a big reason solar still makes sense in the Palisades, even with the federal tax credits gone.
Which installers use Tesla equipment? (Asked because Safeco insurance won't cover homes with Tesla batteries). No installer in the program has listed Tesla solar panels in their program pricing. On batteries, all four installers offer batteries from a range of manufacturers, so there are plenty of non-Tesla options to choose from. If your insurer has flagged Tesla batteries, it's worth asking them exactly what the exclusion is based on battery chemistry and then choosing equipment that fits your coverage. Many battery manufacturers have changed their battery chemistry over the last year to address flammability issues. Your installer can work with you on that.
How long do batteries last? Most home batteries carry warranties in the 10-to-15-year range, depending on the manufacturer. As for how much a battery powers during an outage: a typical 10 kWh battery can keep your essentials running — refrigerator, freezer, lights, internet, phone and laptop charging, and a few small devices — though exactly how long depends on how much you're running at once. Your installer can size backup to the specific things you want covered and estimate realistic runtime for your home.
COSTS AND WHAT TO EXPECT
What does a system cost in the Palisades? It depends on the system size, and for batteries, on the size and brand. Since every installer quotes on the same Cover Sheet, the number to focus on is the all-in price on each quote. You can compare those directly.
How much will I save each month? A well-sized system can wipe out most or all of your electricity charges, because LADWP credits your extra daytime power and lets you use it at night. You'll still pay LADWP's small monthly minimum. Your real savings depend on how much power you use and how big your system is. Each quote includes a savings estimate, so compare them.
How long until it pays for itself? It depends on the size, your usage, and how you pay. If you own the system (cash or loan), payback takes longer in 2026 than it used to, because the 30% federal credit no longer applies to systems you own. LADWP's full-price credits and rising electric rates work in your favor. A lease or PPA costs little or nothing up front but saves less over time. Your quotes will show the numbers for your home.
Does a battery add a lot to the cost? Yes. A battery is a real added cost, usually from several thousand dollars up to the low tens of thousands, depending on size and brand. In LADWP's area, a battery is mostly about backup, not saving money, so weigh it against how much outage protection matters to you. Remember that you don’t need a battery that will run your whole house during an outage, you just need it to cover the most important things.
Are there ongoing maintenance costs? Not much. Panels need occasional cleaning, and an inverter may need replacing down the road. Under the program, your installer covers service for free for the first 10 years. They also give at least a 10-year warranty on their workmanship and on any roof leaks from the install, and they service your panels for at least 20 years. Your panels must still make at least 80% of their rated power at the 20-year mark. Inverter and battery warranties from the manufacturer usually run about 10 to 12 years.
What happens to my system if I sell my home? If you own it, it stays with the house and can add to the value. If you lease it or have a PPA, the buyer takes over the agreement, and they have to qualify to do that. It's worth sorting out before you list the home.
Is my quoted price locked in? Yes. The price an installer quotes you for the standard system is locked for the program period. It won't change unless you change what you asked for.
Is the pricing offered a discount for fire victims specifically, or how does it compare to a normal bid? It's a special program price for participants, not a rate that's generally available. The installers committed to holding these prices for the length of the program, and Resilient Palisades is working to negotiate additional product-specific discounts for participants. The prices are set per watt and per kilowatt-hour, and locked, so you won't be quoted more than the program rate for the standard system.
What integrated solar roof products do installers offer, and how do they compare to standard panels? Integrated solar roofing (a roof that is itself the solar system, rather than panels mounted on top) is available through the program on request. Because it replaces your roof, it's priced differently from standard panels and generally costs more up front — but for a rebuild where you're paying for a new roof anyway, the fair comparison is the added cost above a normal roof, not the sticker price. Generally, the cost for these options will be more than traditional solar + roofing. If you're interested, ask an installer for an integrated-roofing quote and compare it on that basis. We are in the process of running down more information on this topic.
INCENTIVES AND FINANCING
Are there federal tax credits for solar or batteries? If you buy the system with cash or a loan, the federal residential tax credit (Section 25D), which was 30%, ended December 31, 2025 and does not apply to systems installed in 2026. The one remaining federal tax credit path for homeowners is a pre-paid lease. Under that structure, the company that owns the system may claim the federal commercial tax credit and pass some or all of that value into your price. All four program installers offer a pre-paid lease and state that they pass some savings along to the customer. How much reaches you depends on the specific deal, so ask each installer to show you your price with and without the pre-paid lease, in writing, so you can see the actual difference for your home. This tax credit structure is expected to be in place until December 31, 2027.
Are there California rebates I can use? For most Palisades homeowners in 2026, unfortunately, no. The main state program, SGIP, is now only open to lower-income households, and it has a waiting list (more below). LADWP’s full-price net metering is the real ongoing benefit.
What is SGIP, and do I qualify? SGIP is a state rebate for battery storage. LADWP runs one active version of it: the Residential Solar and Storage Equity (RSSE) program, funded by AB 209. In 2026, its general budgets are closed. The only open path is for households at or below 80% of the area's median income (or enrolled in CARE or FERA), and it's fully booked with a waiting list. One useful detail: for this rebate, leased and PPA systems can qualify, not just systems you buy outright — the rebate goes to the system's owner, and you benefit through a lower price. Most Palisades homeowners won't qualify based on income. If yours might, apply early through sgip@ladwp.com.
Does my income affect which rebates I can get? Yes. The one meaningful rebate left (SGIP) is only for households at or below 80% of the area's median income. Above that, it's not available. Net metering, on the other hand, has no income limit.
Can I stack more than one rebate? In theory, yes, but in 2026 there's little to stack for most Palisades homeowners, unless you are electrifying your home. There's no federal credit on systems you own, SGIP only if you qualify on income, and no active LADWP solar rebate. If you do qualify for SGIP, your installer can walk you through how it fits with your financing. If you are electrifying (check requirements of each program) your new home build, you can access a $5,000 battery rebate from LADWP HOME LA and a $250/kWh battery rebate from CalEHP.
What financing options do I have if I don't want to pay cash? A loan, a lease, or a PPA. Some installers may also offer a pre-paid lease. A loan lets you own the system and pay it off over time. With a lease or PPA, a company owns and maintains the system. Because they can claim the federal business credit, they may pass some value into a lower payment, but you don't own the equipment, and lease or PPA payments can rise a set amount each year. Your Cover Sheet shows the lifetime cost of each option, so you can compare them on one number.
What's a solar loan, and how does it compare to a lease or PPA? A loan lets you own the system. You pay it off with interest, often over up to 25 years, you qualify based on your credit, and the equipment usually backs the loan. With a lease or PPA, a company owns the system and you pay to use the power, at a rate that may go up a set amount each year. Owning (cash or loan) usually costs less over the life of the system. A lease or PPA costs less up front and is the only way to get any federal credit value in 2026.
What's the difference between a lease and a pre-paid lease? Is one better? The difference is when you pay. With a regular lease, you make a monthly payment for the life of the system, usually 20 to 25 years, and that payment often rises a little each year. With a pre-paid lease, you pay one lump sum up front and then owe little or nothing each month. Everything else is the same. In both, a company owns the system, you pay to use the power, and that company, not you, gets the federal tax credit. The company may, in its sole discretion, choose to pass the benefit of the federal tax credits to you, but it isn’t a given. A pre-paid lease usually costs less over time than a regular lease, because there's no yearly increase and the company isn't building in the cost of collecting payments from you for 20 years. A regular lease costs less up front. Here's the part to watch: if you have the cash to pre-pay a lease, compare it against simply buying the system with that same money. When you pre-pay, you hand over a large sum and still don't own the equipment. When you buy, you own it. A pre-paid lease only makes sense if its lifetime cost beats buying and you'd rather not own the system yourself at the outset. The terms of the pre-paid lease usually offer the option to purchase the system at a very low cost after a number of years, usually less than 10. Your Cover Sheet shows the lifetime cost of each option side by side, which is the way to tell.
On a pre-paid lease, could the "owner" take back the solar system before 5 years, after the homeowner has paid for it? Under a pre-paid lease you keep full use of the system and all its benefits — lower bills, battery backup — for the entire term, and ownership transfers to you at the end of it (or earlier if the terms allow). The exact terms, including when and how title transfers and what happens in unusual situations, are set in the agreement you sign, so read that section closely and ask the provider to walk you through it before you commit. Typical timelines to ownership transfer are 5 to 6 years.
HOME ELECTRIFICATION AND SOLAR
What does "going electric" mean, and why does it pair with solar? It means swapping gas appliances for electric ones: the stove, water heater, furnace, clothes dryer, and pool heater. It pairs with solar because your panels can generate the electricity to run them. But while it reduces the amount of gas you use, it raises how much electricity you use. This means you'll want to design the size of the solar system for the home you'll have when you electrify everything, not the one you have now. Learn more about going electric at resilientpalisades.org/electrify.
Should I go electric before or after I install solar? Decide your electric plans first, even if you do the work in stages. Once you have your electric plans, you can start your solar installation. That way your solar is sized for your future needs and isn't too small on day one.
Can my solar power an EV charger? Yes, if the system is sized to include it. An EV adds a lot of demand, so tell your installer up front so they plan for it.
Can solar power an electric pool heater in addition to the house and EV? Yes, as long as your system is sized for it. Solar electricity feeds your main electrical panel, which powers everything in the house, so it can run a pool heater, an EV charger, or any other electric load that's wired in. Whether it fully covers that extra demand depends on your total electricity use, your roof's size and orientation, and shading. Tell your installer about the pool heater, EV charging, and any planned electrical appliances front so they size the system for your real needs, not just today's usage.
How does switching from gas to electric change my solar size? Every electric appliance you add increases how much electricity you need, which means a bigger system to cover it. That's why your electric plans should shape the design.
What's a heat pump, and can solar cover it? A heat pump is an efficient electric system that both heats and cools living space, replacing a furnace and AC. Solar can cover its power use if the system is sized for it. A heat pump water heater is an efficient electric system that heats water, replacing a gas-powered water heater.
Will I need to upgrade my electrical panel? Maybe. Depending on your panel's size, adding solar, a battery, EV charging, or electric appliances may mean an upgrade. If so, it shows up as a listed add-on on your quote.
Are there California or LADWP rebates just for going electric? Yes, though the biggest ones run through LADWP, not the state, and a few are income-limited. LADWP has active rebates for going electric, and they are different for standing homes vs new home builds. For standing homes, the main ones are for heat pump heating and cooling, heat pump water heaters, EV chargers, and smart thermostats. The heat pump rebates went up on November 1, 2025, so the amounts are better than they were. The EV charger rebate is worth up to $1,500, and LADWP has said it will keep offering it even after the federal EV charger credit expires. Amounts depend on the equipment, so check ladwp.com/rebates for the current figure before you buy, and apply within the deadline (usually within 12 months of installing). For new construction in the Palisades, LADWP’s HOME LA program offers rebates for heat pump heating and cooling, heat pump water heaters, induction stoves and electric ovens, heat pump clothes dryers and more coming soon. If you do all four of those, then you unlock bonus rebates for a battery and ultra efficient heat pump water heater – which all-in, we’ve seen some homes get $25,000. Plus if you’re new construction, the state’s CalEHP program offers whole-home electric rebates and a battery bonus too. There are also two federal rebate programs, HEAR (up to $8,000 for a heat pump) and HOMES (up to $8,000 for whole-home upgrades), that you can use no matter who your utility is and combine with LADWP rebates. Both are limited to lower-income households, so most Palisades homeowners won't qualify. Check ladwp.com/rebates for what's active before you count on it. These programs run first-come until the money runs out, and the amounts change, so what's available today may not be there in a few months.
How do I figure out the right system size if I'm going more electric? Your installer figures it from your past or estimated future power use plus the electric appliances and vehicles you plan to add. Bring that list to your consultation so the design fits your future needs.
For homes that didn't burn, are there discounts on heat pump/HVAC electrification upgrades? LADWP runs rebates for electric upgrades, including heat pump HVAC and heat pump water heaters, and these are open to existing homes, not just rebuilds. Amounts change, so check ladwp.com/rebates for what's active before you buy. RP is investigating a heat pump water heater bulk purchasing program, so keep an eye out!
Do LADWP/city electrification rebates apply to brand-new builds (vs. gas-to-electric replacements)? Yes, their electrification rebate is specifically for Palisadians who were affected by the fire.
PERMITS, INSTALLATION, AND WARRANTIES
Who handles the permits and the utility paperwork? Your installer. They're your single point of contact and run the whole job, including the roof and electrical work, if desired.
How long does the install take? About 4 to 6 months for a home that's already standing. For a rebuild, the solar work fits into your construction schedule.
What warranties should I expect? Under the program, your installer covers service for free for the first 10 years. They give at least a 10-year warranty on their workmanship and on any roof leaks from the install, and they service your panels for at least 20 years. Your panels must still make at least 80% of their rated power at 20 years. Inverter and battery warranties from the maker usually run about 10 to 12 years. Your quote spells out the exact terms.
What if I have a problem after the install? Call your installer first. They're responsible for service and warranty support.
Will the program help if I have a dispute with my installer? Your contract is between you and the installer, so they're your first stop. But Resilient Palisades keeps an eye on the installers. It tracks how they perform and can act on a pattern of problems, up to removing an installer from the program. Tell us if you hit a serious issue. We can't rewrite your contract, but how an installer behaves in the program is something we watch.
When is the best time to engage with the program for a new home currently under construction? Now. Starting while you're still building lets the installer hide conduit inside the walls and plan the space properly, instead of retrofitting later. Getting your installer involved early also helps them size and design the system around the home you'll actually have.
Is there a deadline for when the system must be installed (vs. just signing the contract)? The deadlines you need to meet are signing up for the program (October 15, 2026) and signing your contract (October 31, 2026). There's no separate install deadline you have to hit.