1) The 30-second explanation
Solar PV
Panels make DC power from sunlight. More sun = more power.
Inverter
Converts DC to AC and synchronizes with the grid (or “islands” during backup/off-grid operation if designed for it).
Battery (BESS)
Stores energy (kWh) and delivers power (kW) when you want it—peak hours, outages, demand spikes.
Controls + Metering
CTs / meters tell the inverter what the home is consuming so the system can optimize self-consumption and export.
SUN → PV (DC) → Inverter (AC) → Your Loads
│
├─→ Battery (charge / discharge)
│
└─→ Grid (import when needed / export when allowed)
2) kW vs kWh (you can’t size storage correctly without this)
kW = power (instant)
How much you can run at once. Big loads (HVAC, ovens, pumps) drive kW needs.
kWh = energy (over time)
How long you can run. Runtime is energy divided by average load.
A “whole-home” design is often limited by kW first (starting surge + simultaneous loads), then expanded by kWh for runtime.
3) Three system types you’ll hear about
Grid-tied (no backup)
Most basic. Saves money. Shuts down in outages for safety.
Grid-tied + backup
Solar + battery + backup-capable inverter. Powers loads when the grid is down.
Off-grid / microgrid
Designed to operate without the utility. Requires winter-proof sizing + load management.
In California today, most of our best-performing projects are grid-tied + storage: you keep the grid as a safety net,
but you run your home like a smart microgrid.
4) Why batteries became the “center” (not an accessory)
Under modern billing structures, exporting midday solar is often worth far less than using it during expensive evening hours.
Batteries convert solar from “when the sun feels like it” into “when you need it.”
- TOU: charge from solar mid-day → discharge during peak hours
- Backup: keep critical circuits or whole home alive
- Commercial: shave peaks to reduce demand charges (kW)
For the California IOUs, the CPUC’s Net Billing framework (“Solar Billing Plan”) emphasizes hour-by-hour export values based on avoided costs.
See the CPUC overview: CPUC Net Energy Metering and Net Billing.
5) What we need to design correctly
For solar (PV)
- Address + roof type + roof photos
- Main electrical panel photos
- Utility + rate plan + recent bills
- Shading notes (trees, chimneys, dormers)
For batteries (BESS)
- Backup goal: critical loads vs whole home
- Which loads are “must run” (medical, refrigeration, internet)
- Preferred battery location (garage / exterior)
- Any jurisdiction requirements (fire sensors, clearances)
6) Permitting and interconnection (quick reality check)
There are two approvals: (1) the city/county permit and inspection, and (2) utility interconnection.
Many California jurisdictions now use (or are moving toward) online automated permitting for qualifying systems (SolarAPP+),
tied to SB 379 / Gov Code 65850.52: Gov Code 65850.52.
Our rule:
A project goes faster when the plan set is clean: correct labels, correct equipment cut sheets, and a correction response that maps
every comment to a sheet + code reference. That’s how you keep momentum.
Talk to ABC Solar
If you send one email with: address, electric bill, roof/panel photos, and your goal (TOU savings / backup / off-grid),
we can move quickly.
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