California leads the country in home solar, and for good reason: abundant sun, high utility rates, and strong incentives. But going solar is a long-term decision, so it pays to understand the essentials before you sign anything.
What drives the cost
System price depends on how much electricity you use, your roof, and the equipment you choose. Bigger usage means more panels; a shaded or aging roof can add work. The federal solar tax credit currently covers 30% of the system cost, which meaningfully lowers your out-of-pocket — and many homeowners finance with little or nothing down.
Net billing and batteries
Under California's current net-billing rules, the credit you earn for exporting extra power to the grid is lower than it used to be. That's made home batteries far more valuable — storing your midday production to use in the expensive evening hours instead of selling it back cheaply. For many homes today, solar plus a battery is the setup that makes the most financial sense.
Choosing an installer
Use a licensed contractor, confirm the warranty, and make sure your electrical panel can handle the system (older homes often need an upgrade). A good installer checks all of this upfront and prices it into one proposal — no surprises on install day.
Paxton Energy is a licensed California contractor handling the solar, the battery, and the electrical in-house, so you have one point of accountability from design to permission-to-operate.