Boost Your Solar Power: Add a Secondary System Without Affecting NEM Status
As solar energy usage grows, so do homeowners’ power needs. You may already have a solar system in place, but life evolves—maybe you’ve added a pool, an electric vehicle (EV), or even large appliances that ramp up your energy requirements. Or perhaps you moved into a new home equipped with a smaller system than your usage demands. Whatever the reason, there’s good news for Californians: non-export systems can now be installed without changing the Net Energy Metering (NEM) status of your existing system. So if you’re receiving an annual true-up bill over $1,500, it might be time to consider an upgrade. Let’s explore how a secondary system could be the solution for you.
Why Might You Need More Solar Power?
Adding a Pool: Pools are fantastic for family fun but can significantly increase energy consumption, especially during warmer months. If your solar system wasn’t designed with a pool in mind, a secondary system can help power your new oasis without impacting your NEM status.
Electric Vehicles (EVs): EVs are becoming more popular, but charging them daily puts considerable strain on your energy production. With a secondary non-export system, you can meet this increased demand while ensuring your primary system continues to save you on your electricity bills.
New Appliances or Home Upgrades: From new HVAC systems to kitchen appliances, modern upgrades are great but can quickly exceed the capacity of your original solar design. A secondary system can handle the extra load, helping you keep costs predictable.
Buying a New Home with a Minimum-Sized System: Many homes come with entry-level solar installations. If you’ve bought a home and find the existing system insufficient, adding a secondary setup can bring your home up to speed without changing your original system's NEM arrangement.
Protecting Against High True-Up Bills and Rate Increases: If your annual true-up bill is over $1,500, you’re already seeing the effects of insufficient power production. A secondary system can help you avoid these large bills, protect against future rate hikes, and maintain a stable, predictable energy budget.
P.G.&E. rate increases
How a Non-Export System Works
Non-export systems are designed to generate additional energy without exporting it back to the grid. This means you can add production capacity without affecting your current NEM agreement. The extra power generated by your secondary system is used exclusively for your home, ensuring a smooth, cost-effective power supply to meet your growing needs.
Is a Secondary System Right for You?
If you’re consistently paying high true-up bills or planning a major lifestyle change that will increase your energy needs, a secondary non-export system could be a great solution. At Solar with Watts, we’ll evaluate your current system, energy requirements, and future plans to design an efficient, NEM-friendly solution that keeps your electricity costs manageable.
Take Charge of Your Energy
No need to worry about adjusting your NEM status. Reach out to us for a free consultation, and let’s make sure your solar setup grows along with you—efficiently and effectively. If you are new to solar and need a new system we can handle designing a system to meet your exact needs also!
Typical Solar Production
Flexible Financing Options, Including a No-Cost PPA
Adding a secondary system doesn’t have to mean a big upfront investment. At Solar with Watts, we offer flexible financing solutions to fit your budget. From affordable monthly financing plans to a no-cost Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) option, we make it easy to upgrade your solar capacity without stretching your finances. With the no-cost PPA, you pay only for the energy you use, at a lower rate than your utility company, without any upfront costs. This makes enhancing your system affordable and efficient, ensuring you get the power you need with a payment plan that works for you.
