If your PG&E statement includes both gas and electricity, its total amount due is not the same as your electricity cost. Separating the two helps you evaluate a solar-plus-battery PPA against the expenses it can actually change.
A qualifying no-upfront offer can preserve cash while adding renewable generation and backup equipment. A clear comparison should show that value alongside the gas service your household still uses. This guide uses official sources checked September 15, 2026.
Find the two service totals
PG&E's bill-reading guide identifies separate sections for electric charges and gas charges. Electricity use is measured in kilowatt-hours; gas use is measured in therms. The account summary also reflects payments and the total balance due.
Bring complete statements to the proposal review. Ask the provider to identify the electric-cost baseline, gas charges and any prior balance or unusual adjustment separately. A past-due balance is not recurring electricity consumption that solar panels will replace.
Use a full year so seasonal gas heating does not get mistaken for higher electric demand. Our PG&E usage-data guide explains how usage history supports the design conversation.
Keep gas in both sides of the comparison
Rooftop solar produces electricity. Adding panels and a battery does not itself replace a gas furnace, water heater or other gas appliance. If those appliances remain in use, retain their expected gas costs in the household budget.
For Solar Billing Plan customers, PG&E's plan guide explains that monthly statements continue and specifically lists current-month gas charges, if any, on the annual True-Up statement. The remaining electric bill also depends on your tariff, grid purchases, export credits and continuing charges. Existing NEM customers should have their own arrangement modeled.
Consider this hypothetical month, assuming unchanged gas use and prices and no separate battery fee:
- Before solar: $250 electricity plus $100 gas equals $350.
- With the proposed PPA: $140 provider payment, $60 remaining utility electricity and $100 gas equals $300.
The illustrated difference is $50. Comparing the original $350 total with only the $200 electricity-and-PPA subtotal would overstate the difference by omitting the continuing gas cost.
These are invented arithmetic inputs, not a customer result, available offer or savings prediction. Request an annual comparison with realistic monthly variation and all charges included.
Model appliance changes separately
PG&E's building-electrification guide describes replacing gas-powered equipment with electric alternatives, including heat pumps and induction cooking. If you plan such a change, tell the solar designer before system sizing.
Ask for two clearly identified scenarios: your current appliances and the planned electric replacements. The second should include new electric demand, the gas use expected to remain and the separate appliance and installation costs. Do not simply count all historical gas spending as solar savings.
Also distinguish energy planning from outage coverage. PG&E's battery guidance explains that backup commonly serves selected circuits. A new electric appliance needs its own power and circuit review. Battery energy is finite; outage recharging requires suitable sunlight and compatible backup equipment.
Compare the complete PPA offer
Under a PPA, the provider owns the solar system and sells its generated electricity, as the CPUC's consumer guide explains. Confirm qualification for no upfront payment, battery inclusion and ownership, backup controls and installation charges.
Review ongoing rates, any escalator, term, maintenance, replacement coverage and home-sale provisions. Include remaining utility costs; no upfront equipment purchase does not mean free electricity or guaranteed savings.
Explore the homeowner journey with your complete PG&E statements and appliance plans to build a proposal around your household's actual energy needs.