For a San Diego Community Power NEM customer, returning to SDG&E for generation service can change when the solar account settles. SDCP says the return triggers an early true-up and resets the annual true-up date. Confirm the timing before using an existing annual bill estimate to compare solar-and-battery costs.
This guide uses official information checked November 7, 2026. It addresses existing NEM accounts, not a recommendation to change providers or an assumption that a new solar proposal qualifies for NEM.
What changes when generation service changes?
SDCP’s NEM FAQ says a provider change by itself does not require a new interconnection application: the existing interconnection agreement remains in place. Its opt-out explanation says SDG&E aligns the renewed annual true-up date with the customer’s return to SDG&E service.
A generation-provider change and a physical solar-system modification are different actions. Have the installer address any proposed equipment change separately rather than extending the FAQ’s provider-switch statement to a redesigned system.
SDCP also says enrolling in its service leaves a customer’s lease or PPA arrangement intact. Keep the provider agreement alongside the utility comparison so its ongoing payment obligations remain visible.
Confirm the effective date before rebuilding the budget
SDCP’s return-to-SDG&E guidance explains that enrollment history affects transition conditions and notes a 12-month wait before rejoining Community Power. Ask SDCP and SDG&E to confirm the applicable return options, effective meter-read date, charges and any transitional pricing for your account.
Then request a written explanation of:
- The period covered by the early settlement.
- How existing charges and credits will be handled.
- The next annual true-up date.
- Which assumptions in your current solar cost comparison need updating.
For a hypothetical account expecting a June settlement, a return effective in November should prompt a new calendar review. Do not keep budgeting around June without confirmation. This example predicts neither a bill amount nor a guaranteed processing date.
Our SDCP annual-billing election guide covers a different decision: changing billing frequency while using Community Power service.
Review battery-program commitments separately
SDCP’s Solar Battery Savings page requires participants to be residential Community Power customers. If your battery is enrolled, ask the program administrator how a proposed service change affects your participation agreement, incentives and any repayment obligations before acting. An unchanged equipment contract does not establish unchanged program eligibility.
Keep delivery and the PPA in the comparison
Community Power’s bill guide explains that its generation charge replaces SDG&E generation on the consolidated bill. SDG&E continues electricity delivery, billing and grid outage responsibilities. Check your actual enrollment; SDCP’s service area does not include every San Diego County city.
A qualifying no-upfront solar-plus-battery PPA can help eligible homeowners access equipment while preserving cash. The CPUC solar guide explains provider ownership and ongoing electricity payments. Review the rate, escalator, term, battery fees, maintenance and transfer provisions with remaining utility costs. No upfront purchase does not mean free electricity or guaranteed savings.
For backup, general battery guidance explains that charge, supported loads and solar recharge limit duration. Confirm output limits and supported circuits; ordinary grid-tied solar alone generally does not provide outage power. Compatible backup equipment and suitable sunlight are needed for solar recharge during an interruption.
Bring the confirmed settlement dates, utility statements and proposed agreement to the West Coast Alternatives homeowner journey. WCA is independent of SDCP; the service providers determine account-specific transition and settlement details.