Solar and batteries can help an SDG&E household use more renewable electricity at home. When evaluating a qualifying no-upfront solar PPA, it also helps to know when the remaining utility costs are settled. Paying monthly under the Solar Billing Plan does not eliminate the annual true-up.
This guide explains that distinction using SDG&E and CPUC information checked September 12, 2026. Confirm that your account uses the Solar Billing Plan; earlier NEM arrangements have different rules.
What is due each month?
SDG&E's Solar Billing Plan overview explains that monthly bills include electricity imports and credits for exports. Residential customers also pay the Base Services Charge, which export credits cannot offset. That charge replaced the earlier basic monthly service fee.
Use the statement's amount due for payment planning. A favorable solar-credit balance is not a substitute for reviewing current charges.
Why is there still an annual true-up?
SDG&E's bill guide says the true-up occurs after each 12-month period. For a customer who exported more electricity than they imported over that period, an adjustment replaces the previously credited value of the net surplus with Net Surplus Compensation pricing.
SDG&E estimates the amount to reverse using average export-credit rates, then applies the applicable surplus compensation. This avoids paying twice for the same surplus. If imports exceeded exports, SDG&E says this adjustment is zero; that does not mean every charge on the bill is zero.
If San Diego Community Power or Clean Energy Alliance supplies your generation, ask that provider about its generation settlement. SDG&E handles the delivery component. Our Community Power and SDG&E guide explains the separate roles.
Review the estimate before the anniversary
The same SDG&E bill guide identifies an Estimated Annual True-Up Adjustment in the year-to-date summary. It is an estimate, not a final settlement. Save the detailed bill and review the estimate as your anniversary approaches.
For a new proposal, request a full-year cash-flow illustration showing monthly utility payments, any annual adjustment and the separate PPA invoices. Ask the preparer to explain where each credit has already been counted. This makes the comparison easier to follow and helps avoid treating one credit as two benefits.
Where can a battery help?
SDG&E describes using stored solar during its 4–9 p.m. on-peak period to reduce grid purchases. Ask for a model that follows household consumption and battery operation through the year. Exporting the most electricity is not the same objective as meeting your home's needs economically.
Keep outage priorities in that model. PG&E's battery guidance explains the practical relationship between daily battery use and the energy saved for backup. Request supported circuits, available charge and realistic load assumptions. Backup requires compatible equipment, lasts a limited time and can recharge from solar only when conditions and the system permit.
Fit the PPA into the complete budget
The CPUC's consumer guide explains that a PPA provider owns the solar system and sells its generated electricity to the homeowner. A qualifying no-upfront offer can preserve cash while providing access to solar; it does not make electricity free or guarantee savings.
Confirm eligibility, starting rate, any escalator, term and all installation charges. Verify battery inclusion and ownership, maintenance, replacement coverage and home-sale terms. Include every provider payment alongside the remaining utility costs.
Bring your complete SDG&E statements and proposal to West Coast Alternatives' homeowner journey. A clear payment calendar helps turn a promising solar-plus-battery plan into a manageable household decision.