For an SDG&E-served home, a qualifying solar-plus-battery PPA can bring together financing, installation and ongoing support without an upfront equipment purchase. Before choosing an offer, ask for the names and responsibilities of the companies delivering it. The organization selling solar electricity, the crew installing equipment and the person coordinating approvals may have different roles.
A clear written contact list helps you compare proposals and move from a signed agreement to an operating system with fewer unanswered questions.
Identify the provider and the installation contractor
The CPUC’s solar consumer guide explains that a PPA provider owns the solar system and sells you its generated electricity. Start by identifying that legal company name in the agreement, then ask which licensed contractor will install the panels, battery and backup controls.
As a practical proposal checklist, request:
- The PPA company’s name and contact for agreement and payment questions.
- The installation contractor’s business name and California license number.
- Whether subcontractors will perform any work, and who coordinates their visits.
- One project contact responsible for answering questions about progress and unresolved work.
A sales contact can be helpful throughout the process. Also keep the company’s project-support details so the household knows where to ask for an update if that person is unavailable.
Match the license to the company doing the work
CSLB’s Solar Smart guidance provides links for checking contractor licenses and salesperson registration. Use the listed business name and license number to review the installation contractor’s record. Ask the project team to explain any difference between the proposal’s branding and the licensed entity’s name.
CSLB also advises putting equipment, costs, installation timing and responsibility for obtaining required permits into the written contract. For solar-plus-storage, have the contractor confirm that its licensed scope covers the work proposed, including any related electrical changes. A license check is one part of reviewing a proposal; it is not a promise about future performance.
Assign the local approval steps
SDG&E’s installation overview separates city or county inspection from the utility’s authorization to interconnect and operate. SDG&E also states that it does not endorse or recommend individual contractors.
Ask who submits the permit package, coordinates inspection, handles the utility application and sends you copies of the approvals. Identify who will respond if either reviewer requests a correction. These questions are especially useful when different companies handle financing and construction.
For example, assume the equipment has been mounted but an application correction remains open. Your contact list should identify the person responsible for that correction and the next update. An installation date alone does not establish that SDG&E has issued Permission to Operate. Our PTO guide explains that milestone in more detail.
Carry the same clarity into battery support and payments
Ask who provides the final equipment walkthrough and who receives later battery-service requests. Confirm the supported circuits and operating limits: Tesla’s Powerwall guidance, for example, explains that combined loads must stay within system power limits. Stored energy is finite, and solar recharge depends on sunlight and compatible equipment. A service agreement does not guarantee unlimited backup.
Review qualification, any upfront charges, battery inclusion and ownership, maintenance, energy price, escalator, contract term and home-sale transfer provisions. Ongoing PPA payments and remaining utility costs belong in the budget; no upfront purchase does not mean free electricity or guaranteed savings. Ask which company will explain the first invoice and resolve discrepancies.
Bring the proposal and company contact list to the West Coast Alternatives homeowner journey. Clear responsibilities make it easier to evaluate a suitable solar-plus-battery PPA and prepare for installation.