For an SDG&E homeowner comparing a solar-plus-battery PPA, roof protection deserves its own written explanation. A qualifying no-upfront offer can provide useful generation and storage without an upfront equipment purchase. Ask how the agreement handles installation workmanship and a suspected roof leak, alongside the energy price and battery coverage.
Separate utility authorization from roof coverage
SDG&E’s solar guidance explains that the local city or county handles permitting and inspection, while SDG&E authorizes interconnection after the required steps. Permission to Operate allows the system to operate with the grid; it is not the document that defines your private contractor’s roof warranty.
Keep the utility authorization, installation agreement and warranty documents together. They answer different questions about the same project. Our provider-and-installer guide helps identify the companies involved.
Ask for the workmanship terms themselves
The CPUC solar guide, checked October 17, 2026, recommends asking how the installer will prevent roof leaks, whether labor and construction carry warranties, and who handles repairs. It also distinguishes equipment warranties from maintenance questions.
Our recommendation is to request the actual warranty document, then review these points with the provider:
- Which roof penetrations and installation work does it cover?
- What starts the coverage period, and when does it end?
- Who receives the first report of a suspected leak?
- Who determines the cause and whether the repair is covered?
- Are inspection, access, labor and related repair charges addressed?
- What happens if another contractor later works near the solar mounting hardware?
These are proposal questions, not a claim that every PPA includes identical coverage. Ask the provider to identify the relevant contract sections rather than relying on a general statement that the equipment is maintained.
Use a concrete example when comparing offers
Suppose a hypothetical homeowner sees a ceiling stain after rain several years after installation. A panel’s electricity-production warranty alone does not answer who investigates the stain or what roof work the installation agreement covers. The cause has not yet been established.
Before signing, ask each bidder to walk through that scenario: whom you contact, what information to provide, who arranges assessment and how potential charges are explained. Save the response with the proposal. Avoid assuming either that solar caused the problem or that the provider automatically covers every roof condition.
Record the roof’s condition during the project assessment and retain installation photos supplied by the contractor. Clear records can make a later service conversation more useful without promising a particular claim outcome. Our roof-readiness checklist addresses the assessment before installation.
Keep payments and battery availability clear
The CPUC guide explains that a PPA provider owns the solar system and charges for generated electricity. Review the starting rate, any escalator, contract term, battery ownership and fees, maintenance, transfer provisions and remaining utility charges. Ask how the agreement treats a service interruption; do not assume a roof-service request pauses contractual payments.
If repairs are needed, have the installer explain whether solar or battery operation will be affected. PG&E’s general battery guidance explains that available energy, supported circuits and demand limit backup duration. Those equipment limits apply at an SDG&E home too.
Ordinary grid-tied solar alone generally does not provide outage power. Compatible backup equipment and suitable sunlight are needed for solar recharging during an outage, and equipment isolated for service may be unavailable. Confirm the actual temporary operating plan.
Compare the complete offer
Useful service coverage can strengthen a suitable solar-plus-battery PPA. Confirm property eligibility, the written no-upfront terms and any work excluded from the offer. No upfront purchase does not mean free electricity, universally covered roof repairs or guaranteed savings.
Bring the proposal and workmanship warranty to a West Coast Alternatives consultation to organize the questions before choosing a provider.