Have Sunrun or Vivint Solar but still a high evening bill?
Solar makes power at noon. The expensive electricity is from 4 to 9 pm. Here is why those two don’t line up, what a battery at your meter can do about it, and what to check first.
Why do solar owners still pay high bills? San Diego homes are on time-of-use rates. The peak window is 4–9 pm, when the sun is low and your panels are making little. Whatever your home uses then is bought from the grid at the highest price. Meanwhile, extra midday power you export is credited at a lower rate under newer net-billing rules.
What a battery changes
A battery stores midday solar and releases it during the evening peak, so less of your evening use is bought at peak prices. It can also keep the lights on during an outage, which solar alone cannot do because grid-tied systems shut off for safety.
Will a battery affect my Sunrun or Vivint system or agreement?
No. A battery connected at your AC meter (AC-coupled) works alongside your existing solar. We don’t change your panels or inverter, and it doesn’t affect your existing agreement.
What to check before you buy anything
- Pull your last 12 months of bills and look at the evening usage and any true-up charge.
- Ask any installer to show real numbers from your meter, not averages.
- Be wary of anyone who promises savings or incentives before looking at your home.
Incentives
Some San Diego homeowners may qualify for utility or program incentives that reduce battery cost, depending on usage, utility and income. Those are confirmed after an evaluation, and they are never guaranteed ahead of time.
Solar Review is independent and not affiliated with Sunrun or Vivint Solar. We offer a free evaluation of about an hour, no obligation. See how it works or book a free evaluation.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my electric bill still high if I have Sunrun or Vivint Solar?
Solar produces the most around midday, but San Diego time-of-use rates are highest from 4 to 9 pm when production has dropped. Evening usage is bought from the grid at the highest rate, and exported midday power is credited at a lower rate under newer net-billing rules.
Can a battery be added to an existing Sunrun or Vivint system?
Yes. An AC-coupled battery connects at the meter and runs alongside your existing solar. It doesn't modify your solar system or affect your existing agreement.
Is Solar Review affiliated with Sunrun or Vivint?
No. Solar Review is an independent local company with no affiliation with Sunrun or Vivint Solar.
Do I qualify for battery incentives?
Some San Diego homeowners may qualify for utility or program incentives depending on usage, utility and income. Eligibility is confirmed after an evaluation and is never guaranteed in advance.
What does the free evaluation include?
About an hour at your home: we review your meter, electrical panel, solar production and bills, and tell you honestly whether a battery makes sense. There is no obligation.