Steps for Going Solar

STEP 1: IS SOLAR RIGHT FOR YOU?

  • Review your last twelve months of energy usage. This usage will be used to determine your maximum allowable solar system size. Your usage history is located on the detail page of your utility bill or by contacting the customer service department at customerservice@lodi.gov. If you do not have a twelve-month history, please contact our engineering team at EUDSolar@lodi.gov. They will calculate your maximum allowable system size.
  • Compare the cost of purchasing a system versus leasing a system. You may need to check with your financial advisor. The City of Lodi does not finance or lease solar systems.
  • Review any upcoming changes in your home that would alter your future energy usage such as adding an electric vehicle or having children move out.
  • Make sure your home's rooftop can handle adding a solar system. Also, check yours home's electric panel to see if you will need a service panel upgrade for the solar system.

STEP 2: MAKE YOUR HOME ENERGY EFFICIENT

  • Check your lighting, appliance age, heating/cooling system efficiency and your home's weatherization to make sure these areas are as efficient as possible.
  • Take advantage of the Lodi Electric Utility energy efficiency programs that are provided at no cost to our utility customers. Contact Efficiency Services Group at (855) 516-2105 to schedule a energy efficiency  product direct install or and/or a home energy audit.
  • Lodi Electric Utility offers rebates for several Energy Star appliances and energy reducing home improvements. See the rebate list at https://www.lodi.gov/909/Residential-Rebates. 

Step 3: READ THE CALIFORNIA SOLAR CONSUMER PROTECTION GUIDE

English version  https://www.lodi.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3871/Solar-Consumer-Guidebook-PDF

 Spanish version  https://www.lodi.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3928/Solar-Consumer-Guidebook--SpanishPDF

Step 4: SELECT A CONTRACTOR 

  • Get at least three written estimates from solar contractors. You will need to provide each company a copy of your last twelve-months of usage history so that they can provide you an estimate for your correct system size. Select the contractor that is best for you.
  • Contact the California State Licensing Board and verify the contractor you selected has an active contractor's license. Visit https://www.cslb.ca.gov/.
  • You can also contact the Better Business Bureau and check for any active complaints. Visit https://www.bbb.org/.

STEP 5: INSTALLING YOUR SOLAR SYSTEM

  • Your contractor must submit plans and a proposed system size to Lodi Electric Utility for the pre-approval review. This process can take up to two weeks.
  • When approved, your contractor will be notified electronically and and this point the contractor can obtain a building permit and begin installation.
  • Once your contractor completes the installation, they must schedule a final inspection with the City of Lodi Building Department. When the system passes this final inspection a Lodi solar meter is usually installed within ten business days. If you do not have your Lodi solar meter installed within 10 business days please contact the customer service department for a status update at (209) 333-6717 or customerservice@lodi.gov.

STEP 6: ENERGIZE YOUR SYSTEM

  • After a City of Lodi solar electric meter is installed, you will receive a door hanger advising you that you may now energize your PV system.
  • A Permission to Operate (PTO) certificate will be generated. Contractors may obtain a copy of the PTO in the Solar Submittal Portal or customers may request a copy by sending a request to EUDSolar@lodi.gov.

STEP 7: SYSTEM MAINTENANCE

  • Check with your contractor on the recommended cleaning and maintenance schedule for your system.
  • Review your systems warranty with your contractor.