Don’t Let NEM 3 Rob You of Your Solar Savings

If you installed solar panels in California, you already know how much energy your rooftop can generate. But under NEM 3 (Net Energy Metering 3.0), sending your excess solar power back to PG&E no longer gives you meaningful compensation. That 5–6 kWh you export during peak hours? It’s worth just pennies instead of the dollars it should be, leaving homeowners frustrated and wondering how to truly benefit from their solar investment.

At US Power, we understand the emotional and financial pain of seeing your hard-earned solar energy go to waste. That’s why we help Southern California homeowners reclaim control over their energy, maximize self-consumption, and cut utility bills using smart strategies with high-efficiency Qcells panels and advanced battery storage solutions.

Why NEM 3 Changes Everything

Before NEM 3, California homeowners could earn nearly full retail value for the energy they exported to the grid. NEM 2 users enjoyed significant credits that could offset their electricity costs. But as of 2025, NEM 3 drastically reduces compensation for exported energy.

Export rates under NEM 3: As low as $0.01–$0.07 per kWh (depending on time-of-use rates)
Import rates from the grid: $0.34–$0.38 per kWh on average in Southern California

In other words, the grid no longer pays you fairly for your solar power, and excess energy that isn’t stored or consumed during the day is essentially free electricity for PG&E.

The Emotional Cost: Watching Money Go Down the Drain

Many homeowners describe NEM 3 as “frustrating and demoralizing”. You installed solar to save money, reduce dependence on the grid, and support clean energy—but now, the system seems to reward PG&E more than you. You may have noticed:

• Your Powerwall or other home batteries fill up by mid-afternoon, leaving excess solar energy with nowhere to go.
• Appliances running during peak solar hours might be minimal compared to your energy production.
• Exported energy earns a fraction of its value, while grid electricity costs continue to rise.

This disconnect between investment and reward can feel like a betrayal, especially for homeowners committed to sustainable living and clean energy.

How to Take Back Control of Your Solar Power

The good news? There are practical, proven ways to maximize your solar self-consumption and make every ray count.

1. Shift Energy Use to Peak Production Hours

Instead of sending energy to the grid, run high-consumption appliances during daylight hours:

• Electric ovens and stovetops
• Clothes washers and dryers
• Dishwashers
• Pool pumps or heaters

Even pre-cooling your home with air conditioning during peak solar hours can help reduce nighttime grid reliance.

2. Charge an Electric Vehicle (EV) Midday

If you have an EV or are planning to buy one, charging during peak solar production is one of the most efficient ways to use excess energy.

• A Tesla Model 3 with an 82 kWh battery can consume 20–25 kWh/day depending on driving patterns.
• Midday solar charging ensures you never pull from the grid, maximizing your investment.
• Advanced EV chargers (like the Emporia EVSE) can automatically adjust charging to match solar output, preventing energy waste.

3. Add or Upgrade Battery Storage

Batteries allow you to store excess energy for evening and night use, reducing reliance on grid electricity when rates are highest.

• Tesla Powerwall, LG Chem, and Sonnen are popular options in Southern California.
• Pairing multiple batteries ensures your home never has to export energy at low NEM 3 rates.

4. Explore Additional Energy Uses

If your battery is full and you have excess energy, consider:

• Running secondary appliances, like an extra freezer or fridge
• Using energy-intensive tools, like a food dehydrator or workshop equipment
• Pool filtration or heating
• Even experimental solutions like pumped water storage or solar generators

The key is to consume energy on-site instead of exporting to the grid, which ensures your solar system delivers real financial benefits.

Why US Power Is Your NEM 3 Solution

At US Power, we specialize in helping homeowners navigate the new solar economy under NEM 3:

• Exclusive Qcells partnership: Factory-direct, American-made solar panels with maximum efficiency
• Custom solar + battery solutions: Designed for peak production and self-consumption
• Local expertise: Serving all of Southern California, including Sherman Oaks, Encino, and beyond
• Tax credit optimization: Helping you capture federal and state incentives, including the 30% IRA solar tax credit (2025)

By working with US Power, you can turn your solar frustration into real savings, reduce your energy bills, and take control of your home’s energy future.

Take Back Control of Your Solar Savings

Every day you send excess energy to PG&E under NEM 3 is money lost and wasted potential. Watching your solar power go for pennies while your utility bills climb is frustrating—and it doesn’t have to be this way.

By shifting energy use to peak solar hours, charging your EV during the day, and storing energy in batteries, you can reclaim those dollars, maximize your solar ROI, and finally enjoy the independence you invested in.

US Power can help you make your system work for you—not the grid. Don’t let NEM 3 rob you of the savings and freedom your solar panels were meant to provide.

‍Schedule your free consultation today‍

Start capturing every California ray of sunlight for real value.