Tired of rate hikes? We don’t blame you.
PG&E is now the most expensive utility in California, and they’re not done. With infrastructure costs, wildfire liability, and executive bonuses piling up, the bills keep climbing—and you’re left holding the bag.
It’s time to take control. Solar panels let you generate your own electricity, reduce your dependence on PG&E, and keep more money in your pocket. Six Rivers Solar has helped homeowners across the North Coast—from Arcata to Shelter Cove—cut their utility bills and gain energy independence with solar and battery systems designed for real-life performance.
How Solar Panels Save You Money
PG&E’s business model relies on one thing: home and business owners staying plugged into their grid and their pricing. The less electricity you buy from them, the less control they have.
Solar flips that dynamic. Your rooftop becomes a clean energy power plant, offsetting your electric bill and giving you back the power—literally. With battery storage, you can take it even further by storing your solar energy and using it when you need it most.
How It Works: Save by Generating Your Own Power
Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, which powers everything from your refrigerator to your well pump. Every kilowatt-hour your system produces is one less you have to buy from PG&E.
In fact, many of our customers reduce their electricity charges to nearly zero. You’ll still pay basic service fees if you stay grid-tied, but usage charges—the biggest chunk of most bills—can drop dramatically.
Net Metering Isn’t Dead—It’s Just Changed
Under California’s older Net Energy Metering policies, homeowners were credited generously for sending extra power back to the grid. But in 2023, NEM 3.0 changed the rules. Now, those credits are worth less—but that doesn’t mean solar stopped making financial sense.
With a smart battery system, you can store your excess solar power and use it during peak hours instead of exporting it. That keeps your energy on-site and boosts your savings. You’ll have backup power ready for an emergency, paid for by your utility bill savings!
Why Batteries Matter Now More Than Ever
Battery storage is the next evolution of solar. Instead of relying on a utility that may shut you off during Public Safety Power Shutoffs or charge more at night, you can store power when the sun is out and use it when the grid gets expensive—or goes dark.
A battery gives you:
- Protection from peak-hour pricing
- Backup power during outages
- More self-reliance and resilience
- The freedom to decide how and when you use your energy
Yes, it’s an added investment—but for most of our customers, it pays off in savings, security, and peace of mind.
Realistic Savings for North Coast Homes
Let’s run a typical scenario: You’re paying $250/month to PG&E. With solar covering 80% of your usage, you could cut that to $50/month. That’s $2,400 a year back in your pocket at today’s rates, and with PG&E raising prices by over 11% annually, those savings will double every 7 years!
We’ve seen it time and again: smart solar pays off. Our systems are designed to maximize production, even in our foggy mornings, and we size your battery right—not upsell you into overkill.
Should You Pay Cash, Use a Loan, or Lease?
- Cash: Best return, fastest payoff. No interest, just clean power and savings.
- Loan: Still a great choice. With good terms, your monthly payment can be less than your current electric bill—and once the loan is paid off, it’s pure profit.
- Lease: It can work, but it’s usually our last recommendation. You get less control, fewer long-term benefits, and the bank gets your tax credits.
We’ll walk you through all the options with honest numbers and no pressure.
Ready to Regain Control?
Solar isn’t just about saving money—it’s about energy freedom. You don’t have to be at the mercy of rate hikes, blackouts, or outdated infrastructure.
Whether you’re in Eureka, Trinidad, or way off the grid in Kneeland, we’ve been helping Humboldt and Del Norte County homeowners go solar since 1980. Our team lives here, works here, and stands by our installs for the long haul.
