Power shutoffs and storm outages have become part of life in West County. If you live in Forestville, you want lower bills, reliable EV charging, and power that stays on when the grid goes down. This guide breaks down your best options for solar, EV charging, and backup power, plus the permits, incentives, and timelines that apply locally. You will also find tips for evaluating homes that already have these systems. Let’s dive in.
What to know in Forestville
Most Forestville customers get electricity generation from Sonoma Clean Power, while PG&E handles the poles, wires, outages, and interconnections. That split matters because SCP runs local customer programs and PG&E manages interconnection and inspections. You can learn more about SCP’s role in our area from this overview of its first ten years of service. Read more about Sonoma Clean Power’s local role.
Wildfire risk and recent Public Safety Power Shutoffs make resilience a priority across Sonoma County. If your property sits in a High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, you may face extra siting and defensible space considerations for equipment. Check your Fire Hazard Severity Zone status.
Solar options and billing in PG&E territory
Net billing replaced older net metering for new interconnections, which lowered credits for power you export to the grid. If a home already has solar, ask when the system was interconnected, because earlier systems can keep legacy credits for years. New projects are typically billed under PG&E’s Solar Billing Plan, so pairing solar with a battery often improves savings and resilience. See the CPUC’s overview of Net Billing and NEM.
Incentives that matter
- Federal Residential Clean Energy Credit: A 30 percent credit applies to qualified residential solar and eligible battery storage placed in service during the tax year. Always confirm details with your tax professional. Review the IRS guidance.
- SGIP battery rebates: California’s Self-Generation Incentive Program offers significant rebates for home batteries, with higher amounts for equity and resiliency categories. Funding opens and closes as budgets allow. Check SGIP information and categories.
Permits and interconnection in Sonoma County
Permit Sonoma supports SolarAPP+ for many small, code-compliant rooftop systems, which can speed up permits. Batteries and larger or complex systems require plan review and inspections before activation. See Permit Sonoma’s solar permit guidance.
PG&E handles interconnection for grid-tied solar and storage. Timelines vary by project, and storage adds paperwork, so plan on several weeks to months. Most contractors submit applications for you. Review PG&E’s interconnection process.
EV charging at home
Level 1 charging uses a standard 120V outlet and adds a few miles of range per hour. Most owners choose Level 2, which uses a 240V circuit and adds roughly 20 to 40 miles of range per hour. Installation may require an electrical permit and, in some cases, a panel upgrade.
Local programs can help. Sonoma Clean Power’s GridSavvy Rewards provides sign-up bonuses and ongoing rewards for smart charging, and has offered discounted chargers through its webstore. Explore SCP’s EV and smart charging programs. For additional infrastructure funding windows, check the Sonoma Coast Incentive Project under CALeVIP, which has supported Level 2 and DC fast charging in the region. See CALeVIP’s Sonoma Coast page.
Backup power: batteries vs. generators
Home batteries
Batteries are quiet, automatic, and clean. When paired with solar, they store daytime production and power essential loads during outages. Sizing depends on your daily kWh use and the number of outage days you want to cover. Many homes start with a single unit for an essentials-only backup and add capacity as needed. SGIP rebates and the 30 percent federal credit can reduce cost.
Standby generators
Generators can power larger loads for long outages, especially when paired with natural gas or a sizable propane tank. Expect noise, maintenance, and emissions, plus a transfer switch to safely isolate your home from the grid. In Sonoma County, any generator tied to your panel needs a building permit with plan check. Review Permit Sonoma’s generator checklist.
Hybrid setups
Many Forestville owners choose solar plus a battery for everyday savings and short outages, then add a standby generator for multi-day events. Some systems let the generator charge the battery during extended outages. Ask an experienced installer about controls and safety.
Quick planning checklist
- Confirm your utility setup: SCP for generation and PG&E for distribution. Local programs and interconnection steps depend on this. See an overview of SCP’s role.
- Check your parcel’s Fire Hazard Severity Zone and any site hardening needs. Use Permit Sonoma’s FHSZ map.
- For existing solar, ask for the interconnection date, production history, and current tariff. Legacy status can affect your bill.
- Get itemized quotes that separate solar, batteries, EV charger hardware, installation, and any panel or service upgrades. Confirm who files interconnection and expected timelines. Review PG&E’s interconnection basics.
- Verify incentives before you buy: federal credit, SGIP battery rebates, SCP GridSavvy, and regional charging programs. Start with SGIP and SCP’s EV programs. For public or multi-unit charging, check CALeVIP’s Sonoma Coast page.
- Plan your resilience strategy: essentials-only battery backup, whole-home coverage, or a hybrid battery plus generator approach.
Buying or selling a Forestville home with energy upgrades
If you are buying, ask for solar interconnection documents, recent utility bills, battery model and capacity, and any EV charging permits. Clarify whether systems are owned, financed, leased, or under a PPA, and review transfer terms.
If you are selling, assemble warranties, service records, and permit documents ahead of listing. Highlight practical benefits buyers value in West County, like backup capability during PSPS events and smart EV charging that works with local programs.
Ready to align your next move with the right energy strategy? Reach out to Thera Buttaro for local guidance on homes that already have solar, EV charging, and backup power, or for help planning upgrades that add value in the Forestville market.
FAQs
What should Forestville buyers ask about an existing solar system?
- Request the interconnection application date, current billing tariff, production history, and ownership status, since legacy net metering can change the value you receive.
How do I check if my Forestville property is in a high fire zone?
- Use Permit Sonoma’s online Fire Hazard Severity Zone map to see if your parcel is in a High or Very High zone and plan equipment siting accordingly.
Which incentives can lower the cost of a home battery?
- Many owners combine the federal Residential Clean Energy Credit with California’s SGIP battery rebates; confirm eligibility and current funding before you buy.
Do I need a permit for a Level 2 EV charger at home?
- Yes, most installations require an electrical permit and inspection; panel or service upgrades can add time and cost, especially in older homes.
What permits are required for a standby generator in Sonoma County?
- Any generator that connects to your electrical panel needs a building permit with plan check, plus a transfer switch to protect line workers and your equipment.
