With less favorable net metering contracts now in effect, many homeowners are hesitant to get rooftop solar, fearing it just doesn’t make for a sound investment. In this post, we offer a quick rundown of why rooftop solar projects can still pay off, even under Net Metering 3.0. You’ll find a breakdown of how net metering contracts have evolved, an objective modeling of upfront costs vs. long-term savings for an average Bay Area household, tips on how to design your project for optimal savings, and a guide to navigating your own rooftop solar project.

California’s rooftop solar policy is under renewed scrutiny. In August 2025, the California Supreme Court ordered a lower court to re-examine the state’s controversial “NEM 3.0” rules, which slashed compensation for solar customers feeding energy back to the grid. The decision gives climate advocates a fresh chance to challenge policies they say undervalue clean energy and harm working families. Here’s what the ruling means — and what Bay Area homeowners need to know if they’re considering going solar today.