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Question about California NEM

Panelboy

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Mar 9, 2025
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My current system has the NEM 2 status so I want to ask how much panels can I add before to goes over to NEM 3? I have 10 panels 550 w each
 
My current system has the NEM 2 status so I want to ask how much panels can I add before to goes over to NEM 3? I have 10 panels 550 w each
you are rocking NEM 2 with 10 panels at 550 watts each that's cool! yoou can add up to 1 more panel or 550 watts before you risk flipping to NEM 3 since the limit is usually 10% or 1 kW whichever's bigger. stay under that and you are good! :)
 
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you are rocking NEM 2 with 10 panels at 550 watts each that's cool! yoou can add up to 1 more panel or 550 watts before you risk flipping to NEM 3 since the limit is usually 10% or 1 kW whichever's bigger. stay under that and you are good! :)
I agree with you, but let me add some tips for OP:
ALWAYS verify with your specific utility (PG&E, SCE, SDG&E)!
And if you need more than 1 kW, ask about load justification (e.g., new EV, home addition) or non exporting systems
 
Great point! You know, utility rules can really differ from place to place. It's definitely a good idea to look into load justification early on, especially if you're considering something hefty like 1kW+. Better safe than sorry, right?
 
My current system has the NEM 2 status so I want to ask how much panels can I add before to goes over to NEM 3? I have 10 panels 550 w each
You're at 5.5 kw at the moment, just out of curiosity, why would you need to add more? I'm guessing you're talking about a residential setting?
 
you are rocking NEM 2 with 10 panels at 550 watts each that's cool! yoou can add up to 1 more panel or 550 watts before you risk flipping to NEM 3 since the limit is usually 10% or 1 kW whichever's bigger. stay under that and you are good! :)
There is the option to add 2 pannels and be 0.1 above the limit, which can be fixed with an export limiter which will keep you on the top end of the limit to remain in nem 2.

With that said, I'll have to ask the same question as @BobPlissken1, why?
 
My current system has the NEM 2 status so I want to ask how much panels can I add before to goes over to NEM 3? I have 10 panels 550 w each
I'd be very cautious about inadvertently switching to NEM 3.0 due to exceeding the limit.. I know someone who was thrilled with his NEM 2.0 savings and decided he wanted to add a few more panels to cover his growing energy use from a new EV. He saw a great deal on some panels and figured he'd just have his regular electrician install them. He didn't realize his utility had a very strict interpretation of the "10% or 1 kW" rule, and those extra panels pushed him just over the limit.. his entire system switched to NEM 3.0. It reduced his energy credits and skyrocketed his bill! Often times, it's best to get the help of a qualified solar professional!
 
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