By Andrew Krause, Owner – Reliance Electrical Solutions
In California, energy independence is more than a buzzword — it’s a smart strategy for avoiding outrageous utility rates, staying powered during outages, and reclaiming control over your home or business. Whether you’re a homeowner in PG&E territory, a farm operator in Kern County, or a builder developing new custom homes, combining solar + battery storage offers the most complete path to true energy freedom.
At Reliance Electrical Solutions, we’ve helped hundreds of Californians move beyond “just offsetting their power bill” — and into a place where they own their energy infrastructure.
Here’s how we do it.
What Energy Independence Actually Means
Energy independence doesn’t mean going off-grid (although we design for that, too). It means:
- Producing the majority of your own electricity
- Storing excess energy on-site to avoid high grid prices
- Protecting your home or business from power outages
- Reducing or eliminating your utility bill unpredictability
With California’s average residential kWh rate over 34¢ and frequent grid instability in rural areas, energy independence isn’t a luxury — it’s a smart move.
Why Solar Alone Isn’t Enough in 2025
Under California’s new NEM 3.0 structure, utilities now pay far less for the energy you send back to the grid. That means if you’re relying solely on solar panels without a battery, you’re losing money every time your system overproduces during daylight hours.
That’s why energy independence today requires battery storage.
Learn more about how NEM 3.0 impacts your solar strategy
Batteries: The Backbone of Energy Freedom
When you add a battery to your solar system, here’s what you gain:
- Use your own power when the grid is most expensive (evenings and peak hours)
- Keep your home or site running during blackouts
- Dodge demand charges and utility rate shifts
- Qualify for up to $10,000+ in SGIP rebates from the State of California
Our clients who’ve added battery storage report not only lower bills, but more peace of mind.
Explore our Battery & Renewable Energy Solutions
Our Step-by-Step Path to Energy Independence
At Reliance, we follow a proven design process:
- Site & Load Assessment – We analyze how much power you use and when you use it.
- Solar + Battery Sizing – We size the system to handle your real needs — with room for growth.
- Incentive Planning – We stack federal (30% ITC), domestic content, and SGIP bonuses to cut your upfront cost.
- Professional, Code-Compliant Installation – All work performed by our licensed, insured electricians.
- Long-Term Monitoring & Support – We stay involved to ensure your system performs for decades.
We’re not just panel installers — we’re energy architects.
Who Energy Independence Makes Sense For
- Homeowners in high-rate or wildfire-prone utility areas (PG&E, SDG&E)
- Builders & developers wanting to future-proof new homes with solar-ready wiring and backup systems
- Agricultural operators with irrigation pumps, cold storage, and mission-critical operations
- Businesses looking to stabilize operating costs and add ESG value to properties
See how we serve Commercial & Agricultural Clients
Take Control of Your Power — For Good
Energy independence starts with the right design. If you’re planning a solar installation or thinking about adding storage, let’s talk through your options.
We’ll show you how to:
Cut your reliance on the grid
Capture all available rebates and credits
Stay powered when others aren’t
Build a smarter, self-sustaining energy system
Serving residential, commercial, and agricultural clients across California
Related Services:
- Residential & Commercial Solar Installations
- Battery & Renewable Energy Solutions
- EV Charger Installation
- Design-Build Electrical Services
Want to understand which tax credits apply to your project? Start here:
Navigating California’s Solar Incentives in 2025
