SDG&E Changed the Rules – Is Your Solar Investment Losing Value?
If you invested in solar power to lower your electric bills and gain more control over your energy costs, there’s something you need to know:
Your solar panels produce the same clean electricity as always. What’s changed is the solar export credit value just dropped 11%-71% during peak solar production hours, making a battery even more useful.
With SDG&E’s newer time-of-use rate plans, the excess solar energy you send to the grid during the peak solar production hours of the day is worth far less than electricity you buy back during expensive evening and morning hours.
So while your solar system may be performing as expected, many owners are finding their savings aren’t what they used to be and bills went up!
If you are interested how the rate change may affect you, send us your utility interval data and a pdf of your most recent bill. A video with instructions can be found here or a written guide can be found here.
The Rules Have Changed
Utilities can change rate structures—even after you’ve invested in solar.
That means the value of your solar overproduction credits can shrink while the cost of buying electricity later in the day continues to rise.
“If my solar is producing the same energy, why are my bills increasing?”
Keep More of What You Produce
The solution isn’t necessarily more solar—it’s using more of the solar energy you already generate. Run the loads during the solar production hours and add energy storage for the loads that must run after 4pm.
A battery stores your excess daytime production so you can power your life during expensive evening hours instead of purchasing electricity from the grid.
The more solar energy you use, the less you’re affected by utility rate changes.
Protect Your Investment
Your solar investment is still valuable – but today’s rate structures reward owners who maximize their own energy use.
Produce it. Store it. Use it yourself. If you don’t have battery, get it now!
That’s how you keep more of your savings—and more control over your energy future.
Don’t let changing utility rates determine the value of your investment. Keep your treasure where it belongs—with you.
If you own a business and work from home, your solar and battery installation may qualify for significant federal tax credits and rebates.
Many business owners don’t realize that the business-use portion of their home can unlock commercial clean energy incentives through the federal 48E tax incentive structure, potentially allowing them to claim a substantial percentage of the system cost.
How Business Use Qualification Works If part of your home is used for business purposes, the solar and battery system may qualify proportionally based on either:
● Square footage used for business
● Percentage of total energy use attributed to the business
This means business use may qualify for up to 78% solar-battery incentives proportionally, depending on your tax structure and eligibility.
For example: If 40% of your home’s energy use supports your business operations, your eligible incentives may apply to that 40% business-use portion.
Incentives for Non-Profit Organizations Eligible non-profit organizations may qualify for: Federal Incentives
● 30% Solar Tax Credit (as a rebate)
● +10% Domestic Content
● +10% Energy Community
Total Potential Benefit Up to 50% Rebate × Business Use % This can significantly reduce upfront costs for qualifying churches, schools, charities, and other nonprofit entities operating from owned properties.
Incentives for For-Profit Organizations Eligible for-profit businesses may qualify for: Federal Incentives
● 30% Solar Tax Credit
● +10% Domestic Content Tax Credit
● +10% Domestic Content Tax Credit
● +15% to 28% Depreciation
● Based on tax filing category
● Gross income
● Depreciation method used
Total Potential Benefit Up to 65%–78% Tax Credit × Business Use % This makes solar + battery systems one of the most powerful tax-advantaged investments available for business owners.
Who May Qualify? Home office or business-related usage on a residential meter may qualify if the business generates income from one of the following:
● Self-employed individuals reporting business income on Schedule C
● Independent contractors
● Sole proprietors
● Single-member LLCs taxed as sole proprietorships
● Partners in partnerships (subject to specific rules)
● S-corporation shareholders (via corporate accountable plan reimbursements)
Important Note A remote employee working from a home office cannot claim Business Use deduction. However, an employee-owner may qualify depending on structure and reimbursement setup.
How to Reserve Federal Tax Credits
To qualify for Federal Income Tax Credits and Depreciation for Business Use:
Option B Pay a $1,000 Down Payment and install by December 31, 2027.
These timelines may help preserve eligibility under current federal incentive programs.
Why This Matters Solar + battery systems are no longer just energy upgrades—they are strategic financial tools. For business owners working from home, the right system structure may deliver:
● Lower utility costs
● Backup power security
● Major federal tax savings
● Accelerated depreciation benefits
● Improved long-term property value
Understanding your business-use percentage can make a major difference in total savings.
Disclaimer: Makello.com and Green Energy EPC by Makello, Inc. are not tax experts. This article is for informational purposes only and is not tax advice. We cannot guarantee incentive acceptance, fund availability, or final incentive amounts. Please consult your CPA or tax professional regarding your specific eligibility for business-use solar incentives on residential or commercial properties.
Safe Harbor for Solar & Battery Incentives in 2026: What Owners Need to Know
If you’ve been thinking about adding solar or battery storage to your property, 2026 brings a mix of opportunity and urgency. The landscape has shifted significantly over the past two years, and understanding what’s changed could make a substantial difference in your long-term savings.
The Big Change: Tax Credits in 2026
● Residential personal-use 30% solar and battery tax credits ended in 2025.
This means both commercial properties, and residential properties where homeowners who can legitimately classify part of their energy usage as business-related, such as a home office, rental activity, or EV used for business, may still qualify for meaningful incentives.
Why Timing Matters
There is a critical window to act. Contracts signed and a minimum of 5% Safe Harbor fee received before July 4, 2026 may still qualify for incentives, even if adjustments are made later through change orders. This gives owners flexibility while locking in potential financial benefits.
Exploring Your Options in Residential Business Use
Every home and energy setup is different, but most scenarios fall into a few categories:
● NEM Expansion (e.g., 3-module add-ons) Ideal for homeowners looking to expand an existing system without losing the cost savings from a grandfathered utility rate.
● Solar + battery combinations Increasingly popular due to rising electricity rates and grid instability.
● Battery-only installations A strong option for homes already equipped with solar.
Within each of these, eligibility and savings can vary due to several factors.
Here are some examples of common scenarios for comparison:
● Whether the system is designed for backup power vs. cost savings
Battery Systems: A Growing Trend
While the solar market has slowed, battery adoption is accelerating. Homeowners are prioritizing energy independence and protection against outages.
It’s also worth noting:
● A battery designed purely for cost savings can be $4,000–$6,000 less expensive than a full backup system.
● Battery installations are more complex, requiring more labor, which affects pricing and margins.
Market Reality: A Volatile Few Years
The solar industry has experienced major turbulence:
● Equipment prices have fluctuated due to tariffs, inflation, and supply chain disruptions
● The market saw a sharp contraction in 2024–2025, with many companies shrinking or exiting
● 2026 is shaping up to be one of the lowest-volume solar installation years in recent history
Credit: Ohm Analytics dashboard marketplace
At the same time:
● Electricity rates have increased ~8% annually since 2018, doubling roughly every 7–9 years depending on rate structures
● The average solar PV cost/watt in 2025 ranged from $4.50 to $7.50 per watt, with regional averages around $6/watt, due to the 1kW CEC-AC add-on NEM Expansion limit.
Credit: CALSSA member newsletter. Click to become a CALSSA MemberCredit: Ohm Analytics dashboard marketplace
What This Means for You
Despite market uncertainty, the fundamentals still favor energy investment:
● Utility rates continue to rise steadily and SDG&E is already the highest cost utility power in the U.S., at $0.91/kWh Peak Rate (EV-TOU).
● Battery adoption is increasing due to real-world reliability needs
● Incentives still exist—but are now more nuanced and tied to usage type
The key question is no longer just “Should I go solar?” but rather: “How can I structure my system to maximize savings under current rules?”
Final Thoughts
2026 isn’t the easiest year to navigate solar decisions—but it may be one of the most strategic.
If you’re considering solar or battery:
● Evaluate whether any portion qualifies as business use
● Understand your rate plan and energy consumption patterns
● Act before key deadlines to preserve eligibility
The opportunity hasn’t disappeared—it’s just become more tailored.
There’s a variety of options available for Residential Business Use NEM Expansion, for existing solar. Green Energy EPC by Makello, Inc has many hundreds of Current Customers with Net Energy Metering registrations that are eligible for an Alumni Discount. Click on the option that best matches your add-on Solar Only, Solar-Battery, or Battery Only NEM Expansion cost summary, to see a contract that is available for you to fill out, sign and return by May 1, 2027. Of course, Makello.com will be glad to help you through the process.
Solar Only
Solar & Battery
Battery Only
0% Business Use
25 % Business Use
100 % Business Use
Remember you have until 2030 to build. You only need to pay a minimum of 5% before July 4, 2026 to Reserve your Solar Tax Credit and Depreciation incentives!
You are working a solar company and they have a lot of questions to determine the optimal system size that best matches your energy goals. Now you’ve been asked to download your SDGE Energy Usage data. There’s Green Button Data, Utility API Authorization, Two-Factor Verification or any other number of options. What do you need to do and how do you do it?
At Makello, we request either downloading Green Button data in 15 minute intervals from your SDGE account or to authorize Utility API collection of data on your behalf and this article will focus on those methods.
The first step to downloading your interval data from SDGE My Energy Center is to navigate to https://www.sdge.com/
Click on Login in the home page if you have already set up an online account to view your SDGE bills. First Time Users of SDGE My Energy Center should click on Set Up Today and follow the steps to register. You may have to login after registration. If you have two factor authentication activated, you will be asked to enter in a code that is sent to the email or phone number you have on file.
Green Button Data Download
After successful log in, you will see your dashboard. The dashboard design may vary due to your enrollment in a Community Choice Aggregator or not.
Click on the Usage tab at the top of the dashboard.
You can download your data from your Usage page. 1. Select Usage from the drop down menu in the Usage Tab. 2. Select your electric Meter from the drop down menu on the right side of the page. 3. Scroll down to the bottom of the page. 4. In the bottom left corner, you will see button for Download Excel and Green ButtonDownload. 5. Click on Green Button Download to download data.
6. Set the date in the drop-down tab to download as many months of data as possible. Twelve (12) full months of data is preferred but one month of usage data is needed if available. 7. Under the Select Format heading, click .csv button (this step applies to electric meters only), then click download. 8. Under the Select Format heading, click .xml button, then click download (this step applies to both gas and electric meters for customers with both types of meters). 9. Repeat steps 1-8 for each meter that services the property, gas and electric.
Turning SDGE Two Step Verification Off or On
Turn 2 Step Verification off or on by clicking on Account in menu bar.
Then select My Profile from the drop down menu.
Scroll to the Enable 2-Step Verification section and click on the blue button on the right side of the screen to turn off the 2 Step Verification.
Click on Confirm in the pop up menu.
You have turned off the 2 Step Verification. Please note: 2 Step Verification must be completed prior to authorizing Utility API data collection.
To Turn 2 Step Verification back on, simply return to your Account, select My Profile, scroll down to Enable 2-Step Verification and click on the grey button on the right side of the screen, click on Confirm.
Authorization of Utility API Data Request via Link
Please click on the Utility API Authorization link provided by Makello in the email you received.
You should be brought to a screen similar to the picture below. Please provide the requested information and click Authorize Access and Data Sharing.
You should receive an authorization receipt similar to the picture below after authorization has been completed.
If your SDGE account has two-step verification, you should then receive a two-step verification code from SDGE sent via text message. Please enter the code in the space provided. An example of the screen where you enter the two-step verification code provided in the image below.
Alternatively, you may manually deactivate and reactivate the multi-step verification for your SDGE by following the steps previously outlined.
Please note: 2 Step Verification must be completed prior to authorizing Utility API data collection.
Utility API Data Collection Refresh Historical Data
When Utility API Refreshes Data via a new collection, you may receive a message informing you of the activity on your account.
A. Click on Billing drop down menu at the top right of your dashboard.
B. Click on Your Bill from the Billing drop down menu.
C. Click on the link for Billing & Payment History from the menu on the right side of the menu.
D. Click on the drop down menu arrow on the right side of the screen to display your bill.
E. Click on the View Your Bill PDF link.
F. Click on the folder icon on your computer’s menu bar to download the file. Save the .pdf file to the folder of your choice.
G. Return to the Billing & Payment History Screen and repeat the download process detailed in steps D-F for as many of the most recent months of Bills available, up to twelve (12) months of Bills.
However, CPUC Decision 25-12-003 impacts the SGIP Rebate Program significatnly on December 31, 2025. SGIP ratepayer incentive budgets are closing for new ratepayer application submissions including applications being submitted for the waitlist in the following budget categories:
Large-Scale Storage
Small Residential Storage
Residential Solar and Storage Equity – Ratepayer
Non-Residential Storage Equity
Equity Resiliency
Generation
December 20, 2025 is the last day to press the “submit” button for the incentive budgets listed above.
Ratepayer funding allocations discontinues after 2025. Applications in a “Waitlist” status on December 31, 2025 face cancellation.
Please reach out to SCE, CSE, PG&E, or SoCalGas if you have any questions regarding the changes to the SGIP Program. You may find program administrator contact information at https://www.selfgenca.com/home/contact/
NeoVolta’s AC and DC coupled solutions work with existing residential solar systems. NeoVolta (San Diego, CA) has lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) chemistry ‘safer by design’. https://www.pv-magazine.com/2021/09/23/residential-battery-inverter-from-the-united-states
New Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) Rebate application for Step 7 – Small Residential Energy Storage funding, becomes available starting Monday, Sept 27, 2021, at a rebate value of $0.15/wH.
Caller: “Quick question. I already have solar, so which Battery is right for me? I need an answer ASAP, because SGIP Rebates are back and who knows for how long.” Response: “If you already have a solar, then NeoVolta battery can work with just about any existing system, and is lowest cost to integrate as an AC Coupled solution, for up to 9.2kW solar. There are exceptions to the rule, if the existing solar is landing on a Renewable Meter Adapter (RMA), but we have custom solutions in that case. And, the NeoVolta battery can be DC coupled to solar as well, up to 8.448kW DC, using Tigo TS4-A-O Power Optimizers.
Californian’s reaped over $1B in SGIP Rebates. Don’t miss out! It is possible to qualify for up to 100% incentives for your solar battery in the Equity Resiliency $1/wH category and up to 85% in the Equity $0.85/wH category.
$1,000 to Reserve Solar Battery & SGIP Rebate Preparation by Makello (Don’t wait until the SGIP Rebate is gone!)
*Makello, as an authorized distributor for Green Energy EPC (CA Lic 978836), cannot guarantee SGIP acceptance, funds availability, and rebate amount. Only the Center for Sustainable Energy (CSE), the SGIP program administrator, can approve the Rebate Reservation Form application. When the CSE accepts our application on your behalf, you’ll be approved – and you’ll have up to 12 months to decide when to install, or request an extension..
A $1,000 refundable fee reserves your Solar Battery and SGIP Rebate Preparation, which includes the required site survey, Energy Analysis and purchase contract to sign, prior to the SGIP Rebate Reservation Form (RRF) submission. (The refundable fee terms are in the “Addendum-to-the-Green-Energy-EPC-contract-1” reference section below.)
Enphase’s AC Coupled solutions are eligible for SGIP Rebates. The Encharge’s lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) chemistry is safer by design and is 2021 EES Award Winner! https://enphase.com/blog/encharger-battery-wins-2021-ees-award
The SGIP Program may become wait-listed, it may be funded again, and it may run out of funds at any time, so it is critical to proceed quickly to process your SGIP Rebate.*
Makello Helps You Save Even More, With Energy Storage Solutions
Makello will help you: 1 – Qualify for rebates, incentives and discount utility rates. 2 – Suggest Energy Efficiency measures, to right-size of the solar and battery system. 3 – Determine if an existing electric panel can qualify for solar and battery. 4 – Provide an Ethical Energy Savings Report. 5 – Provide a purchase and installation contract for a solar and battery system to meet your goals and the site conditions.
LG Chem’s DC Coupled solutions are eligible for SGIP Rebates. LG Chem is one of the world’s top battery suppliers since 2016, with RESU Lithium-Ion batteries.
Makello offers NeoVolta, Enphase and LG Chem Advanced Energy Storage for residential solar and battery installations in our SDG&E territory for 2021 Reservations. (We are experienced with Outback and Sonnen battery systems as well.)
Reference:
Green Energy EPC and State of California Required Documents:
Enphase Documents: (For an existing Enphase microinverter solar panel system; M215, M250, S280, IQ7X, IQ8X). Note: S280 must be replaced with IQ8X inverters at extra cost $250/solar module installed. Note: M215 and M250 existing Enphase microinverters adds $900 to Gross Cost.
Did you know that, whether or not you have an existing solar energy system, you can tap into a combination of up-front incentives, financing, to build up your savings into a 6-Month Emergency Fund and lower monthly costs?
Once-considered luxury items, such as Solar Power, Plug-In Vehicles, and Energy Storage, now payback quickly for cash purchases and are within reach for most homeowners, due to up-front incentives and lower total monthly costs from loan or Property Assessed Clean Energy financing.
Makello can provide you with a FREE Energy Savings Estimate! If you share your utility data with us we can create a solar energy system that is specific to your needs. We will NOT share your data.
Our model can also show the cost saving benefits of a Plug-In Vehicle or Energy Storage system, or both, in addition to your solar system. All of our team works to get you the most comprehensive, thorough Energy Analysis in the San Diego area as quickly as possible.
The software engineers are constantly updating our computer model to reflect the most current utility rates and product costs. We have a dedicated GIS analyst who can qualify you for as many rebates and incentives possible. Our Energy Efficiency experts can also provide other solutions to reduce energy costs such as appliance changes or switching utility rates. Press one of the buttons to see how much you can save!
Synopsis: An EV “Ride N Drive” event takes a supernatural detour, when riders temporarily, uncontrollably and inexplicably become “Energy Zombies”, smitten by the overpowering experience of driving electric for the 1st time, with instant torque, no noise and zero emissions.
Click to watch Joyrider “Fozzy’s Makello Story”. Do you think Joyrider should be a series? Leave a comment in YouTube, Like, and Share!
Actors: William May-Kidd: Charlie Johnson; Ping “Tek” Han: Songxuan Liu; Flint “Fozzy” Bjorn: Jarod Donahue.
Mythology
In 1916, Camille Jenatzy, a race car driver known for his red beard as “the Red Devil”, reportedly contacted an unknown driver-mechanic named Otto Stiggler by Telegraph. The message requested for Otto to take his place for hire, in the first race to the top of “Pike’s Peak” Colorado Springs, Colorado, driving a “La Jamais Contente”, the first Electric Vehicle to break the 100km/hr speed record, modified to improve driver position aerodynamics.
Illustration of the original “La Jamais Contente”, first automobile and Electric Vehicle to reach 100 km/h, in 1899.
Photo of Camille Jenatzy and his wife riding in the “La Jamais Contente”
While the vehicle was “in transit from Belgium”, Otto was instructed to practice often at Pike’s Peak, to learn the dirt race course’s hairpin turns, dips and ruts, while using his preferred selection of many gas powered vehicles of the day.
”La Jamais Contente” arrived 2 days before the 1st Pike’s Peak Race, and was transported by carrier truck directly to the starting line to preserve battery charge for the course. By the time the prototype vehicle was unpacked, the 1916 Pike’s Peak course access was about to close.
The condition of this 1943 road is a significant improvement to the early Pikes Peak races.
Otto managed to convince a departing race attendant, Ali Madohan, to allow him to drive the course. Ali gave Otto a signal flare to use when he reached the finish line at the top of Pike’s Peak, or in case of emergency.
According to Ali, with help from a Good Samaritan, Otto struggled to squeeze his lower body into the recessed cockpit. The shape of the cockpit required the upper body to be reclined in an almost supine position, below a nearly fully enclosed canopy that reporters described as “a metal coffin with a “cupola” shaped protrusion for the driver’s head”.
After pushing the vehicle to the starting line, Ali received a “ready sign” hand signal through the “cupola” opening slit, and the attendant waved the starting flag.
“La Jamais Contente” leapt from the Start Line quickly and silently, but within seconds, according to Ali’s statement, “there was a simultaneous flash of light and a crack of thunder,” which reportedly knocked several birds to the ground, temporarily stunned, and sent Ali ducking for cover with his hands over his ears.
This mysterious nearby object was found to transmit wireless power.
These three lights in a nearby field are pictured receiving wireless power.
Ali was quoted as saying, “I heard a mixture of barking and laughing. The barking seemed to come from the trees above and below both sides of the road. The laughing sounded like it came from inside a big metal drum, and it reverberated off the canyon rock walls, until the car disappeared into the hills beyond the 3rd turn.” Any objective observer would have assumed Otto was howling with laughter.
Upon witnessing a flare that originated from the finish line area, Ali recorded an unofficial pre-trial time of 20:45.90.
Otto and “La Jamais Contente” did not return to the Start Line to qualify for the 1916 Pike’s Peak race. The first Penrose Trophy was awarded to Rea Lentz with an official record time of 20:55.60, driving an internal combustion engine vehicle.
After several days missing, and at the request of Otto’s family, local officials formed a search party. The carrier truck was reportedly found near the former site of the Tesla Experimental Station, which was a wireless power transmission test facility.
Nikola Tesla sitting under his transmitter in his Colorado Springs lab surrounded by millions of volts.
Nikola Tesla created an experimental station outside of Colorado Springs to test wireless transmission of electric power.
A printed telegram transmission from Jenatzy was located in the truck and detectives contacted authorities in Belgium for more information. The truck was found to have been purchased anonymously at auction from the lot of decommissioned assets originating from Tesla’s Experimental Station.
Colorado detectives learned that the unidentified carrier truck who called himself “Dino” had fled the area. A rambling note in the vehicle, alleged that Otto was not the race driver of the modified “La Jamais Contente”, and that a man who identified himself as ‘Camille’ was seen near Otto before the race, assisting with preparations.
The family of Camille Jenatzy was interviewed and they reported to authorities in a sworn statement, that Camille Jenatzy died in 1913, and that the original “La Jamais Contente”, was in Belgium, and that no one had contacted them from the United States about shipping Camille’s prize winning, record setting electric race car.
The vehicle was never recovered and the circumstances surrounding Otto’s disappearance remains a mystery, as to who was the driver, Otto, “Dino”, “Ali”, “Camille”, or as some believed, Camille’s ghost, or possibly Nikola Tesla himself.
What some attribute to folk lore, others say is conspiracy, yet others say is fact. But is it possible that wireless power was part of “La Jamais Contente” unofficial Pike’s Peak record? Tesla had recently designed, tested and de-commissioned the preliminary version of the “Wardenclyffe Tower” nearby in Colorado Springs. Tesla’s invention later proved capable of transmitting power wirelessly through the atmosphere, via a propagating wave through the Earth’s mantle, as he claimed, to any location around the world.
Nikola Tesla designed and built the Wardenclyffe Tower in Long Beach, New York between 1901 and 1902 to experiment with wireless power transmission. Click on the photo to learn more.
About The Creators
Joyrider is a fictional story loosely based on actual events, for the purpose of entertainment, sharing and exploring the concept of the “EV Grin”, which is the infectious joy and smile that instantly takes over a person when they first experience driving electric.
Makello is a diverse team with backgrounds in software engineering, environmental science, management, GIS, and home and business energy services. We are committed to help reduce greenhouse gas pollution and work with non-profit and community organizations to help educate the public about Solar Panels, Plug-In Vehicles, & Energy Storage benefits. If you are interested in any of these technologies in your home, contact us for a FREE Energy Savings Estimate! With rebates and incentives they can be cheaper than you may think!
Maps are used for more than directions, and at Makello, we are creating maps to highlight communities within our Service Areas. We have a gallery of maps with community insights and tips regarding solar and electric vehicle adoption.
Makello maps can be used for a variety of reasons. The map above shows Public Electric Vehicle Charging Stations throughout San Diego County and outlines cities and CDPs (census-designated places) that make up East County San Diego. Individuals can use this map to locate where they could charge their electric vehicles. Non profits and other agencies can depict social inequity in regards to electric vehicle adoption, which could lead to funding. Many people may not realize how big San Diego County is! Can you think of anything else this and future maps might be used for?
Makello has maps to help prospective Plug-In Vehicle owners determine the current and future availability of public electric vehicle charging stations, in the areas where they work and live. Federal and State programs can provide up to 100% incentives for DC Fast Charging for San Diego, so we built a place where you can pin a location to “Request A Public EV Charger” installation. Our customers find this information very useful in the decision to adopt electric vehicle technology. After all, who wants to run out of battery while running errands or driving home after work?
Book an appointment to receive Makello’s Ethical Energy Savings Report, which is the result of a detailed trade-off study of discount utility rates, grants, rebates, tax credits, and equipment options, to determine the fastest payback and highest return on investment to meet your home, business and vehicle energy needs.
The fee for the Ethical Energy Savings Report is refundable (less the 3rd-Party $15 utility data access charge) or credited towards our installation services, after you attend the presentation meeting and complete a 5 minute survey after permission to operate.
Includes up to 5 hours research by the Makello team, and 1 hour Q&A, by Makello’s Ethical Energy Efficiency Expert.
Many of our clients are concerned about air quality in their community and want to take actions to make improvements where they can be made. In many communities, there are a variety of sources for diesel particulate matter such as trucks, farm and construction equipment, emergency generators, industrial equipment, or older model cars. Makello has utilized the CalEnviroscore data to show our clients where concentrations of particulate matter occur and help those customers adopt solar and battery energy storage for emergencies, reducing the need for diesel generators.
Click on maps and they will open in a new tab at larger resolution. The map shown here shows the diesel particulate matter in cities and CDPs in North County San Diego.
Vehicles with gasoline engines are a significant source of air pollution in urban areas, and although we have adopted high pollution control standards in California, vehicle pollution can still be an issue in many communities.
Vehicle pollution contains many toxic chemicals and plays a role in the formation of smog. There are many health concerns related to smog pollution, including asthma, heart disease, and lung disease; all are conditions that worsen the outcomes for COVID-19. Health risks increase with proximity to freeways and heavily trafficked roads, for fine particulate matter that can enter the bloodstream and lung tissues. Vehicle traffic can also be a source of excessive noise and vibrations, which contribute to stress and high blood pressure, or injuries to pedestrians.
At Makello we strive to accommodate all our customers needs and provide equal access to information for everyone. Our maps are color coded specifically to be able to be interpreted by those who are color blind as well. This map shows traffic density in cities and CDPs of South County San Diego.
Gasoline engines idling in traffic achieve lower miles per gallon and produce pollution. Traffic density represents the number of vehicles in an area producing pollution. Areas with high volumes of traffic have more pollution. Electric vehicles are a great way to reduce pollution on your daily commute or while you are out on the town.
Book a FREE 15 minute appointment to: 1) Find out how Makello can help you. 2) Discuss your energy needs. 3) Get a FREE Energy Savings Estimate.
Jet engines are another source of pollution. The aviation industry is working on electric airplanes and efficiency improvements for new designs. For now, residents in communities impacted by air overflight can take advantage of incentives to purchase new or used Plug-In Vehicles and install solar panels with energy storage batteries. The energy cost savings can be used for indoor air filtration and water purification, among other methods to improve health.
Our maps use a variety of symbols, outlines, colors, labels, etc. to easily depict information. Above, mini airplanes show the flight paths over the Chollas Creek Watershed. Residents under the flight paths are more prone to air and pollution related illnesses.
The rebate programs can be confusing, and finding all the correct data and maps to check for eligibility can be time consuming and prone to errors or misunderstandings. Makello researched the programs and data used to determine eligibility, then developed a program eligibility map for parcel level qualifications. We’ve eliminated several steps and are able to easily show a customer their property’s location in relation to the program criteria. Check out our Service Areas link and get a Free Energy Savings Estimate today.
Up to 100% SGIP Rebate and Tax Incentives qualifiers: Level 2 or 3 High Fire Threat District; Disadvantaged or Low Income Communities; electric well pump; SDG&E Public Safety Power Shut-off events.
Makello is a program featured guest presenter and video educator for the community, speaking about EVs, discount utility rates, making money with energy storage, enhanced incentives for qualified individuals, charger types, public charging, home charging, grants, rebates, incentives and many clean air benefits.
Book a FREE 15 minute appointment to: 1) Find out how Makello can help you. 2) Discuss your energy needs. 3) Get a FREE Energy Savings Estimate.
On August 4, we premiered our Public EV charging demonstrations and interviews for the CSE‘s Clean Vehicle Rebate Project webinar series presentations, in cooperation with Groundwork San Diego. The videos are the first of an EV101 educational video series. Click on the images below to view the EV101 Public and Home Charging Videos.
EV101 Public Charging https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khHYpqB5WnQEV101 Home Charging https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJKqHfpXQ38
Filter for charger type (Level 2 J1772; Chademo, CCS, Tesla)
Click on a charger station to select.
Get directions
Confirm charger information (Is it Available?)
Drive to location
EVgo charging station outside Northgate Market. Makello hosted a booth to educate the community about Plug-In Vehicle benefits and affordability at the grand opening of this charging station in July of 2019.
There’s certain things you need to know before you choose a public charger location.
Brand – Which EV Public Charger company to use?
Cost ($/kWh) – Membership or Subscription?
Distance / Location – Is it convenient for my commute or driving route?
Connector Type – Is it compatible with my vehicle?
Speed – Level 1, 2 or 3?
Availability – Is there a charger available at the desired time?
Range – Is it fast enough to charge the battery to a desired level, if it is time limited?
Brand
Search online to compare Public EV Charging companies in San Diego.
Cost
Public EV Charging companies may charge a membership fee, monthly subscription or a la carte cost/kWh. The end cost varies, but is usually between $0.25/kWh – $0.35/kWh, which is roughly $2.50-$3.50/gallon gas cost equivalent.
Distance / Location
Use the App to choose a Charger that is convenient for my driving and parking habits and destinations.
Book an appointment to receive Makello’s Ethical Energy Savings Report, which is the result of a detailed trade-off study of discount utility rates, grants, rebates, tax credits, and equipment options, to determine the fastest payback and highest return on investment to meet your home, business and vehicle energy needs.
The fee for the Ethical Energy Savings Report is refundable (less the 3rd-Party $15 utility data access charge) or credited towards our installation services, after you attend the presentation meeting and complete a 5 minute survey after permission to operate.
Includes up to 5 hours research by the Makello team, and 1 hour Q&A, by Makello’s Ethical Energy Efficiency Expert.
Connector Type
There are 4 Connector Types: Tesla, CHAdeMo, CCS Combo or J1772. Not every charging location supports all 4 of them. That’s why it’s important to compare charger locations beforehand – Is it compatible with my vehicle?
There are 4 Connector Types: Tesla, CHAdeMo, CCS Combo or J1772.
Speed – Level 1, 2 or 3.
Level 1 is the slowest AC charging and uses common household current, 120v, 3 prong outlet: 1.5kW (Up to 2kW). The purpose is overnight charging or for long parking duration.
Level 2 charges faster than level 1 and would be ideal for 4-5 hours spent at the mall (J1772 connector): AC Fast Charging (Up to 19kW) The purpose is overnight fast charging, convenience fast charging or for short-medium parking duration.
Level 3 is DC fast charging. Think about stopping to charge your vehicle on a long road trip while grabbing a 30 minute lunch. (CHAdeMO or CCS Combo): (Max power 400 kW) The purpose is fastest charging for the shortest duration.
Reservations / Availability
Use the App to see if a location that supports my vehicle’s connector type is available and reserve it!
Are you ready to save money on solar power, EV charging or Energy Storage? Get an instant quote from Makello!
Range
The faster the charge speed, the longer the EV driving range.
Is it fast enough to charge the battery to a desired level, if it is time limited?
Public chargers are often time limited to 30 minutes – 60 minutes of charging. Just enough time to grab lunch at the mall!
Businesses like malls, movie theaters and casinos expect longer charging periods, so you can find locations to charge up from empty to full on Level 2 or Level 3.
If you can’t find a conveniently located public EV Charger, then “Request A Public EV Charger” – put a pin on the map to suggest a location for future consideration.
I was going into my last quarter of undergrad at UCSD when I started interning at Makello. The internship was part of my Senior Project, and I enjoyed working with a diversely skilled team. I worked with people with experience in many fields including software/electrical engineering, solar installation, non-profit organizations, management experience, and GIS systems all united by a common goal: clean energy.
I recently completed my B.S. in Environmental Systems and Earth Sciences with a minor in Marine Sciences. I am pursuing a career to combat climate change to preserve our planet as we know it, but there is also a part of me that feels a societal obligation to help elevate the standard of living (if they want it) for people who do not have equal access to opportunities such as education, community resources, healthy foods, etc. I believe we live in a society to take care of each other, and generally, disadvantaged communities could use additional resources, so I was excited to work with a company that works closely with non-profit organizations, especially non-profits in disadvantaged communities, such as Groundwork San Diego. I am thrilled to be in a position, right out of college, where I can help combat both social and environmental justice.
The Makello Team (left to right) Agustin, Ola, Linda, Charlie
During my internship, we attended many events as both attendees and presenters, sometimes with Groundwork San Diego or our solar installation team. Examples of events were community activities, such as organized runs or home and garden shows, where we would provide information about electric vehicles and solar. We also attended car shows and electric vehicle focused events to stay current with new electric vehicle technology and to help explain their benefits to the public.
Book a FREE 15 minute appointment to: 1) Find out how Makello can help you. 2) Discuss your energy needs. 3) Get a FREE Energy Savings Estimate.
Part of my initial training was how to use solar design and cash flow analysis software, the site survey measurements and the customer’s goals to determine the Optimal System Size. I grew up doing home remodels and renovations during summers, so I enjoyed visiting different homes and seeing different styles of architecture and landscaping throughout San Diego. It was cool to see some existing solar arrays that customers had already installed too. It was also nice to be able to put a face to the customers whose proposals we were working on.
To estimate the production of a designed solar energy system, we used an online program, Aurora Solar. The program allows users to create 3D models of the house and surrounding area . Obstructions like trees or taller buildings could contribute to shading and loss of production. After the site is created, it is then possible to determine the optimal location for the modules, and the system can be designed with different module and inverter combinations and arrays. Then the model can be simulated to estimate the solar production for the first year.
Working on customer proposals and site surveys was my favorite part of the internship because it was a combination of computer design and modeling, hands on physical labor, and critical and analytical thinking. I still enjoy the same work, but now my Research Assistant position is 100% remote because we follow CDC guidelines to keep ourselves and our community safe. We used Makello’s software model to create the custom trade-off study proposals for each customer and automatically generate the correct price, ethically, without sales gimmicks.
Makello’s honesty and knowledge of energy efficiency, utility rates, solar power, electric vehicles, and battery storage, as well as assessing the needs of individual customers and their families, is what drives the high win rate with customer proposals. On more than one occasion, customers wanted to purchase more solar than they needed, or wanted a battery because they believed it would increase cost savings. Using Makello’s model, our team showed that, in fact, a smaller solar system is needed if replacing inefficient appliances, or changing the times the appliances are in use.
It was cool to meet customers and see awesome, unique solar arrays while on site surveys. We took measurements of the site area and roof slopes and evaluated the integrity of the roof, electric panel, and other necessary requirements to install solar. We also observed appliances and lighting and would make suggestions for appliance or behavioral changes to reduce energy consumption and costs.
I was excited to work on a diversely skilled team to create community pages for our website. We ended up creating a valuable tool with important information and graphics for San Diego communities. The pages had GIS Maps that displayed information on a variety of issues such as air quality, electric vehicle charging station locations, rebate eligibility, etc. We also included a list of different rebates and incentives for solar, electric vehicles and battery storage as well as information as to why they are beneficial to the environment and how they can save money. Click here to view the community pages.
With frequent fires and Santa Ana winds setting California ablaze we are in desperate need of emergency power supplies. The fires are coming dangerously close to our sources of electricity and threatening grid shut downs.
2 million Californians were left without power last week and this week that number could get even bigger. It is anticipated that up to 3 million California residents will be without power due to the fires north of LA and the Bay Area.
Having solar on your roof paired with energy storage gives you the freedom to have electricity in the event of an energy crisis or natural disaster.
I met Charlie, the CEO and founder of Makello, during the summer while I was interning at Groundwork San Diego’s EarthLab in partnership with UC San Diego’s Center on Global Justice. While at the EarthLab, I was a college mentor for Groundwork’s High School Green Team. We were learning about electric vehicles, and Charlie was one of the guests who volunteered his time to come speak to us about the benefits, technology, and affordability of Plug-In Vehicles.
Book an appointment to receive Makello’s Ethical Energy Savings Report, which is the result of a detailed trade-off study of discount utility rates, grants, rebates, tax credits, and equipment options, to determine the fastest payback and highest return on investment to meet your home, business and vehicle energy needs.
The fee for the Ethical Energy Savings Report is refundable (less the 3rd-Party $15 utility data access charge) or credited towards our installation services, after you attend the presentation meeting and complete a 5 minute survey after permission to operate.
Includes up to 5 hours research by the Makello team, and 1 hour Q&A, by Makello’s Ethical Energy Efficiency Expert.
The first time I met him was with the Electric Vehicle Association of San Diego. Charlie and other members of the EV Association came to the EarthLab and spoke to us about electric vehicles, their experiences with them, why they loved them, and allowed us to ride along in their vehicles!
Charlie and other members of the Electric Vehicle Association of San Diego met with Groundwork San Diego’s High School Green Team.
Charlie volunteered his time on four occasions during the four week program. The second time I met him, he and Songxuan came to the EarthLab to do a solar and electric vehicle demonstration. We used solar ovens, metal sheets that reflect sunlight into a concentrated location, to heat up solar chili and cornbread. It was so good! He also gave us a quick presentation on “What to Know About Plug-In Vehicles”. The presentation was really cool because he demonstrated how the car, a MINI Countryman Plug-In Hybrid, could be used as a battery bank, using it to power the laptops and monitor, and explained how solar could charge up the car. We also got to look at the battery packs for his converted Plug-In Prius.
During his presentations to us, he acknowledged that he was a small business owner, but never tried to sell us on his products. Instead he explained how the technology worked, why the technology is more environmentally and community friendly, and how the technology could, in fact, be made affordable to families in disadvantaged communities. Solar and electric vehicle adoption contributes to safer, cleaner communities. Less greenhouse gases and smog are emitted from cars and power plants, leading to better air quality in communities.
Makello, Groundwork San Diego, and EVgo grand opening at Northgate Market at 1410 S 43rd St, San Diego, CA 92113; 4 CCS/SAE 50kW and 5 CHAdeMO 50kW EV Chargers.
Book a FREE 15 minute appointment to: 1) Find out how Makello can help you. 2) Discuss your energy needs. 3) Get a FREE Energy Savings Estimate.
Charlie was also at the grand opening of the EVgo public charging stations at Northgate Market in the Chollas Creek Community that Groundwork helped sponsor and EarthLab’s Green Team attended.
The final presentation for my Groundwork San Diego/EarthLab internship that Charlie attended. Also in attendance were UCSD professors, Groundwork San Diego staff, EVgo staff, and Chollas Creek Community members.
Charlie also attended the final presentation for my summer internship at Groundwork San Diego. I appreciated how Charlie volunteered so much of his time to EarthLab and the Green Team, and I could see myself working for someone whose business motivation does not come from maximizing profits, but is rooted in education, conservation, and community well being. I exchanged contact information and soon had an internship with Makello! More information about my Makello internship is available here.
