California NEM 3.0: Sunnova offers ‘free’ batteries to counter upcoming policy change

Sunnova aims to become a micro-utility in California. Credit: Sunnova

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California is one month away from implementing a policy that reduces how much customers with solar panels are paid for surplus power sent to the grid. The process, dubbed NEM 3.0, moves the state from a net metering framework to net billing, which incentivizes co-locating battery storage with solar systems.

In response to the policy change which takes effect April 15, Houston-based Sunnova said it would offer a "free" battery, which it valued at $8,000, to new customers.

The offer targets customers who sign up for a residential lease of both solar and storage services. It does not include the cost of installation, the solar system, or Sunnova's 25-year warranty.

Sunnova CEO John Berger said in a statement that the company views the net metering change as an opportunity to "seize the market and offer real solutions to our customers."


GO DEEPER: Vote Solar executive director Sachu Constantine joined the Factor This! podcast to break down the latest in the fight to save rooftop solar in California. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.


Last December, the California Public Utilities Commission approved changes to the state’s


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