Take Control
Your Path to Energy Independence
There's more than one way to break free from monopoly control. Choose the path that fits your situation—or pursue multiple paths at once.
The Spectrum
From Dependent to Independent
Energy sovereignty isn't all-or-nothing. Every step you take reduces monopoly power over your life.
Choose Your Path
Three Ways to Take Control
Path 1
Go Solar
*Before 30% federal tax credit — ended Dec 31, 2025
Generate Your Own Power
Don't wait for political change—take control today. Rooftop solar lets you generate your own electricity, reducing or eliminating your dependence on SDG&E. Add battery storage for true independence.
San Diego Advantage
With 266 sunny days per year and SDG&E's sky-high rates ($0.40+/kWh), San Diego is one of the best places in the country for solar ROI. Your panels pay off faster here than almost anywhere else.
San Diego Solar Installers
- SHS Power
Boutique San Diego installer specializing in cutting-edge solar and battery systems. Personalized service with the latest high-efficiency technology.
Independent solar and battery installer? Contact us to be added to this list.
Path 2
Join Community
Shared Power, Shared Benefits
Can't install solar? There are still ways to participate in cleaner, more community-oriented energy. These options work for renters, those with shaded roofs, or anyone wanting an easy first step.
San Diego Community Power (SDCP)
A Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) program that provides cleaner electricity at competitive rates. SDCP buys power from renewable sources while SDG&E still handles delivery.
- • Cleaner energy mix (50-100% renewable)
- • No installation required
- • Automatic enrollment for many areas
- • Still pays SDG&E delivery fees
- • Similar total cost to SDG&E
- • No personal energy independence
Community Solar
Subscribe to a share of a local solar farm. You get credits on your bill for the electricity your share produces—without installing anything on your property.
- • Typically 10-15% bill savings
- • No upfront cost
- • Works for renters and condos
- • Limited availability in San Diego
- • Long-term subscription commitment
- • Less savings than rooftop solar
Neighborhood Microgrids
Emerging option: small-scale power grids that can operate independently from the main grid. Currently mostly institutional (UCSD, military bases), but residential options are developing.
Status: Early stage in San Diego. Watch for community microgrid projects in your area.
Path 3
Change the System
Public Power for San Diego
The systemic solution: replace SDG&E's monopoly with a community-owned, non-profit utility. This path requires political action but delivers benefits for everyone—not just those who can afford solar.
The Proof: It Works Elsewhere
46 of 49 California utilities are publicly owned or cooperatives. SDG&E is one of only three investor-owned. See all 27 utilities ranked →
How You Can Help
- • Spread awareness — Share rate comparisons with neighbors
- • Attend city council — Voice support for feasibility studies
- • Join organizations — Connect with energy democracy groups
- • Vote — Support candidates who back public power
At a Glance
Compare Your Options
| Aspect | Go Solar | Community Options | Municipal Utility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | Homeowners with suitable roof | Renters, anyone | Everyone in San Diego |
| Upfront cost | $15K-$35K (before incentives) | $0 | $0 personal |
| Timeline | 1-3 months | Immediate | Years (political process) |
| Bill savings | 50-100% | 0-15% | 40-50% (projected) |
| Independence level | High | Moderate | Democratic |
| Outage resilience | Yes (with battery) | No | Grid-dependent |
| Action type | Personal purchase | Subscription | Political advocacy |
Go Solar
- Cost:
- $15K-$35K
- Timeline:
- 1-3 months
- Savings:
- 50-100%
- Best for:
- Homeowners
Community Options
- Cost:
- $0
- Timeline:
- Immediate
- Savings:
- 0-15%
- Best for:
- Renters
Municipal Utility
- Cost:
- $0 personal
- Timeline:
- Years
- Savings:
- 40-50%
- Best for:
- Everyone
Find Your Path
Which Path Is Right for You?
Do you own your home?
Best path: Go Solar (Path 1) + support municipal utility (Path 3)
Best path: Community Options (Path 2) + support municipal utility (Path 3)
Do you want protection from power outages?
You need: Solar + Battery Storage (Path 1 with battery)
Any path works for you based on other factors
What's your budget for upfront investment?
SDCP (Path 2) or advocacy (Path 3)
Community Solar (Path 2) when available
Go Solar (Path 1) for best long-term ROI
Key Insight: Paths Work Together
These paths aren't mutually exclusive. The most powerful approach is to pursue multiple paths simultaneously: go solar for personal independence while advocating for municipal power to help everyone. Every panel installed and every voice raised weakens monopoly control.
Ready to Take Control?
Every step toward energy independence—whether personal or political—is a step away from monopoly control. Start your journey today.