Solar Expansions: Add Panels or a Battery to Your Existing System
More power for EVs and heat pumps, or backup for PG&E outages. On NEM 2.0? Ask us how to keep it.
Voted a 2026 Nextdoor Fave by our neighbors
Ally Electric & Solar, CSLB #806465 (C-10 and C-46). Licensed since 2002, Ally since 2010. Last updated November 2026.
Grow the solar system you already have
A solar expansion adds panels, a battery or both to an existing system, usually because your home now uses more power as you electrify with an EV, heat pump or induction range. Ally checks your equipment, roof and PG&E agreement first, and walks you through your options before you decide.
Add more panels
More production for new loads like EVs and heat pumps.
Add a battery
Tesla Powerwall 3, Enphase IQ Battery 10C or FranklinWH for backup and evening savings.
Panel and wiring upgrades
Main panel or SPAN upgrades when your home needs more capacity.
On NEM 2.0? Ask us how
Want to keep your NEM 2.0 rate? Ask us how an expansion could affect it and which options may help you keep it.
System review
Share your PG&E bill and system details, and we check your equipment and agreement.
Site visit
Roof space, panel capacity and where a battery can go.
Design and quote
Options with clear pricing.
Permits and PG&E
We file permits and interconnection paperwork.
Install and turn on
Our crew installs, and you get a walkthrough of your monitoring.
Why homeowners choose Ally
Licensed for both trades
CSLB #806465 covers electrical (C-10) and solar (C-46), so one company handles the whole job.
Our own crew
Installers are Ally employees, not subcontractors. Many have been with us for years.
Local and recognized
A 2026 Nextdoor Fave and an SFGATE Best of Bay Area 2026 finalist.
Our story
Ally is a family-owned solar and electrical contractor in Richmond. Our team was first licensed in 2002 as Arco Electric, and in 2010 we became Ally Electric & Solar. Since then our own crew has helped more than 1,000 Bay Area homeowners, and in 2026 our neighbors voted us a Nextdoor Fave. Some customers have been with us a long time: the Garafolis in Oakland have been saving on their electricity bill since 2016.
"They made sure all PGE paperwork, issues and questions were addressed quickly."
Frequently asked questions
Can I add panels to my existing solar system?
Often, yes. It depends on your roof space, your inverter and your PG&E agreement. We review your current system and tell you what's possible.
Can I keep NEM 2.0 if I expand my system?
Ask us how. Expanding a system can change your PG&E net metering status, depending on PG&E's current rules and the size of the expansion. We review your system and walk you through your options, including ones that may help you keep NEM 2.0.
Can I add a battery to the solar I already have?
Yes. Adding a Tesla Powerwall 3, Enphase IQ Battery 10C or FranklinWH battery is one of the most common upgrades we do. Battery systems start from $15,000 installed, before rebates, and go up with panel upgrades, longer wire runs, extra batteries or other site work. GoGreen financing is available.
Can you work on a system another company installed?
Tell us about your system and its equipment. We'll let you know what we can do.
Do I need a panel upgrade to expand?
Sometimes. We check your main panel during the visit and only recommend an upgrade if your home needs it.
Get your free quote
Tell us what you need and we'll follow up to schedule a site visit. Your address is only used to plan your project. We never publish it.
- Call (510) 559-7700
- Email info@allyelectricandsolar.com
- 855 Marina Bay Pkwy, Ste. 280, Richmond, CA 94804