Summary:Exciting Growth: SDG&E Says Solar Powers Nearly a Quarter of Customers San Diego Gas & Electric ann
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Exciting Growth: SDG&E Says Solar Powers Nearly a Quarter of Customers
San Diego Gas & Electric announced Tuesday that more than 350,000 residential customers are now producing their own electricity from rooftop solar panels, representing roughly one‑quarter of the utility’s total customer base. The milestone underscores a rapid shift toward distributed generation in Southern California and highlights the growing appeal of solar among homeowners seeking lower bills and greater energy independence.
**Key Developments**
SDG&E reported that the 350,000‑customer figure marks a 12% increase from the same period last year, driven by continued declines in installation costs, expanded state incentives, and heightened consumer awareness of climate‑friendly options. The utility noted that the average system size among new adopters has risen to 6.5 kilowatts, enabling many households to offset 80% or more of their annual electricity use. In addition, SDG&E has launched a new online portal that streamlines interconnection applications, reducing average approval times from 30 days to under two weeks.
**Industry Analysis**
The utility’s solar uptake mirrors broader trends across California, where rooftop installations now exceed 1.5 million systems statewide, according to the California Solar &