New homes, solar energy

Solar panels installed on the rooftop of your home absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity through a process called photovoltaic (PV) technology. The panels contain solar cells that generate direct current electricity when exposed to sunlight. An inverter converts this electricity to make it usable inside your home.

Solar energy is a clean, renewable and sustainable choice for renters. Because Invitation Homes installed your system, you can use solar power to reduce your carbon footprint without paying expensive upfront costs. Additionally, solar energy can help stabilize your electricity costs over time, making your energy bill more predictable and potentially lower.

During sunny days, your solar panels generate electricity from sunlight, which directly powers your home's electrical appliances and systems. Any excess electricity generated beyond your immediate needs will not be stored or sent to the traditional electric grid. But during sunny periods, you won’t need to rely on the grid, which could translate into savings on your electric bill.

Yes, some maintenance is required for a solar system, but it’s all handled by Invitation Homes. We even clean the solar panels. Routine maintenance ensures optimal performance of the solar system. Please report any issues promptly; our friendly pros will handle the repairs.

Invitation Homes monitors the solar system through home energy monitoring technology that tracks the solar system's performance. These systems provide real-time data on energy production, allowing us to identify any issues promptly, including drops in solar energy production.

You can also see that data when you download the Emporía app.
With the app and the Vue Energy Monitor, you can track your home's energy use and solar production in real time. The system connects directly to key circuits like your furnace, A/C, refrigerator or solar panels, so you get accurate, 24/7 monitoring. You can even add Emporia Smart Plugs to track smaller devices. View your energy data by the minute, hour, day, week, month or year, so you always know exactly how your system is performing.

We determined your potential electric bill savings[QC1] by matching the average annual home electricity consumption for the Inland Empire to the available Southern California Edison (SCE) utility electric rate. Costs were modeled based on the time-of-use rate, and savings were determined by calculating the difference between pre-solar and post-solar electricity consumption. Savings aren’t guaranteed and will vary based on a resident’s consumption and the weather.

Invitation Homes added home energy monitoring and Electric Vehicle (EV) charging functionality to your home for your convenience – it’s part of our worry-free leasing lifestyle. We also wanted to empower you to actively participate in energy management and contribute to a more sustainable and cost-effective living environment.

Whole home energy monitoring is a way to track and analyze your energy consumption in detail. We made it possible by installing technology inside your breaker box that measures the energy output of each circuit in your home. This technology helps you understand where your energy is used most and make informed decisions to reduce costs.

If you purchase an electric vehicle (EV) charging cable for your home, you can charge your EV conveniently whenever you want. You won’t have to rely solely on public charging stations. This can save you time and money. Feel free to charge your EV overnight at home.

Invitation Homes would typically be responsible for maintaining the energy monitoring system. The equipment isn't expected to have any issues. However, you should promptly report concerns; our friendly pros will handle the repairs.

The solar fee covers the cost of providing clean, renewable energy to your home and is designed to be predictable and stable. While it may seem high at first glance, it replaces a portion of your traditional utility bill, which in Southern California Edison (SCE) territory can be significantly higher. For example, SCE’s tiered rate plan charges up to 38¢ per kWh for high usage customers. In contrast, solar electricity is discounted, offering savings over time compared to these elevated utility rates. This structure helps renters avoid seasonal spikes and better manage their monthly energy expenses. 

Southern California Edison’s rates can fluctuate seasonally and increase over time, especially for households that exceed their baseline energy allocation. Solar provides a buffer against these spikes by generating electricity directly from your rooftop. With a fixed solar fee and reduced reliance on grid electricity, residents can enjoy more predictable monthly costs and avoid the steep charges associated with SCE’s Tiered and High Usage rates. 

It’s important to look at the full year of energy usage. While your solar fee remains consistent, SCE bills can vary dramatically depending on the season and your consumption. In high-usage months, especially summer, SCE rates can push bills well above $600 for a typical home. Solar helps flatten those peaks, and over the course of the year, most residents see net savings compared to traditional utility billing. The solar fee is part of a long-term strategy to reduce overall energy costs and environmental impact.