Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are booming across California and especially in the Bay Area. With new state incentives, zoning relaxations, and the urgent push for clean energy, many homeowners are rethinking how their backyard units are powered.
At Greenberg Construction, we recently completed an all-electric ADU project integrated with solar panels and a battery backup system. The goal? Energy independence, long-term cost savings, and future-proofing.
This case study breaks down the real costs, timelines, and payback of electrifying an ADU—and offers a playbook for any Bay Area homeowner looking to do the same.
Our client a Palo Alto-based family had three main priorities for their new ADU:
They also wanted an aesthetically designed unit that met Title 24 energy standards and could serve both as a guest house and as a rental unit in the future.
The first step was conducting an energy needs analysis. Based on projected ADU usage (average daily kWh, HVAC load, appliance consumption), we designed a solar array and battery system to match demand.
Key specs included:
During architectural planning, we oriented the roof to maximize southern solar exposure and minimized shading from nearby trees. The electrical layout was optimized to reduce installation costs by grouping loads and shortening conduit runs.
Here’s how the project unfolded:
From permits to power-on, the ADU was fully operational in just under 3 months.
Here’s the real cost data from the project:
Item | Cost |
---|---|
ADU Structure & Finishing | $240,000 |
Solar System (6.5 kW) | $17,000 |
Tesla Powerwall Installation | $10,500 |
Electrical Upgrade (200A panel) | $2,500 |
Permits, Title 24, Inspections | $3,500 |
Total | $273,500 |
Federal and state incentives helped offset this:
Final Net Cost: $261,750
The ADU’s monthly energy usage was projected at 450–500 kWh. With net metering and time-of-use savings, the solar + battery system offsets nearly 100% of the energy cost.
At $0.35/kWh average PG&E rates, that’s $160–$180/month in savings, or $2,000+ annually.
Payback Timeframe:
While energy savings are great, the benefits went far beyond dollars:
If you live in the Bay Area, the answer is increasingly yes.
With skyrocketing utility rates, more frequent blackouts, and attractive rebates, electrifying your ADU is no longer a niche idea—it’s a smart investment.
Whether you’re building a backyard rental, multigenerational unit, or work-from-home studio, consider powering it with the sun and securing it with a battery.
At Greenberg Construction, we handle the full design-build process—from solar feasibility to architectural design to battery storage compliance. Let’s make your ADU efficient, sustainable, and future-ready.
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