NEM GO vs NEM Pro: Which Solar Expansion Kit Is Right for You?

In Short: NEM GO is the simpler, more affordable option for most California solar owners, shipping free anywhere in the state at $1,799 during the Spring Sale. NEM Pro offers more power if you have the space and are in the Oakland area, starting at $1,299 on sale for the two panel version.

If you own rooftop solar in California, you already know it is a smart investment. But what if your system is undersized for your actual usage? What if your true up bill still comes in higher than you would like? California NEM expansion rules let you add up to 1 kW (or 10% of your existing system, whichever is greater) without losing your existing NEM rate. The question is not whether to expand. It is which kit makes sense for your home and lifestyle.

Understanding Your Options

Bright Saver offers two plug in solar expansion systems: NEM GO and NEM Pro. Both are built around the same core idea: panels that plug into a dedicated outdoor outlet on the side of your house. No roof work. No contractor scheduling. Both systems are connected to your grid through your existing interconnection agreement, just like your rooftop solar.

The difference? Capacity, weight, and how you get the panels to your home.

NEM GO: The Standard Choice

NEM GO consists of four 250W panels that total 1,000W (1 kW) of added capacity. Each panel weighs 26 lbs and measures 61 by 30 inches. This kit is designed to ship easily and install quickly on a patio, in a yard, or along a fence anywhere in California.

The biggest advantage is logistics. Bright Saver ships NEM GO free to any California address. No pickup appointment. No delivery window negotiation. The kit arrives at your door ready to ground mount.

During the Spring Sale (coupon code SpringSale), NEM GO costs $1,799, down from the regular price of $2,199. At that price point with free shipping, the math is straightforward for most homeowners.

NEM Pro: More Power, Local Only

NEM Pro swaps four smaller panels for either two or four heavier panels at 410W each. That is either 820W or 1,640W of total capacity depending on which version you choose. Each panel weighs about 45 lbs, making shipping impractical.

Instead, NEM Pro is available for warehouse pickup in Oakland or delivery within 50 miles of Oakland. This matters if you are in the Bay Area or Central Valley and want maximum expansion capacity without buying multiple 1 kW systems.

NEM Pro starts at $1,499 for the two panel version (820W), or $1,299 during the Spring Sale. The four panel option (1,640W) costs $2,348 regular or $2,148 on sale. At 1,640W total capacity, the four panel version delivers over 60% more expansion capacity than NEM GO.

The Electricity Math

Here is what matters most: how much will each system actually save you?

A NEM GO system generates approximately 1,500 kWh per year (depending on your location and panel orientation). Your actual savings depend on your utility and NEM tier.

If you are with PG&E on the E-TOU-C plan, your export value runs roughly $0.33 to $0.35 per kilowatt hour. At 1,500 kWh, that translates to roughly $495 to $525 per year in avoided charges on your true up bill. SDG&E customers on DR-SES see export rates around $0.35 to $0.38 per kWh, bringing the annual value to about $525 to $570 per year. SCE customers on TOU-D-4-9PM are looking at $0.18 to $0.20 per kWh, or about $270 to $300 per year.

With NEM Pro two panel 820W option, you are looking at roughly 1,200 kWh per year or about 80% of NEM GO output. The four panel 1,640W option generates roughly 2,200 kWh per year, nearly 50% more than NEM GO.

Which Should You Choose?

Choose NEM GO if: You live anywhere in California (literally anywhere), you want the simplest installation process, you prefer the lowest upfront cost, and you have space for panels on or near the ground. Free shipping makes this a no brainer for most homeowners.

Choose NEM Pro if: You are near Oakland and want maximum expansion capacity in a single system, you have limited ground space but can handle heavier panels, or you want to prepare for growing electricity demand.

Both systems include UL 1741 SB certified microinverters, listed on the California Energy Commission approved equipment list and compliant with CA Rule 21. Both require a dedicated circuit (its own breaker, nothing else on it) and a dedicated outdoor GFCI outlet. If you do not have one, electrician work typically costs $200 to $400 and is relatively quick and straightforward. Both systems shut down automatically during grid outages per anti islanding safety standards.

Your Next Step

Start with our NEM expansion guide to understand your current solar setup and what expansion might look like for your home. Then use our free solar expansion calculator to get a personalized estimate of how much you could save with either system.

Ready to move forward? The Spring Sale will not last forever. Get your personalized savings estimate and explore whether NEM GO or NEM Pro makes sense for your home.

Last updated: March 2026