The family of five lives in a newer 4,000-square-foot, ocean-view home in Pismo Beach full of modern conveniences, including two refrigerators, a hot tub and lots of lights and electrical appliances.

There was just one problem: their PG&E bill was killing them. They were paying more than $400 a month for electricity.

Four months ago, they settled on a 7.5-kilowatt rooftop solar system from REC Solar. It took the technicians three days to install the 35 photovoltaic panels.

Then they decided to go whole-hog and installed a new meter when the solar panels were put in. The effect of the new system on the family’s electric bill was dramatic. It went from $415 to $5 a month. The $5 is a fee PG&E charges to be connected to the grid.

After the first of the year, state energy officials are expected to approve a plan whereby families like the Koziels can sell their excess power to PG&E for a modest fee. The solar panels will start making them money.

“It’s the best investment we’ve ever made,” they aid. “Part of our retirement plan is the solar panels on my roof, despite the solar installations are expensive “— in their case more than $47,000.

The family was able to take advantage of a package of state and federal incentives that covered $18,000. But they had to get a 15-year loan to cover the remaining $29,000. Solar system retailers say most homeowners would be happy with a smaller, less expensive system than the one the Koziels opted for.