California’s Self Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) has helped Californians get solar battery storage with great incentives since the beginning of the millennium. SGIP has a program specifically for homeowners affected by wildfires and power outages – the Equity Resiliency Rebate. This stand-alone program has its own funding and is administered by PG&E, SCE, SoCal Gas, SDG&E, and the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), and it will subsidize the installation of a home battery system (of two batteries – valued up to $26,400) for no cost in some cases.
With the new Equity Resiliency program, more homeowners in California will now have the opportunity to get energy peace of mind.
Who is Eligible For a Full Rebate on Energy Storage?
The Equity Resiliency program was put in place in preparation for the next wildfire season. It is restricted to the state of California and is meant to help homeowners in areas where the risk of wildfires and planned and unplanned outages are high. Homeowners, who, in addition to living in a designated High Fire Threat District, also are either a medical baseline customer, have previously notified their utility company that they suffer from a medical condition that would become life-threatening if they did not have access to electricity, or are currently receiving a solar rebate from the Single-family Affordable Solar Homes Program (SASH). In order to find out if you meet the combination of requirements, reach out to an energy expert at Solar Optimum and we will clarify.
Is Energy Storage Just For Solar Homes?
While it is not necessary to have residential solar panels to benefit from a home battery, it can be a great investment and a way to free yourself from the utility companies. Solar Optimum highly recommends the combination of both:
“Depending on the homeowners’ needs, particularly those living in high threat fire zones, we always recommend the solar plus home battery combination for safety reasons”, said Rainier de Ocampo, VP of marketing at Solar Optimum. “By adding a home battery like Tesla Powerwall to an existing solar system, it is possible for the homeowner to become independent from the grid while at the same time having the peace of mind health-wise of knowing that they will have access to power even if the grid is down,” he continues.
Is it Free?
In some cases, yes. The Equity Resilience incentive is at a level of $1,000 per kWh, which should cover the combined cost of a Tesla Powerwall system and installation. The maximum rebate is $26,400, which covers two Tesla Powerwall backup batteries. Depending on your specific qualifications, you could be eligible for a 100% rebate. Reach out to Solar Optimum today, and we will help confirm whether you qualify for the program. But make sure you act fast as the program expires soon.
Do I Qualify?
If your home meets both of the following criteria, you could benefit from the 100% home battery rebate:
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Your home is located in a high fire-threat area
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Your electricity was subject to public power safety shut-offs two more times per year
AND
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You are eligible for a medical baseline program, OR
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You have a serious illness or life-threatening condition if electricity is disconnected and qualify for medical baseline
If you meet these criteria, contact Solar Optimum today.
Why Battery Storage?
Battery storage systems like Tesla Powerwall function during power outages. With solar battery storage, you have access to power whenever you need it – even during an outage. And in combination with your existing solar system, you are well on your way to becoming energy independent.
