Permanent Battery Storage Rebate Find out if you qualify for a $7,500 rebate on a permanent battery storage system
/Power outages are a common occurrence in California, especially during extreme weather events. Whether due to wildfires, storms, or public safety power shutoffs, it’s essential for homeowners to have reliable backup power to ensure that critical appliances, equipment, and electronics keep running. To help homeowners safeguard their homes, PG&E is offering a $7,500 rebate on the purchase and installation of permanent battery storage systems.
What is the Permanent Battery Storage Rebate?
The Permanent Battery Storage Rebate from PG&E is designed to encourage homeowners to install a backup battery system for emergency situations. The rebate is available to first-time PG&E battery storage customers who meet the eligibility requirements and agree to install a permanent battery storage system that provides backup power during an outage.
This rebate offers up to $7,500 toward the cost of purchasing and installing a qualified permanent battery storage system. It is available on a first-come, first-served basis, while funding lasts. However, currently, 190,000 PG&E customers are eligible for this program, but only 600 customers will receive funding.
Benefits of Backup Power
By installing a battery storage system, homeowners can ensure their homes are prepared for power outages. Backup power systems provide several critical benefits:
Keep the lights on: Power your home during an outage, avoiding disruptions in daily life.
Help appliances stay running: Ensure essential appliances such as refrigerators and freezers continue operating.
Save perishable food: Keep food safe and fresh by maintaining refrigeration.
Power essential equipment: Keep important electronics and medical devices powered during an outage.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Permanent Battery Storage Rebate, applicants must meet the following criteria:
PG&E Residential Customer: You must be a residential electric service customer of PG&E.
First-time Battery Storage Customer: This program is specifically for first-time battery storage customers with PG&E.
Outage History: You must have experienced five or more Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings outages since January 1, 2023.
Qualified Battery: Your battery system must be on PG&E’s Qualified Product List.
Permission to Operate: The permanent battery storage system must be installed and have received Permission to Operate from PG&E’s Electric Generation Interconnection (EGI) Department.
Time-of-Use Rate Plan: You must be enrolled in a PG&E Time-of-Use rate plan.
PG&E Demand Response: You must be enrolled in PG&E’s Demand Response Program or a similar equivalent program as determined by PG&E.
Solar Customers: If you have solar panels, you should check with your solar provider to ensure the battery is compatible with your system.
Important Details:
Standalone Battery: The battery can be a standalone backup system without requiring an existing solar setup. It’s not mandatory to have solar panels to qualify for the rebate, making this an accessible option for many homeowners who just need reliable backup power.
No Income Limit: There are no income restrictions for eligibility, so all PG&E customers who meet the other qualifications can apply for the rebate.
Backup Only: This battery storage system can also be used as backup power only. If you're only interested in using the system for backup purposes and don’t want it tied to your solar or grid usage, this option is available. Most likely, any eligibility will align with what SGIP allows—we will follow up with more specific details.
Separate Cost Breakdown: You do not need to include the full cost of the installation and materials in your original contract. You can place the material and labor costs on a separate sheet to be submitted for review.
How to Apply
The application process is straightforward, but there are important deadlines to keep in mind:
Eligibility Verification: First, check if you're eligible by entering your address in the Permanent Battery Storage Rebate Address Lookup Tool on PG&E’s website.
Address Lookup Tool
Submit Application: Applications must be submitted within 12 months from the purchase date or by December 31, 2025, whichever is sooner. Note that the application cannot be submitted until your battery system has been installed and received Permission to Operate from PG&E.
Rebate Limit: The rebate is one per household, regardless of the system size or quantity installed.
Allow Enough Time: Ensure that you have ample time to purchase, install, interconnect the system, and submit the application.
Dual Participation and Other Considerations
It’s important to note that PG&E’s new battery storage rebate can also be combined with other incentives, such as the Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP), although you should check the terms and conditions to ensure eligibility. However, there are some restrictions when combining incentives, so be sure to confirm whether the battery storage system you are purchasing is eligible for both programs.
What Does the Rebate Cover?
The $7,500 rebate is designed to offset the costs of purchasing and installing a permanent battery storage system, which can provide critical backup power during outages. However, it's important to remember that labor costs and other additional system components (like gateways or controllers) are not included in the rebate. Only the battery storage system itself is eligible for the rebate.
Conclusion
PG&E’s Permanent Battery Storage Rebate offers a fantastic opportunity for homeowners to invest in reliable backup power. Not only will this help ensure that your home is prepared for unexpected power outages, but it also provides a substantial rebate to reduce the financial burden of installing a battery storage system. If you meet the eligibility criteria, this program can help you protect your home and ensure peace of mind during outages.
To find out if you qualify, visit PG&E’s website and use the address lookup tool to check your eligibility:
Permanent Battery Storage Rebate Eligibility