Urgent Alert
- Overview
- Battery storage
- SGIP for business
- SGIP equity resiliency
- Rate plans
Self-Generation Incentive Program
The SGIP is a financial rebate program for customers installing battery storage systems. Currently, the rebate is 15-20% of the average battery cost. The rebate is open to all PG&E customers.
In order to be eligible to receive any SGIP storage incentives, residential customers applying for battery storage incentives must transition to qualifying home charging rate schedules:
This is to promote a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by providing the right price signals to charge during “off-peak” times when there are more renewables on the grid. You may also save money on these rates by charging your battery storage system during off-peak times and discharging it during “peak” times.
Information to share with your installer
- Battery incentives decrease over time. Select the budget category of interest (Small Residential Storage) to track the current incentive.
- This budget category is open. This budget category will move into Step 7 soon, updates can be found on the statewide announcements page.
- Select the budget category of interest (Small Residential Storage) to track budget allocations.
SGIP may cover the full cost of the battery if you:
- Live in Tier 2 or Tier 3 High Fire-Threat Districts (HFTD), or
- Have experienced more than two Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS)
- And meet one of the following:
Note: We are currently experiencing high demand for this incentive level under the equity resiliency budget. Have your installer check the status at selfgenca.com program metrics.
Contact us
Email: selfgen@pge.com
Customer Service Center: 415-973-6436
Mailing address:
PG&E Payment Research
Attn: Self-Generation Incentive Program
PO Box 997310
Sacramento, CA 95899
No, it will not impact your immigration status. The incentives you receive from this program do not count as income. Your eligibility for MediCAL/Medicare benefits will also not be affected.
Pairing your battery with solar can benefit you every day:
- If you are on a PG&E Time-of-Use rate or Home Charging rate, you can charge your battery when power is cheaper.
- You can also use it in your home when the cost of power is higher. This helps you save the most on your bills under Net Energy Metering.
- It reduces your carbon impact, too.
The program also has benefits during an outage:
- A battery storage system paired with solar can help power devices for days.
- It also lets you recharge your battery during the day to make your backup power last longer.
If you rent, work with your landlord to determine if you’re able to install a home battery.
Yes, batteries can be used as backup power during an outage. If a power outage is expected, you may be able to start charging your battery. Some providers can help you prepare your battery for an outage. This allows your home to stay powered on for as long as possible.
During an outage, your solar system when paired with battery storage will disconnect from the grid and serve as an island providing power from your solar system to only your home.
How long the battery charge lasts is determined by:
- Your battery size
- Your critical energy needs
- The weather (if paired with rooftop solar)
Household usage depends on factors like:
- The size of your home
- The amount of power your devices need
- The weather
Most battery storage systems use Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) batteries. In most cases, the battery and the components that come with it should last at least 10 years. They should also be warrantied for 10 years.
No. Having battery storage does not mean you are off the grid. Batteries do not produce power. They need to be charged either by PG&E’s grid or by home solar systems.
PG&E and the battery provider will both play a role in the process.
Your household
- Choose a battery storage provider from our approved SGIP developer list (XLSX).
- Determine if you are eligible for SGIP. Your battery storage provider can help you learn more.
The battery storage provider
- Submits an application.
- Helps you choose the right system for your home.
- Programs the battery to best fit your needs.
- Describes how the battery works and answers your questions.
- Installs your system.
- Deals with any battery issues after it is installed.
PG&E
- Reviews the application.
- Completes any system upgrades.
- Gives approval when it is safe to connect your system to the grid.
- Provides SGIP funds to either you or your battery storage provider.
Repairs are often included in the contract. Discuss this with your storage provider before you sign.
Your system may come with remote monitoring software. This means if your system fails, the battery company will be notified. The company can then send technicians out to address the problem.
Most suppliers can offer you both indoor and outdoor options. If you get an outdoor system, make sure the enclosure is Underwriters Laboratories (UL)-certified or National Electrical Manufacturers Association-rated.
Most suppliers can offer you both indoor and outdoor options. If you get an outdoor system, make sure the enclosure is Underwriters Laboratories (UL)-certified or National Electrical Manufacturers Association-rated.
The size of your home battery mostly depends on your energy needs. Most battery storage providers offer a range of sizes. For a typical home, a garage will provide enough space to install the battery. Your storage provider can help you select the right place for your unit.
Battery systems create a small amount of noise. The volume of noise is usually less than or equal to the sound of an air conditioner.
Battery storage
Battery storage systems are often connected to the grid and your electric system.
The system performs two main functions:
- Charging. Store power generated by your solar system and from the grid when power is cheaper. This stored power can be used later.
- Discharging. Stored power can be used during an outage or at night. Save money by using it when the price of power from the grid is higher.
Benefits of battery storage
- Helps temporarily extend power to a home or business (an average of 4-6 hours) during an outage
- Keep important devices running during an outage
- Stores excess solar energy generated during the day for use at night
- Sustain a multi-day outage
- How long your system will provide backup power depends on your battery size, critical energy needs, and if paired with rooftop solar, weather conditions. Talk to a battery storage provider to learn more about your specific needs and options.
- Cost and electricity savings:
- Whether you're on the Home Charging EV2A* rate or a Time-of-Use rate*, you can charge your battery when power is cheaper. You can also use it in your home when the cost of power is higher.
*Customers must be on either of these two rate plans.
Self-Generation Incentive Program for businesses
- Helps your home recover power quickly during an outage
- Powers important devices during an outage
- Stores excess solar energy generated during the day for use at night
- Cost and electricity savings:
- Whether you're on the EV for business* rate or a Time-of-Use rate*, you can charge your battery when power is cheaper. You can also use it in your home when the cost of power is higher.
*Customers must be on either of these two rate plans.
Frequently asked questions
Any PG&E customer can apply for the Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP). Your savings will depend on the category you qualify for (see “Which rebate does my business qualify for?” below).
There are a few types of incentives your business may qualify for. The categories include:
- General market incentive. This rebate covers about 10-15% of the cost of an average energy storage system. All business customers may qualify.
- Equity rebate. This rebate covers about 85% of the cost of an average energy storage system. Only certain businesses will qualify for this rebate.
- Equity resiliency rebate. This rebate covers close to 100% of the cost of an average energy storage system. Only certain businesses will qualify for this rebate.
Learn if you are in a DAC
Learn if you are in a low-income community
Learn if you are in a HFTD
- To get your rebate, submit the application and install your battery system.
- Your installer will submit an incentive claim form on the application database.
- After you're approved, you'll get the first 50% of the rebate. The remaining 50% will be paid over five years in annual payments.
The following equipment may qualify for SGIP:
- Combined heat and power
- Fuel cells
- Gas turbines
- Internal combustion engines
- Microturbines
- Onsite, directed or vented biogas
- Pressure reduction turbines
- Waste heat to power
- Wind turbines
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC)’s SGIP webpage has more details about the program. There you can find an SGIP handbook, an eligibility map, a list of approved installers and more.
To apply for a SGIP rebate:
- Find an installer. Look for installers in your area. Use the approved SGIP developer list.
- Ask your installer questions. They can help you find the SGIP category you qualify for. They can also help you find the technology for your business’ needs.
- Work with your installer: They'll help you apply for the SGIP and install your system.
Self-Generation Incentive Program equity resiliency
This program can offer cost savings for your business. Battery storage can also help prepare your business for a power outage. An outage can happen at any time due to weather or emergencies.
Use the PSPS Event Address Lookup Tool to see if you qualify based on PSPS and wildfire impacts.
The CalFire High Fire-Threat District (HFTD) map at the CPUC site. View the HFTD map.
Home charging (EV2A) rate
Combine your vehicle's electricity costs with your home’s electricity usage.
Time-Of-Use rates
Different prices for electricity depending on the time of day its used.
Rooftop Solar
Reduce your monthly electric bill with the energy generated by your own private rooftop solar energy system.
More clean energy incentives
Green energy incentives
Find clean energy programs and contractors