How the program works
Step 1 – Outreach & Prequalification
The RHA staff will perform outreach to PG&E’s specified customer list and conduct a survey to determine prequalification status.
Step 2 – Site Assessments
If a customer pre-qualifies for the program, RHA subcontractors will schedule Site Assessments to validate survey responses and identify up to four to five circuits for the battery to support during an outage. A field technician will assess the customer’s property and electrical panel(s) to determine battery location, document meter information, and collect any other relevant documentation.
Step 3 – Permitting
Obtaining permits to install the battery may take several weeks or more, depending on the workload of the local permitting office. Once electrical design is complete, RHA will apply for a permit and keep the customer informed of timelines.
Step 4 – Installation & Final Inspection
The installation itself will require work performed in the home’s electrical panel to connect the battery to pre-selected circuits. It may be necessary to install a new main electrical panel if the home’s current panel cannot accommodate the battery. This is also covered by the program. The installation will take 1-2 full workdays to perform. RHA subcontractors will schedule an inspection within a week of completed installation, contingent on Inspector’s schedule.
Step 5 – Interconnection & Permission to Operate
The PG&E Interconnection team reviews all new battery storage and solar projects to safely interconnect energy storage systems to the PG&E electric grid. RHA drafts an Interconnection application (customer signature required) and pays a fee on behalf of the customer prior to battery installation. When the final inspection is approved, PG&E will grant Permission to Operate. Use of battery storage system after installation is not permitted until Permission to Operate is granted.