Is battery storage right for you?


Get more control of powering your home with battery storage. Battery storage can help you keep power on for your essential devices. These devices could include:


  • Medical equipment
  • Refrigeration
  • Air conditioning or electric heating
  • Lighting
  • Electric well pumps

To protect customers and communities, PG&E may enable Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS). Or, we may need to shut off power for safety when wildfire risk is high. We’re here to help you prepare. See below for guidance on if battery storage is right for you and how to invest in storage for your home.



Eligibility for financial incentives


Through the Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP), PG&E provides incentives when you install a battery storage system and offers increased incentives if you are more vulnerable during power outages (as long as program funds are available).


Incentives may cover the full cost of a battery if you live in a High Fire-Threat District or have experienced two or more Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS). In addition, one of the following must apply:


  • You have incentives reserved in the income-qualified solar programs (SASH or DAC-SASH)
  • You use life-support equipment
  • You meet income eligibility standards
  • You rely on an electric well pump for water

Learn about the Self-Generation Incentive Program


Potential battery storage benefits

Batteries can supply your home with backup power during an outage. Batteries can also help you manage your electricity use to save money. If you have solar, a battery lets you use more of the power produced by your solar system. Details on these potential benefits include:


  • Backup power: We may need to turn power off for safety during periods of high fire risk. This is due to the growing risk of wildfires in California. Wildfire safety outages have the potential to last several days. Batteries can supply you with backup power.

    The length of time your system can provide backup power is based on its size of the battery and the amount of power you need. A battery storage system paired with solar can help power devices for days. Your storage provider can help you assess how long a battery is expected to last.
  • Reduce energy costs: If 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.

    If you install battery storage but don’t own an electric vehicle, you may qualify for the Home Charging EV2A rate. As of September 30, 2022, there were about 7,000 storage-only participants. Space is limited to 30,000.


    LEARN MORE ABOUT THE HOME CHARGING (EV2A) RATE
    LEARN ABOUT TIME-OF-USE RATES

  • Increased use of at-home solar energy: If you have solar, a battery can store any excess electricity generated during the day for use at night. This helps you reduce your carbon impact and get the most savings on your bill under Net Energy Metering.

    LEARN ABOUT NET ENERGY METERING

Talk to a storage provider to see if a battery storage system is right for you and your home. See Getting Started, below.

Home battery storage systems is often connected to the grid and your home’s electric system. By connecting to both, the system can perform two main functions:


  • Charging: You can store power generated by your rooftop solar system—or from the grid when power is cheaper—and use it later. If a power outage is expected, some storage providers can send a signal to your battery to charge it. This allows you to have backup power in case it is needed.
  • Discharging: Stored power from your battery can be used during an outage or at night. You can also save money by using it when the price of power from the grid is higher.

Rooftop solar panels on your home feed your storage batteries. The batteries then send power back to your home or to the PG&E grid.Opens in new Window.

Please note: You do not need a home solar system to benefit from battery storage. A battery storage system can charge solely from PG&E’s grid. Pairing solar with your battery, however, may help you save on your bill and make backup power last longer.

Key components of a battery storage system


  • Battery: The batteries used for most home storage systems are Lithium-ion. These batteries are compact. They can charge and discharge quickly and efficiently. Other types of batteries may be less efficient and less flexible.
  • Inverter: Inverters help convert battery power to the power used by your home and PG&E’s grid. Inverters also set the upper limit of how much power your battery can provide at any given moment.
  • Wiring and backup power configuration: Your battery can be set up to power your whole home or only essential loads during a power outage. Under a “whole home” setup, power needs to be manually reduced so the battery doesn’t drain too quickly. This may be challenging if you are not at home when the outage begins.

    Under a “partial home” setup, your battery may power only essential devices. This setup can reduce power use and help devices stay powered longer. Your storage provider can help you decide which setup is the best fit for your needs.
  • Smart energy management software and communication technology: Your battery will most likely have special software. This software checks system performance to ensure the unit is safe and reliable. It can be set up to charge your battery when energy is cheaper and discharge when it’s more expensive. If a power outage is expected, some storage providers can send a signal to your battery to begin charging.

Frequently asked questions