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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:
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.
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:
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:
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.
Talk to a storage provider to see if a battery storage system is right for you and your home. See Getting Started, below.
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.
Please talk to your storage provider about your energy goals. They can suggest sizing and programming for your needs.
Choosing the right storage provider is an important step. Consider these guidelines when looking at your options:
Once you decide that a battery is right for you, you can:
Leases generally last 10-15 years. Be sure to look at all options before choosing how to finance the system. To understand the benefits and risks of each, check out the Solar Consumer Protection Guide (PDF, 3.8 MB). Starting on page 12, it has information on solar financing that is also applicable to storage.
Consider the following to determine if and how SGIP incentives could work for you.
More information about funding, incentive rates and program rules can be found on our SGIP webpage.
You may receive a Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) if your battery storage system is paired with renewable energy. In August 2022, the ITC was raised to 30% for installations that take place between 2022-2032.
The financial incentives that pay for your battery don’t count as income. So, your eligibility for MediCAL/Medicare benefits won’t be affected.
The information on your application is only used to confirm SGIP eligibility. It will not impact your immigration status.
Pairing your battery with solar can benefit you any time.
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. How long your system can provide backup power is determined by:
Talk to a battery storage provider to learn more.
On an everyday basis:
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 get the most bill savings under Net Energy Metering. It also reduces your carbon impact.
Before you invest in a system, we suggest you review the expected financial return.
If you rent, please first work with your landlord to determine if you’re able to install a home battery.
Yes, batteries can supply backup power during an outage. If a power outage is expected, some storage providers can send a signal to your battery to begin charging. This can help you stay powered for as long as possible.
During a power outage, your solar system will not provide power to your home unless designed to do so. This is to ensure your solar system doesn’t send power to the grid when it could be unsafe for electrical workers. For more details on accessing your home’s solar power during an outage, call your solar provider.
Ready to go solar? Learn more about your options.
How long a home battery charge will last is determined by:
Household usage varies and depends on factors such as:
EVERY HOME IS DIFFERENT. PLEASE WORK WITH YOUR STORAGE PROVIDER TO FIND THE BEST OPTION FOR YOU.
Most battery storage systems use Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) batteries. In most instances, 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 that you are off the grid. Batteries do not generate power. They need to be charged either by PG&E’s grid or by home solar systems. Most customers need grid power to support their needs.
YOU/YOUR HOUSEHOLD
THE BATTERY STORAGE PROVIDER
PG&E
Maintenance and repair 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 that, if hardware fails, the battery company will be notified. The company can then send technicians out to address the problem. We recommend you check your contract for these types of services.
Home battery storage system size 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.
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.
Battery storage systems are generally safe. The main concern is overheating. Your provider should prevent this by:
Make sure all hardware meets safety criteria from Underwriter Laboratories and the National Electrical Manufacturers Association. Ask a provider to confirm their hardware meets these standards.
The noise generated by a battery storage system is minimal. It generally will not interfere with normal activities in your home. Peak volume is usually less than or equal to the noise level of an air conditioner.