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Rebate · California Public Utilities Commission · California

SGIP Equity Resiliency Battery Rebate (California)

Up to $1,000 per kWh of installed battery capacity

The Self-Generation Incentive Program Equity Resiliency tier delivers California's most generous home battery storage rebate — up to $1,000 per kWh installed for residents in Public Safety Power Shutoff zones, medical baseline customers, and households living in Tier 2 or Tier 3 fire-threat districts under CalFire FHSZ. A typical Tesla Powerwall 3 installation (13.5 kWh usable) qualifies for up to $13,500 — frequently covering the entire installed cost. Equity Resiliency was created in response to the 2017–2019 wildfire seasons and the resulting PSPS events, recognizing that battery backup is a public-safety upgrade, not just a clean-energy upgrade. Funding is administered by PG&E, SCE, and SDG&E in their respective service territories under uniform CPUC rules. Reservations open in step blocks — when a block depletes, the per-kWh rate steps down and a new block opens. The reservation expires 12 months after approval, requiring install completion within that window.

Eligibility

Who qualifies for Equity Resiliency?

Three pathways: (1) PG&E or SCE medical baseline allowance customers, (2) residents in Tier 2 or Tier 3 fire-threat districts per CalFire Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps, (3) customers in PSPS zones who experienced 2+ outages of 24+ hours in the prior 12 months.

Income limits?

No specific income cap on Equity Resiliency, but the standard Equity Budget tier (which pays $850/kWh) requires ≤80% Area Median Income or DAC (Disadvantaged Community) residency or CARE/FERA enrollment.

Standalone vs. paired with solar?

Both qualify. SGIP does not require pairing with new solar. The federal 25D credit also applies to standalone batteries 3 kWh or larger since tax year 2023.

How to apply for SGIP Equity Resiliency

  1. Confirm tier eligibility

    Verify medical baseline status, FHSZ zone, or PSPS outage history. Documentation: PG&E/SCE/SDG&E medical baseline letter, CalFire FHSZ map screenshot, or PSPS outage record from utility account.

  2. Choose a participating installer

    Use the SGIP Trade Professional Directory at selfgenca.com to find an enrolled installer. Most large California solar installers participate.

  3. Reserve the rebate at contract

    Installer files SGIP reservation paperwork with the program administrator (PG&E, SCE, or SDG&E depending on territory). Reservation locks in the per-kWh rate at the time of submission.

  4. Install within 12 months

    Reservations expire 12 months after approval. Permit, install, and pass utility interconnection inspection within the window.

  5. Receive rebate post-commissioning

    After utility interconnection sign-off, the installer or homeowner submits the Incentive Claim Form. Payment typically issues within 60–90 days.

Stacking with other programs

Stacks with federal 25D (30% uncapped) and TOU rate plans (PG&E EV2-A, SCE TOU-D-PRIME). Cannot stack with the General Market or Equity Budget tiers — pick the highest-eligible tier. Powerwall VPP enrollment (Tesla Virtual Power Plant) can pair with SGIP and adds ~$200–$600/year ongoing revenue.

Frequently asked questions

How much does Equity Resiliency pay for a Tesla Powerwall 3? +
Powerwall 3 has 13.5 kWh of usable capacity. At $1,000/kWh, the rebate is $13,500 — frequently exceeding installed cost. SGIP caps at install cost (no profit), so effective net is often $0 out of pocket for qualifying customers.
Does this stack with the federal 25D credit? +
Yes. SGIP reduces the federal cost basis. Federal 25D = 30% × (cost − SGIP rebate). For Equity Resiliency customers where SGIP exceeds cost, the federal credit reduces to zero on basis but the homeowner still pockets the no-out-of-pocket benefit.
Can I qualify if I already have solar? +
Yes. Adding battery to existing solar qualifies if you meet the Equity Resiliency criteria (medical baseline, FHSZ, or PSPS).
How is "fire-threat district" verified? +
CalFire publishes Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps at fhsz.fire.ca.gov. Tier 2 (High) and Tier 3 (Very High) qualify for Equity Resiliency. Save a screenshot with date stamp.
What about the standard SGIP General Market tier? +
General Market pays $150/kWh — much lower. Most homeowners not qualifying for Equity tiers receive the General Market rebate, which still pairs well with the federal 25D 30% credit.

Official program page: https://www.selfgenca.com/

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