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The Ultimate Guide to California’s SGIP Program: Solar Rebates & Energy Incentives
California’s energy landscape is evolving rapidly, with a growing emphasis on grid resilience, renewable energy, and equitable access to clean power. At the heart of this transformation is the Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) — a groundbreaking initiative offering financial incentives to help residents and businesses install solar energy storage systems.
Whether you’re looking to protect your home from blackouts or reduce energy costs, SGIP has something for everyone — including medical baseline customers, low-income households, and those living in high fire-threat areas.
What is the SGIP Program?
The Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) is a California state-funded rebate program designed to encourage the installation of clean, distributed energy technologies. Managed by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), SGIP provides incentives for installing battery storage systems and other qualifying technologies.
It is administered by the state’s major
investor-owned utilities:
The core goals of SGIP are to:
- Southern California Edison (SCE)
- Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E)
- San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E)
- Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas)
- Support grid reliability
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
- Enhance energy resilience
- Promote equity in energy access
For more on the program’s background, visit the official CPUC SGIP page:
How SGIP Supports Solar and Energy Storage
While solar panels help reduce electricity costs, they alone can’t provide backup power during an outage. That’s where battery energy storage systems come in — and SGIP makes them more accessible by offering rebates to offset installation costs.
Eligible systems include:
SGIP rebates are available for:
- Tesla Powerwall
- Enphase IQ Battery
- LG Chem RESU
- Residential customers
- Commercial and industrial customers
- Multifamily housing units
By pairing solar panels with a battery storage system, customers can store excess solar energy for use during peak hours, blackouts, or Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events.
Financial Benefits of SGIP for Homeowners
SGIP provides substantial solar rebates for battery systems, with incentives ranging from a few hundred dollars to covering the full cost of installation — depending on eligibility.
$150–$300 per kWh
of storage capacity
Standard residential customers
$850–$1,000+ per kWh
Medical baseline or low-income customers
A Tesla Powerwall with 13.5 kWh capacity could qualify for up
to $13,000 in SGIP rebates for eligible customers.
Additionally, SGIP rebates can be combined with the 30% Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for maximum savings.
SGIP for Medical Baseline Customers
The SGIP Equity Resiliency Budget offers enhanced rebates for customers enrolled in the Medical Baseline program, ensuring that those dependent on life-supporting electrical devices aren’t left in the dark during outages.
To qualify, you must:
- Be enrolled in your utility’s Medical Baseline Allowance Program
- Reside in a Tier 2 or Tier 3 High Fire-Threat District, or
- Have experienced two or more PSPS events
Documentation required includes medical certification and program enrollment confirmation.
Learn more about medical baseline qualifications at:
www.cpuc.ca.gov
SGIP for Low-Income Households
The SGIP Equity Budget offers higher rebate amounts for low-income households. These incentives can cover up to 100% of the cost of installing a battery storage system.
To qualify, you must:
- Be enrolled in a low-income utility program such as CARE or FERA, or
- Live in a Disadvantaged Community (DAC) or Low-Income Community, as defined by CalEnviroScreen or AB 1550
For more information, check your utility’s equity program: PG&E: www.pge.com/sgip
SCE: www.cpuc.ca.gov
SGIP Equity Resiliency Budget
Created in response to California’s increasing wildfire risks, the Equity Resiliency Budget supports customers facing extreme vulnerability due to medical, economic, or geographic factors.
This budget provides:
- $1,000/kWh in rebates — often covering the entire cost of a battery system
- Priority processing for high-risk fire zones and PSPS-affected areas
Learn more: www.cpuc.ca.gov/sgip
Application Process and Required Steps
Applying for SGIP is straightforward when working with an approved installer. Here’s what the process looks like:
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SGIP Program Budget Categories
SGIP is structured into different budget categories to ensure
equitable access:
General Market Budget:
Standard incentives
Equity Budget:
For low-income and disadvantaged communities
Equity Resiliency Budget:
For high-risk and medically vulnerable customers
Key Requirements to Qualify for SGIP
To be eligible for SGIP incentives, you must meet these general criteria:
- Be a customer of PG&E, SCE, SDG&E, or SoCalGas
- Install an eligible battery system or clean energy technology
- Use a certified SGIP contractor
- Provide documentation for income or medical eligibility (if applicable)
- Install a system that complies with CPUC technical guidelines
Details: www.cpuc.ca.gov
SGIP and Other California Energy Programs
SGIP can be combined with other California energy programs, such as:
- Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) – 30% off system cost
- California Solar Initiative (CSI)
- Net Energy Metering (NEM 2.0 / 3.0)
Choosing the Right Energy Storage System
Selecting the right battery depends on your energy usage, home size,
and goals. Popular options include:
- Tesla Powerwall – 13.5 kWh, scalable, sleek design
- Enphase IQ Battery – modular, integrates with Enphase solar systems
- LG Chem – high efficiency, compact form factor
Work with an experienced installer to size your system appropriately and
ensure full SGIP compliance.
Why Work with LA Solar Group for SGIP?
LA Solar Group has a proven track record of:
- Navigating the SGIP application process
- Serving low-income and medical baseline customers
- Installing certified battery systems across California
Their team manages everything from design to permitting and rebate paperwork, ensuring a seamless experience.
Official Resources & Application Portals
Final Thoughts: Take Advantage of SGIP Before It’s Gone
The SGIP program offers a powerful financial opportunity for Californians looking to improve energy security and sustainability. With limited funds and increasing demand, it’s crucial to act quickly.
Whether you’re eligible through income, medical need, or location, now is the time to apply and secure your share of California’s clean energy future.
For help with your SGIP application, contact a trusted installer like LA Solar Group and start your energy independence journey today.
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