Solar energy and solar battery storage were already important concepts for reducing our carbon footprints and budgets. During the current pandemic, and in view of recent frequent wildfires, installation of independent power storage equipment is an even more critical concept. The State of California realized the essential nature of offering additional assistance for making this happen. They responded by allocating more funds to the Self-Generation Incentive Program through the Equity Resiliency Budget.
What is the SGIP Resiliency Program?
The Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) is a program administered by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) that offers rebates for the installation of energy storage systems, including such technologies as battery storage systems that can function during a power outage. The program covers installation of these systems at both residential and non-residential facilities.
The SGIP provides a cost savings of one-third the regular energy storage system installation charge. Thus, it offers California residents access to clean, reliable energy, for use during emergencies, at an affordable cost.
As previously mentioned, this is an essential consideration, not only for environmental and budgeting reasons. The pandemic and increasingly frequent and serious wildfires in the Golden State make this type of power storage even more important. Power outages aren’t just an inconvenience. They can endanger lives. Preventive power storage reduces risk.
What are the latest SGIP developments?
The CPUC, in January of 2020, approved additional funding for the SGIP program. $675 million per year was made available through 2024. So over $1 billion total is available.
Most of the funds went into SGIP’s newest section: The Equity Resiliency Budget – created in response to the increasing frequency of Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) – intentional power shutdowns for the protection of residents – across the state.
Do I meet the requirements to qualify for the SGIP?
To provide ready access to battery storage by California’s most vulnerable customers, the Equity Resiliency Budget offers SGIP incentives of $1000. Per kWh of battery storage capacity. The increased amount covers nearly all the cost of battery storage installation. To qualify for the equity resiliency budget guidelines, the applicant must:
Be considered low-income.
Reside in a 3 or 4 tier fire risk area.
Reside in an area which suffered two or more PSPS occurrences.
Be a critical facility in a disadvantaged community, high fire risk area or PSPS-affected area.
Other residents, who are members of Pacific Gas & Electric, Southern California Edison or San Diego Gas & Electric, can apply for the SGIP incentive via the Center for Sustainable Energy. Residential, industrial and agricultural, and commercial customers are eligible.
How do I get started?
Here is a link to the SGIP guide, for reference. But contacting an installer to do the research is the best way to get started with SGIP. A qualified installer can assist you in navigating the application process. To find an installer close to your location go to the Find an installer tool on the CPUC site. Inclusion on the site does not constitute a recommendation. (CPUC provides information regarding installers collected from surveys, but cannot verify the quality of their work.)
Contact Solar Optimum to Learn More
We offer extensive experience and conscientious service. Contact us if you are interested in learning more about solar panel battery system installation for continuing service during times of low power generation or power outages. We can help you understand the SGIP Resiliency Program and determine whether you qualify to take advantage of the price reduction.
