What is the Sun Storage Rebate Program?

Launched in 2024, the Sun Storage Rebate program is an incentive program — offering rebates up to $2,250 — for eligible residential customers who install a battery storage system paired with a solar PV (solar panel) system. Residential customers will receive their rebate upon successfully installing and interconnecting an eligible battery storage system.

Who’s eligible?

The Sun Storage Rebate Program is available to all Clean Power Alliance residential customers who do not currently have an operating battery storage system.

What are the incentive categories?

There are four types of incentives that customers can qualify for: Base Incentive, Reliability+ Incentive, Medical Qualified Incentive, and Income Qualified Incentive, each as defined below. 

  1. Base Incentive: So long as the customer meets the eligibility requirements stated in Section 1, the customer will receive a $750 payment (“Base Incentive”) if their Incentive Claim Form is reviewed and approved by EGIA. The Incentive Claim Form can be found on the Program webpage and must be submitted prior to the Reservation Expiration Date.  
  2. Reliability+ Incentive: If the customer’s account is (i) located in (A) a city that has residents in a “high” or “very high” Fire Hazard Severity Zone (“FHSZ”), as determined by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (“CAL FIRE”), or (B) in a zip code that has residents in a “high” or “very high” FHSZ in unincorporated areas of Ventura County or Los Angeles County and (ii) meets the eligibility requirements stated in Section 1, then the customer will receive an additional $1,250 payment (“Reliability+ Incentive”) in addition to the Base. 
  3. Medical Qualified Incentive: If the customer is (i) on a Medical Baseline rate (“MBL”), and (ii) meets the eligibility requirements stated in Section 1, the customer will receive an additional $250 payment (“Medical Qualified Incentive”) in addition to the Base Incentive. 
  4. Income Qualified Incentive: If the customer is (i) on a California Alternate Rates for Energy (“CARE”) or Family Electric Rate Assistance (“FERA”), and (ii) meets the eligibility requirements stated in Section 1, the customer will receive an additional $250 payment (“Income Qualified Incentive”) in addition to the Base Incentive.  
  5. Eligible customers may receive the Base Incentive , Reliability+ Incentive, and either (i) the Medical Qualified Incentive or (ii) Income Qualified incentive for a combined total of $2,250.  
  6. Customers cannot receive both the Medical Qualified Incentive and Income Qualified Incentive. 
If I already have solar, am I still eligible?

Yes, as long as you’re a CPA residential customer and don’t have an existing battery storage system. 

What is an interconnection?

Interconnection is the process of connecting your solar battery systems to the electrical grid. CPA customers must go through Southern California Edison’s (SCE) interconnection process to receive the program incentive. For more information, please see SCE’s guide to interconnection requirements and processes here: www.sce.com/residential/generating-your-own-power/Grid-Interconnections 

How much does a battery storage system cost?

According to Energy Sage, based on projects in 2024, the average storage system cost in California is $1,075/kWh. This cost doesn’t factor in incentives like the Sun Storage Rebate Program, California Public Utilities Commission’s Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) or the federal tax credit. 

How do solar batteries work?

A battery system stores electricity from the power grid or from solar panels. Most batteries are made of lithium-ion technology, similar to what's used in smartphones and electric vehicles. These batteries are popular because they're efficient, have a long lifespan and can store a large amount of energy in a relatively small space. 

When solar panels produce extra electricity, it can be stored in batteries to use later. You home can draw electricity from the solar battery when electricity rates are high or when your panels aren't producing. In the event of a power outage, the battery will automatically provide backup power to your home and will continue to charge when the solar panels are generating excess electricity. 

How do I apply for a rebate?

To secure your rebate, complete and get approval through the Incentive Reservation Form and the Incentive Claim Form. The Reservation Form, capturing your and the contractor's details, is submitted online or by email. Upon approval, your rebate is reserved for one year, extendable up to two three-month periods. If rejected, resubmission is allowed. After installing and interconnecting the battery storage system, submit the Claim Form. CPA reviews and, upon acceptance, disburses your incentive funds. 

 

What happens if program funds are fully reserved when I apply?

If funds are fully reserved, you’ll be placed on a waitlist on a first-come-first-served basis. 

Is my incentive guaranteed after it’s reserved?

No, an Incentive Claim Form must be submitted before the reservation expires. 

Do I have to own the property where I’m installing the battery storage system?

No, but you must be an account holder at the requested address and obtain any necessary approvals to install the battery storage system. Renters typically need approval from the property owner to install solar and solar battery storage systems and condo or townhome owners may need approval from their Homeowners Associations.

If I already installed a battery storage system, can I still apply for this incentive?

No, this rebate is only available to customers who don’t already have operating battery storage systems.

My Incentive Reservation Form was approved, but the information that I put on it has changed. What should I do?

You will have to contact us and verify that your system equipment is still eligible. New system information must be provided on the Incentive Claim Form. If new system equipment is not eligible, then you may lose your reservation spot and be unable to claim a rebate. 

Do I need to have a contractor before I submit an Incentive Reservation Form?

Yes, the contractor who will be installing your battery storage system must be identified and included in your Incentive Reservation Form. 

What are CARE, FERA, and Medical Baseline and how do I check if I qualify?

The California Alternate Rates for Energy (“CARE”) and Family Electric Rate Assistance (“FERA”) programs offer financial assistance, reducing electricity bills for eligible customers. Check eligibility and enroll at: https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/industries-and-topics/electrical-energy/electric-costs/care-fera-program 

The Medical Baseline program provides additional electricity at a discounted rate for customers with medical needs. For details and enrollment, visit: https://www.pge.com/en/account/billing-and-assistance/financial-assistance/medical-baseline-program.html