FREE MONEY! Energy and Storage Rebate in California
The Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) has been available since 2001. It offers significant rebates for solar and battery storage systems. If you haven’t been paying attention, you’ve been missing out on money that’s been there for the taking.
According to the SGIP website, the Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) may cover up to 100 percent of the cost of your solar and energy storage system, depending on your income and location.
This article is a simplified guide on how to get a rebate check after installing a solar energy and storage system.
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Confirm residential/commercial customer and site eligibility |
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Choose an SGIP-listed system (e.g., AES RACKMOUNT in Slimline Enclosure + Sol-Ark 15K) |
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Submit SGIP reservation before purchase/install |
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Install the system with a licensed installer |
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Send the required completion and inspection documentation |
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Receive a rebate per the utility guidelines |
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Operate the system, meet discharge minimums as per SGIP guidelines, and maintain the equipment |
California’s Self‑Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) supports residential, commercial, nonprofit, and public agency installations of behind‑the‑meter battery storage systems. Residential customers of PG&E, SCE, or SDG&E are eligible, as are small businesses. Your system must be newly installed and meet SGIP technical guidelines.
2. Select SGIP‑Approved Equipment
SGIP provides rebates only if your system is on the official SGIP Verified Equipment List. Discover Energy Systems batteries on that list include:
- AES RACKMOUNT battery module (48 V, 5.12 kWh), listed for use with Sol‑Ark hybrid inverters.
- When configured in a Slimline enclosure (e.g. 4 modules for a 20 kWh system), paired with the Sol‑Ark 15K inverter, this qualifies as SGIP‑approved equipment.
These meet UL standards, warranty standards, and durability expectations required by SGIP.
3. Reserve Funds Before You Buy
Before purchasing or installing equipment, submit an online reservation application via the SGIP portal. This reserves your rebate budget and ensures you know your expected incentive tier before committing. Installation or purchases that occur before setting up a reservation can lead to disqualification.
4. Install the Approved System
Once your reservation is accepted, contact an approved installer so you can proceed with purchase and installation:
- Discover Energy’s Slimline enclosure populated with AES RACKMOUNT battery modules
- Sol‑Ark 15K hybrid inverter configured to integrate with these batteries
The licensed solar or electrical contractor will pull permits, enable safety inspections, and finalize the commissioning of the system.
5. Submit Post‑Install Documentation
After installation and inspection, submit documentation to SGIP:
- SGIP reservation details
- Copy of purchase/invoice
- Interconnection and other inspection certificates
- Solar and battery system capacity and inverter model
- Final proof of installation completion
SGIP administrators will verify compliance before issuing rebate funds.
Depending on your utility territory, rebates may be issued as:
- A one-time check
- A credit on your utility bill
For popular equipment bundles (e.g., Slimline with AES RACKMOUNT + Sol‑Ark 15K), rebate levels may cover 80% or more of the system cost, depending on your energy tier and income level. In some equity-eligible programs, households or underserved communities may qualify for full coverage.
7. Maintain and Operate Your System
SGIP requires that installed systems perform at least 52 full discharge cycles per year and remain stable. Maintain the system per manufacturer guidelines and maintain warranty and SGIP compliance documentation. Avoid relocating or substantially modifying the system without notifying SGIP administrators, as this may affect eligibility.
To get started, contact a qualified installer and ask to use AES RACKMOUNT battery modules from Discover Energy Systems.