The SGIP home-battery rebate, explained
The Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) is California’s rebate for energy storage. Its picture changed at the end of 2025: the broad tiers most homeowners used closed to new applications, and the pathway still open in 2026 is income-qualified. Here’s where it stands.
What SGIP is
SGIP is a statewide program, funded through utility bills and administered by the big utilities (including PG&E), that pays a set amount per kilowatt-hour of battery capacity you install. Historically it had several tiers, and how much you got depended on which tier you qualified for.
What changed at the end of 2025
The tiers most homeowners relied on — General Market and the original Equity and Equity Resiliency budgets — closed to new applications at the end of 2025 and are effectively waitlisted. In 2026 the main SGIP pathway open to new applicants is the income-qualified Residential Solar & Storage Equity (RSSE) budget. So the earlier ‘covers most of your battery’ deals are no longer broadly available — don’t count on them without confirming your eligibility first.
Who qualifies now
The open RSSE track is aimed at income-qualified households (and community/tribal projects) in participating utility territories, and because it funds solar paired with storage it can help toward the panels too, not only the battery. Eligibility hinges on income level and program criteria; an installer registered with SGIP checks whether you qualify and files the paperwork.
How to use it
Because budgets open, close and change, treat any figure you read as a starting point and confirm what’s currently available and whether you qualify before you sign. Ask your installer to show the battery quote with and without any rebate applied so you can see the real out-of-pocket cost either way.
The fastest way past the sales pitch is your own numbers. Design a system for your address in about a minute — no signup.
Is SGIP still available in 2026?
Partly. The General Market and original Equity / Equity Resiliency budgets that most homeowners used closed to new applications at the end of 2025 and are waitlisted. The pathway still open to new applicants in 2026 is the income-qualified Residential Solar & Storage Equity (RSSE) budget. Confirm current status before you count on it.
Who qualifies for SGIP now?
The open RSSE track is for income-qualified households (plus community and tribal projects) in participating utility territories. Because it funds solar paired with storage, it can help toward the panels as well as the battery. Your installer confirms eligibility and files the application.
Does SGIP replace the federal tax credit that ended?
No. SGIP is a separate California program, and its broad tiers closed to new applicants at the end of 2025 while the federal residential solar tax credit also ended after 2025. For most 2026 buyers who aren't income-qualified, neither is available, so compare quotes on the cash price.
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