Last verified 2026-05-17
How to find an SGIP-approved installer
The Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) is a California rebate that helps pay for a home battery. To get the rebate, your installer must be on the official approved-developer list. Picking from that list is the only way the rebate paperwork goes through.
Where the official list lives
- Statewide approved developer list (primary source): selfgenca.com → Forms and Documents → SGIP Developer Eligibility Applications → Approved SGIP Developer List. The file downloads as a spreadsheet with company name, city, and state. [Source: selfgenca.com/home/resources (accessed 2026-05-17)]
- CPUC "Find an Installer" tool: cpuc.ca.gov/sgip. [Source: cpuc.ca.gov/sgip (accessed 2026-05-17)]
- Program Administrators (they can refer installers in your area):
- PG&E (Northern + Central CA, including Nevada County):
selfgen@pge.com· (415) 973-6436 - Center for Sustainable Energy (statewide help):
sgip@energycenter.org· (858) 244-1177
Who qualifies in 2026
SGIP is open to customers of PG&E, SCE, SDG&E, and SoCalGas. There are several tiers — the higher tiers are for low-income or fire/outage-prone households and can cover most or all of a battery's cost.
Tier | Who it's for | Rebate |
Small Residential Storage | Any IOU customer | $150–$500 per kWh |
Equity | Low-income or disadvantaged community | $850 per kWh |
Equity Resiliency | Low-income + medical baseline, or in a Tier 2/3 fire zone or 2+ PSPS outages | $1,000 per kWh |
Residential Solar and Storage Equity (RSSE) | Low-income, solar + battery together | $1,100/kWh battery, $3,100/kW solar |
San Joaquin Valley Pilot | Designated disadvantaged communities in SJV | $1,100 per kWh |
[Source: franklinwh.com/blog/a-complete-guide-to-california-sgip-program-in-2026 (accessed 2026-05-17)] [Source: cpuc.ca.gov/sgip (accessed 2026-05-17)]
Heads up: the Equity and Equity Resiliency budgets fill up fast and often run a waitlist. Apply early. [Source: cpuc.ca.gov/sgip (accessed 2026-05-17)]
How to apply
- Pick an installer from the approved list above.
- The installer designs your battery system and tells you which tier you qualify for.
- The installer files a Reservation Request Form (RRF) with the Program Administrator before any equipment is installed.
- Install the battery and pass inspection.
- The installer files an Incentive Claim Form (ICF); the rebate is paid to the installer and deducted from your bill.
Common pitfalls
- Don't sign with an installer who isn't on the approved list. No approval = no rebate.
- Don't start installation before the RRF is reserved. Work done before reservation usually isn't eligible.
- The federal residential solar tax credit expired Jan 1, 2026 — don't let an installer quote you a price that assumes it. [Source: franklinwh.com/blog/a-complete-guide-to-california-sgip-program-in-2026 (accessed 2026-05-17)]
- Get more than one quote. Equity-tier projects can be near-zero out of pocket, but only if the installer prices it that way.
Where to get help
- TechEmpower (Nevada County): we can help you read quotes and check installer eligibility.
- PG&E SGIP team:
selfgen@pge.com· (415) 973-6436
- Center for Sustainable Energy:
sgip@energycenter.org· (858) 244-1177
- CPUC SGIP page: cpuc.ca.gov/sgip
Sources
- SGIP statewide site (selfgenca.com) — official approved developer list