Residential Battery
Rebate Program
Power up and protect your home with a battery energy storage system
Power Up and Reduce Electricity Costs with a Home Battery
Orange County Power Authority’s (OCPA) Residential Battery Storage Rebate Program helps customers manage their energy consumption and save money by storing electricity during lower-cost, off-peak hours for use during more expensive, on-peak hours (“load shifting”). Adding battery backup can protect your home from outages and help strengthen the electric grid. A battery will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Benefits of a home battery system
- Take control of your energy and use cleaner power
- Use less grid power when prices are higher
- Keep the lights on when the power is out
Program Requirements
- The system’s equipment must be listed on the Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) verified Public Equipment List which can be found at www.selfgenca.com/home/resources under “Verified Equipment Lists” dropdown.
- The battery system must be permanently installed (portable systems not eligible).
- The system must serve the OCPA customer address listed on the rebate application.
- While enrollment in demand response or time-of-use optimization programs is not required, OCPA encourages participants to explore these options to maximize system benefits.
Contractor Eligibility
- To install your battery, a contractor licensed under the Contractors State License Board will be needed. The contractor being used will need to be identified in your reservation form.
- The SGIP program has a list of approved contractors with experience installing battery storage and solar PV systems. The list can be found at www.selfgenca.com/home/resources under “SGIP Developer Eligibility Application.”
Who is Eligible?
All residential Orange County Power Authority (OCPA )customers are eligible for the OCPA
Residential Battery Storage Rebate program. Systems can be installed either:
- Paired with solar photovoltaics (PV), or
- As a stand-alone battery system
Equipment purchased after July 14, 2025 is eligible for this rebate while funds last.
What to Expect?
There are two steps in the rebate application process:
Reservation Form – To complete this form, you must be purchasing a new battery – previously purchased batteries are ineligible for a rebate.
Rebate Claim Form – This form must be completed after you purchase your battery.
Participants must agree to the program’s terms and conditions, provide interconnection documentation, and complete a brief survey after participating in the program to provide feedback on the experience.
To apply, you must be an OCPA customer. If you are not sure of your customer status, please call 1-866-262-7693 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday – Friday to speak with a Customer Service Representative.
Participant Eligibility
- Must be a residential customer of OCPA.
- Must install a qualified battery storage system at a service address within OCPA’s territory.
- Must submit all required documentation (e.g., invoice or lease, system photos, and SCE Permission to Operate letter).
- Must agree to the Terms and Conditions of the program.
Technology Eligibility
- Battery system must be at least 5kWh and permanently installed (portable units do not qualify).
- Equipment must appear on the SGIP Verified Equipment List (see: https://www.selfgenca.com/home/resources/).
- The system must serve the OCPA account address listed in the application.
- Stand-alone battery systems are eligible.
Contractor Requirements
- Installation must be completed by a contractor licensed through the California State License Board.
Resources
Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP)
Battery storage rebates for your home through Southern California Edison (SCE) to cover some or all upfront installation costs. SGIP is a program put in place to encourage energy storage and decrease dependency on the grid.
Solar on Multifamily Affordable Housing Program
Financial incentives based on system size and energy allocation between common area and tenant loads for the installation of solar energy photovoltaic systems on multifamily affordable housing properties.
Federal Residential Clean Energy Tax Credit
This credit allows eligible homeowners to claim 30% of the cost of qualifying clean energy system installations as a credit against their federal tax liability. As a nonrefundable credit, the amount claimed cannot exceed the taxes owed; however, any unused portion may be carried forward to future tax years. Please note that program rules and timelines are subject to change in 2025. It is recommended that interested parties consult a qualified tax professional to determine how this credit may apply to your specific situation.
Southern California Edison Power Saver Rewards Program
The Emergency Load Reduction Program (ELRP) pays customers for voluntarily reducing energy use during electrical grid emergencies. Within OCPA service area, the ELRP is managed by SCE, which handle enrollment, event communication, and compensation. The program is called upon only as a last resort. The residential component of the ELRP is called Power Saver Rewards.
New Home Energy Storage Pilot (NHESP)
New construction housing may be eligible for incentives for the installation of new home energy storage systems. Building developers pre-install energy storage and solar Photovoltaic systems with the financial incentives provided through NHESP.
Charge Ready Home Program
Eligible SCE customers in single-family homes can receive up to $4,200 in rebates to upgrade your electrical panel to install an EV charger.
Driving Clean Assistance Program (DCAP)
The California Air Resources Board created DCAP to assist low-income and disadvantages communities in purchasing or leasing clean air vehicles. This program issues grants directly to car dealers to assist in the down-payment of the vehicles and the incentives can be up to $12,000 when scrapping an older vehicles and living in a disadvantaged community.
Time of Use Rate with SCE
Southern California Edison offers residents who own or lease an EV the ability to have a discounted electricity rate. There are two rate schedules to choose from for charging your EV during on- and off-peak hours.
Application
Before submitting your reservation, please review the Program Handbook to ensure a smooth application process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
About the Program
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What is the OCPA Battery Rebate Program?
The Orange County Power Authority (OCPA) Residential Battery Rebate Program provides a $1,000 rebate to eligible residential customers who install a qualifying battery energy storage system. The program supports clean energy use, energy resilience, and grid reliability.
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Who is eligible to apply?
Residential customers served by Orange County Power Authority (OCPA) who install a permanent battery—either solar-paired or stand-alone—on or after July 14, 2025 and apply on or before May 15th, 2026. To qualify, the battery system must be at least 5 kWh and utilize equipment listed on the California Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) Verified Equipment List, which helps ensure product quality and safety.
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If I already have solar, am I still eligible?
Yes. If your battery installation meets the program requirements and occurred on or after July 14, 2025, you can apply regardless of when your solar system was installed.
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If I don’t have solar, can I still apply?
Yes. Stand-alone battery systems are eligible as long as all other program criteria are met.
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What is “interconnection”?
Interconnection means your battery system is officially approved to operate and is connected to the electric utility grid. You will receive a Permission to Operate (PTO) letter or similar documentation from Southern California Edison (SCE) after interconnection. For more information, please see SCE’s guide to interconnection requirements and processes here: www.sce.com/residential/generating-your-own-power/Grid-Interconnections
Application Process
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How do I apply for a rebate?
Visit the “Application” tab on this page to apply for a rebate. If you meet the application requirements, OCPA will reserve a rebate for you while funds are available. The rebate can be claimed after the battery has been purchased and installed -proof of eligible equipment purchase has been submitted-; batteries purchased before July 14 are ineligible for a rebate.
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What is the process to receive a rebate?
After OCPA has approved your rebate application, you will receive an email with a link to complete a claim form once your eligible equipment has been purchased and installed. The claim form will require an installation invoice or lease agreement, a photo of the battery, and a photo of the battery nameplate.
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How will I receive my rebate?
After your claim is submitted, reviewed, and approved, a $1,000 rebate check will be mailed to the address provided in your application. The check will come from The Energy Coalition on behalf of OCPA. Please allow up to 30 business days from the date of approval for processing and delivery.
Eligibility & Program Rules
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What happens if program funds run out before my application is processed?
Rebates are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are only issued after installation and submission of a complete application. If funds are no longer available, your application may be waitlisted or declined.
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Is my rebate guaranteed once I submit my application?
No. Your rebate is not guaranteed until a claim form has been submitted with the required documentation: an installation invoice or lease agreement, a photo of the battery, and a photo of the battery nameplate.
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Do I need to do anything after I receive my rebate?
Yes! OCPA will need proof of battery interconnection. This is called Permission to Operate (PTO) and it is provided by Southern California Edison (SCE) once the battery is online in the form of a letter.
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How will I submit my Permission to Operate (PTO)?
Customers will receive a link in their Claim Approval email granting access to their application’s PTO submission page. To complete the program requirements, simply upload the received PTO documentation through that page.
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Do I have to own the property?
No. Renters can apply with written permission from the property owner.
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Can I apply after purchasing or installing the battery?
No. To qualify for the rebate, you must first submit a reservation application before purchasing, leasing, or installing the battery system. Systems that are installed or purchased prior to reservation approval are not eligible for the rebate.
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What is the minimum battery capacity for this program?
The minimum battery capacity is 5 kWh for this program.
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What if I made an error in my application?
Please notify OCPA as soon as possible at batteryrebates@ocpower.org if information on your submitted application has changed. You may be asked to provide updated documentation
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Can I purchase multiple batteries and receive a rebate?
No. The rebate is limited to one per household, regardless of how many batteries are installed. Only one application per eligible residential service address will be accepted.
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Are federal tax credits available for battery systems?
Yes. You may qualify for the Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC). Please consult a tax professional for personalized advice. For more information, please see: www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/residential-clean-energy-credit
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Can I combine this rebate with other programs?
Yes. You may combine this rebate with other programs like SGIP, as long as each program’s qualifications are met.
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Are portable battery systems eligible?
No. Only permanently installed battery storage systems are eligible.
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Does OCPA provide rebates for solar installation?
OCPA does not provide a rebate for solar installations.
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Why am I being asked to answer survey questions when I apply?
The short survey helps OCPA understand customer interest in future programs like Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) or demand response—where customers may be compensated for using their batteries to support the electric grid. Your responses will help shape future program offerings. Survey participation is required to complete your rebate application, but your answers are non-binding and will not affect your eligibility for the rebate.
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Do I need to submit a Permission to Operate (PTO) letter to receive my rebate?
A Permission to Operate (PTO) letter from Southern California Edison (SCE) is required for program compliance; however, it is not required prior to receiving your rebate check. Applicants must complete installation and submit all required claim documentation to be eligible for the rebate. Participants then have six (6) months from the date of claim approval to use the link provided in their Claim Approval email to upload the PTO for OCPA’s review and recordkeeping.
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What happens if I do not submit my Permission to Operate?
Failure to comply with program requirements may result in cancellation of the rebate or reimbursement recovery by OCPA.
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Is there a tool I can use to estimate the cost and potential savings from installing a battery?
Yes. You can visit solarmarketplace.sce.com to explore battery storage options, compare products and installers, and estimate your potential cost savings and backup power benefits. While the tool is managed by Southern California Edison (SCE), OCPA customers have access to this resource.