Silicon Valley Power Offers Rebates For Solar Battery Backup

In an effort to encourage more people to use solar energy, Silicon Valley Power (SVP) is offering rebates to those who purchase backup batteries. Launched this summer, the rebate program leverages solar tax credits to offer SVP residential customers money back. The battery backup rebate program is the latest in a slew of rebate programs designed to make SVP operations more efficient. Kathleen Hughes, assistant director of SVP, said the battery rebate program, along with all SVP’s rebate programs, are designed to help alleviate stress on the electric grid. As more people are adding rooftop solar panels, programs such as this incentivize that trend to continue, she added. “Energy efficiency isn’t as sexy as electrification,” she said. “This is one more tool in our toolbox to help people get there on their terms.” To qualify for the rebate program, residents need to meet several requirements, according to an SVP fact sheet. Among those requirements are the battery backup needs to be at least 3 kilowatt hours, installed by a licensed contractor and have at least a 10-year warranty. Backup battery storage comes in handy during big storms, Hughes said. Last year, a massive storm left SVP trying to improve its communication and how it handles power outages. Increasing how many residents have backup energy would allow SVP more flexibility in how it handles inclement weather, be it storms or heat waves, Hughes said. “Storm events have gotten more intense over the past couple years,” she said. “The more we can capture that with battery storage and use it at another time helps the grid.” Although SVP is growing at a rapid rate, less of its load is residential. Depending on eligibility, residents could get one of several rebates, ranging from $2,000 to $2,700. With some pretty ambitious state goals regarding green energy, such rebate programs, Hughes said, are designed to acknowledge that residents are gravitating toward more sustainable options. “People do it because they want to make a difference,” she said. “We are trying to make these programs work for customers.” For more information on SVP’s various rebate programs for energy efficiency and otherwise, including all the requirements to qualify, visit SVP’s website or call (408) 244-SAVE (7283).