SDCP Solar Battery Savings Program

Yes. Batteries must be paired with a solar system that charges them using on-site energy. We’d be happy to consult with you about your solar energy needs.

Participants can earn optional annual performance incentives for up to 10 years after enrollment.

Adding batteries to your current solar energy system will not change your plan. However, new systems (with or without batteries) that export electricity to the grid are billed under the Net Billing Tariff (NBT). The SDCP program helps offset those reduced export values with battery storage incentives. Installing a new non-export system does not change your plan.

The new homeowner can take over participation by contacting SDCP to update account details.

No. You can still combine SDCP incentives with programs such as the San Diego Solar Equity Program when eligible.

Sunwell Solar does NOT require a deposit. Some Solar Contractors may request an initial deposit from the Host Customer as part of the contract process to be returned when the incentive is disbursed. You are within your right to only contract with a solar contractor who does not require a deposit. If you do decide to contract with a Solar Contractor who requires a deposit, never pay more than 10% down or $1000–whichever is less.

You must enroll at least 50 percent of your battery’s usable capacity. That portion will automatically discharge each weekday between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. It will first power your home, and any leftover energy will flow to the grid. All of that discharged energy earns the performance incentive, whether it’s used on-site or exported.

Outside the dispatch window, your battery runs according to the settings you and your contractor choose. Some manufacturers advise keeping a backup reserve, usually 0 to 20 percent, which can reduce how much of your battery is available for normal daily use.

Yes. Only half of your battery’s usable capacity is committed to the program. The remaining 50 percent is fully available for your day-to-day needs. If a power outage occurs, you can override the dispatch schedule so your battery prioritizes keeping your home powered.

You must remain an SDCP customer and stay enrolled in the program for five years to keep your full upfront rebate. If you exit early—whether by unenrolling or switching away from SDCP—you’ll owe a prorated portion of the rebate and lose any future performance incentives.

If you leave after five years, you keep the entire rebate but will no longer earn performance payments.

Rebate Repayment Schedule:

• Year 1: 100%
• Year 2: 80%
• Year 3: 60%
• Year 4: 40%
• Year 5: 20%

Yes. Renters can participate, but only if the homeowner is already enrolled in the program and the property stays with the same owner. When a new tenant moves in, the program can transfer to them as long as:

• The new tenant signs up for SDCP service at that address.
• The enrolled battery continues taking part in the required weekday dispatch events.

You qualify for the non-market Rate if you meet any of the following:

• You’re enrolled in CARE, which includes customers who either meet CARE income limits or participate in programs such as CalFresh/SNAP, Medicaid/Medi-Cal, LIHEAP, WIC, SSI,  and TANF.
  
  
• You’re enrolled in FERA, based on meeting FERA’s income guidelines.
  
  
• You live in a Community of Concern, which includes:
  
  
  • Disadvantaged communities identified in CalEnviroScreen 4.0
  • Low-income communities under the California Climate Investments Priority Populations criteria
  • Areas designated by SDCP member cities (currently San Diego and Chula Vista) in their Climate Equity Index reports

If you fall into any one of these categories, you are considered a Non-Market Rate customer and qualify for the higher incentive tier.