Free Solar and Battery Backup: SGIP Funds Are Now Available​

Program for Low to Moderate-Income Residents

In 2025, California is making solar energy more accessible to low and moderate-income households with the Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) Residential Solar and Storage Equity (RSSE) Program. Nexus Solar is ready to help you tap into the $280 million in new funding for the Residential Solar and Storage Equity (RSSE) program.
This exciting program will cover 60-80% of the cost to install a solar panel system and 100% of the cost for solar battery backup for qualifying homeowners and renters. The potential savings are significant, ranging from $30,000 to $80,000, helping you dramatically reduce or even eliminate your electricity bill while boosting your home’s value!
The SGIP program is designed to help eligible California residents install solar energy systems paired with battery storage at no upfront cost to you! Whether you’re dealing with frequent power outages or simply want to reduce your electricity bills, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take control of your energy future.

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What Is the New SGIP Rebate Program?

The SGIP RSSE Program offers substantial rebates to low and moderate-income households that install both solar panels and battery storage systems. This state-funded program is designed to make solar energy more affordable for California residents by offering incentives for solar-plus-storage systems or storage-only systems.

SGIP Battery Rebate:

• $1.10 per kWh incentive for solar batteries. This can cover up to 100% of the cost of a standard solar battery installation.

SGIP Solar Rebate:

• $3.10 per kW rebate for solar panels, covering 60-80% of the cost of a standard residential solar installation. However, to qualify for the solar rebate, you must also install a solar battery.

Note: To qualify, you must install a battery with your solar panels, as solar-only systems are not eligible for rebates.
If you already have a solar panel system but don’t have battery backup, you can still qualify for funding by installing a new solar battery.

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To qualify for the SGIP solar and storage rebates, you must meet the following requirements:

• Have a PG&E, SCE, SoCal Gas or SDG&E account in your name.
• Install the system at your primary residence.
• Meet the income requirements (less than or equal to 80% of the Median Family Income in your county).

OR

• Be a customer participating in CARE, FERA, or ESA programs and have completed a Post Enrollment Verification for at least one of the programs.

Many low-income households in California are already participating in  CARE, FERA or ESA programs. These customers are likely to qualify for the SGIP program.

 How to Get Started:
1. Check Your Eligibility: Visit the SGIP program website or contact Nexus Solar to verify if you meet the program’s requirements.
2. Apply: Submit your application with our help to ensure you get approved as soon as funds are available.
    Required documents:
    •    Most recent utility bill and 15min interval data, 1 year
    •    Title documents or recent mortgage statement
    •    Income verification:
             If retired: proof from 401(k), Social Security, or similar
             If employed: recent tax returns
    •    Most recent gas bill (if applicable)
    •    Household size and maximum income limits
3. Install Your Solar & Battery System: Once approved, our licensed installers will handle everything from installation to
    activation, ensuring your home is powered with renewable energy and has a battery backup ready when you need it.

Don’t Miss Out on Huge Savings! 
​Solar panels with battery backup are a fantastic way to eliminate electricity costs, protect yourself against rising rates, and ensure your power stays on during grid outages. But they can also be a major investment. The SGIP program is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to go solar at no cost. nexus Solar is here to help you navigate the process, ensuring you get the benefits of solar energy and battery backup. Funds are limited, so apply now before they’re gone.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How much funding can I receive through the SGIP RSSE program? Is it truly free?
A1: The RSSE program offers substantial incentives, with potential savings ranging from $30,000 to a maximum of $80,000. This can significantly reduce or even eliminate your electricity bill and boost your home's value. Specific incentive rates are usually expressed per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for batteries and per kilowatt (kW) for solar. However, please remember that these incentive amounts can change at any time and may vary based on your specific situation.
Typically, "free" means the customer doesn't pay any upfront costs directly. The system costs are covered through state government subsidies, federal tax credits, and the financial structure of the system installer (e.g., the installer provides the system to the customer in exchange for taking the rebates and other revenue).

California Solar Consumer Protection Guide 2021 Page 6

​Q2: What types of Social Security verification documents are available?
A2: There are various types of Social Security-related verification documents in the U.S., depending on their purpose. They are primarily issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and are used to prove an individual's earnings record, eligibility for benefits, and actual benefit amounts received.
Here are the main types of Social Security verification documents and records:

1. Social Security Statement: This is one of the most common documents, showing your work history (earnings record), Social Security taxes paid, and estimated future benefit amounts (retirement, disability, survivor benefits, etc.).
2. Benefit Verification Letter / Proof of Income Letter: Used to prove that you are currently receiving Social Security benefits (retirement, disability, survivor benefits, etc.) or to verify the monthly amount you receive. 
3. SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S (Tax Reporting Documents): These are tax-reporting documents sent annually to Social Security benefit recipients. The SSA-1099 is primarily issued to U.S. residents and indicates the total amount of Social Security benefits received for the year. 

Q3: Will receiving SGIP incentives affect my other benefits (e.g., Medi-Cal/Medicare)?
A3: Generally, the financial incentives from SGIP are not considered income and should not affect your eligibility for benefits like Medi-Cal/Medicare.

Q4: Am I required to participate in a Demand Response (DR) program if I receive SGIP incentives?
A4: Yes, typically, customers who receive SGIP RSSE incentives for battery storage systems are required to participate in a utility-approved Demand Response program. This allows the utility to utilize a portion of your stored energy during peak demand times, which helps stabilize the grid.

Q5: Will installing a battery through SGIP affect my Net Energy Metering (NEM) status?
A5: Generally, if you are on NEM1 or NEM2, installing batteries with SGIP incentives should not automatically transition you to the newer NEM3 (Net Billing Tariff) program. The RSSE program often includes exemptions for qualifying customers.

Q6: Can I still install a battery through RSSE if I already have a solar system?
A6: Yes, if you have an existing solar system but no battery backup, you can typically qualify for incentives under the RSSE program to install a new battery storage system.

Q7: How long does the application and installation process take?
A7: The entire process, from application submission to system installation and permission to operate, can take several months. This includes gathering documentation, rebate reservation, system design, permitting, utility interconnection requests, and actual construction.

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Download Your Bill & Green Button Download Data

1. Log in to your account.
2. ​​Download your recent electricity bill. 
3. Click on 'Usage' at the top of the page, then scroll down and click 'Green Button Download Data'.
4. Clicking this icon will take you to a page where you can select the date range, data format, and service account to receive the data
5. Enter the requested information ​                                                             ​( Date Range: 07/01/2024 - 06/30/2025 File Format: .csv)
6. Click download the file and 'Save'

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How To prove Social Security income

You can obtain a benefit verification letter from the Social Security Administration (.gov). This letter, sometimes called a "proof of income letter," confirms your receipt of Social Security benefits, including the amount you receive. You can get this letter online through a my Social Security account or by calling the SSA or visiting a local office. 

Here's how to get the benefit verification letter:

1. Online through your "my Social Security" account: This is generally the quickest and most convenient method.

• ​Log in or create an account: If you don't already have one, create a free "my Social Security" account on the official Social Security Administration website (www.ssa.gov/myaccount). You will need to be at least 18 years old, have a Social Security number, and an email address. The SSA uses credential service providers like Login.gov or ID.me for secure access and identity verification.
• Navigate to replacement documents: Once logged in, look for a section or link titled "Replacement Documents" or "Verification Letter."
• Request the letter: Select "Get a Benefit Verification Letter" and you can often customize the letter to suit your specific needs.
• Download, print, or save: You can typically download, print, or save the letter instantly.

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2. By calling the SSA: You can call the SSA's National 800 Number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. They can often help you by phone and save you a trip to an office. If you request a mailed copy, it typically arrives within 10 business days.
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3. By visiting a local SSA office: While local offices are open, it's recommended to call in advance and schedule an appointment to avoid long waits. You will likely need to provide proof of identity.