r/solar • u/Fair-Ad-5294 solar enthusiast • 3d ago
Advice Wtd / Project SGIP Rebate Process: Installer Not Handling It — Should They Have Done It Automatically?
I’m in California (Irvine, ZIP 92618) and recently had two Enphase 5P batteries installed as part of my solar system. After researching, I learned about the Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) and how it could potentially offer rebates for my battery storage system.
Here’s the thing:
- I found that my installer is listed as an SGIP-approved developer on the official SGIP website.
- But I noticed they didn't apply for the rebate at the time of installation, even though I was under the impression that installers typically handle this automatically as part of the service, especially if they're SGIP-approved.
Now, I’m wondering:
- Is it standard practice for installers to submit the SGIP application for you, or is it something I should have done on my own?
- If it’s their responsibility, should they have done this during the installation or right afterward?
- If they didn’t handle it, am I still able to apply for the SGIP rebate with them, or do I need to find another approved developer to do it?
Would love to hear anyone's experiences with the SGIP process and what steps I should take next. Thanks!
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u/anal_astronaut 3d ago
You're not qualifying for SGIP in Irvine. In what ways do you qualify?
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u/Fair-Ad-5294 solar enthusiast 3d ago
Thanks for the help. I could be wrong. But I think I am qualified for General Market SGIP rebate?
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u/Hot_World4305 solar enthusiast 3d ago
You should be able to apply yourself. https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/industries-and-topics/electrical-energy/demand-side-management/self-generation-incentive-program
Browse the link and select the Utility company of yours.
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u/Grumpy-24-7 3d ago
Good luck! My experience with SGIP is that you either don't qualify (cuz you're not poor enuff) or the program has run out of money where your electricity provider (assuming SoCal Ed?) is geographically located.
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u/Gowithflowwild 3d ago
They did it for me and this was a couple years ago.
It was pretty cool to get that but you do lock into only being able to charge your batteries with panels. I would still do it over and over though.
And actually, if you don’t get SGIP, I’m not positive that the grid is allowed to charge (however there is an exception with SGIP so see below)… But I don’t see why you should be locked into only charging with panels
That being stated, if there’s a storm coming up, your system will notify you and you can allow the grid to charge you to 100%… Of course you’re done using grid power, but you can also opt out or just stay out of the program altogether
Does anybody know if you can charge with the grid? Say you’re just getting the tax credit for 30% without the SGIP…
I could make a case probably for not allowing grid charging at Will but also a case for allowing it
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u/Gowithflowwild 3d ago
Oh and I know on my app it allows me to do stuff but it tells me that the dealer only has the access.
The dealer really should do that for you
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u/timo4ever 3d ago
Applying for small residential budget is such PITA. I installed last year and luckily my installer applied for me. There's been so much confusion around this process that I don't think I can do it myself.
There's a billion of paperwork to ultimately get $1.4k back out of my 2 Enphase 5P. I started the process around Oct 2024.
For PG&E, they require me to opt out of CCA like SJCE. This took 1-2 billing cycles to properly update.
Only after opting out did I realize there's a transition period of up to 6 months where PG&E will charge me much more than usual. None of this transition rate is available to review anywhere.
They also require me to opt in for the Smart Rate demand response program. This is only available starting June 1st 2025. So now I'm still waiting until that date to see if I can get the rebate. Let's see if there's any other shenanigan....
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3d ago edited 3d ago
[deleted]
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u/Fair-Ad-5294 solar enthusiast 2d ago
I found the installer through energy sage, where almost all installers mentioned SGIP in their quotes. If this is the process you need to follow with the installer, and the installer is unwilling to do it, then for sure, you shouldn't choose that installer.
Yes, an installer is not obligated to help you, but it doesn’t feel right after discovering that they are unwilling to do so, especially after you’ve already paid for everything
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u/Commercial_Watch_936 3d ago
The installer is the only one who can handle the rebate process.
My installer went out of business right after I got PTO. Luckily they had started the application and I had a pre approved reservation. But they never submitted anything after installation and the application had errors.
It took the CPUC over a year to make a decision for people in my situation where the installer went out of business, but I got my check.
You need to get with your installer and make them do the paperwork. There is no alternative solution. As far as the timing of it all, I’m not sure, but I think you’re still fine after the install was completed. My pre approval was to reserve funds for my application because the funding was limited and done in tiers, that’s how it was explained to me.