California’s Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) still supports qualifying solar and battery projects in 2026, but not every historical SGIP budget remains open to new applications.

The most important distinction is the source of the funding:

• New applications and waitlist applications for ratepayer-funded SGIP budgets closed on December 30, 2025.
• The AB 209 Residential Solar and Storage Equity (RSSE) funding path has a published application deadline of June 30, 2028, subject to eligibility and available funds.

Do not rely on an old article or installer estimate to determine whether funding is available. The official SGIP tracker is updated as program administrators process reservations, waitlists, and budget reallocations.

Published 2026 Incentive Rates

The official 2026 SGIP Handbook lists the following flat rates for several equity and pilot categories:

Budget category	Published incentive rate
Residential Solar and Storage Equity, solar	$3.10 per watt
Residential Solar and Storage Equity, storage	$1.10 per watt-hour
Equity Resiliency, storage	$1.00 per watt-hour
San Joaquin Valley Residential, storage	$1.10 per watt-hour

These are program rates, not a promise that a specific household or project will receive the maximum amount. Eligibility, project-cost limits, equipment rules, system sizing, budget availability, and program-administrator review all apply. The handbook also caps incentivized single-family storage capacity at 30 kWh.

Who May Qualify

The AB 209 RSSE path is designed for eligible low-income single-family and multifamily housing projects. Equity Resiliency and other SGIP categories use their own eligibility pathways. Qualification may depend on factors such as:

• household or property income status
• deed-restricted affordable-housing status
• utility and program-administrator territory
• project type and system size
• equipment and installation requirements
• available funding in the applicable budget category

A high-fire-threat location, medical need, or participation in a low-income utility program does not automatically establish eligibility for every SGIP budget. Check the exact pathway in the current handbook and with the applicable program administrator.

How to Check a Project in 2026

1. Identify the correct program administrator. SGIP is administered by PG&E, SCE, SoCalGas, the Center for Sustainable Energy for SDG&E customers, and LADWP for eligible customers in its territory.
2. Check the live budget tracker. Review the applicable category and territory on the official SGIP Program Metrics page.
3. Review the current handbook. The 2026 SGIP Handbook contains the controlling eligibility, sizing, documentation, and incentive rules.
4. Use a qualified applicant or developer when required. SGIP applications are submitted through the program database and must include the required project documents.
5. Treat any reservation as unconfirmed until approved. A quote that assumes an SGIP award is not the same as an approved incentive reservation.

Federal Tax-Credit Warning for 2026 Installations

The federal Residential Clean Energy Credit changed after this article was first published. The IRS now states that the residential credit applies to qualified property installed through December 31, 2025, and is not available for property placed in service after that date.

A 2026 battery estimate should therefore not automatically subtract a 30% residential federal credit. Review the current IRS Residential Clean Energy Credit guidance and obtain tax advice for the project’s actual placed-in-service date and taxpayer circumstances.

For the permitting side of a storage project, see GridPermit’s California battery permitting overview.

Compare solar and battery installer options on EnergySage

This page summarizes current public program rules and is not a funding determination, tax opinion, or guarantee of an incentive. Confirm eligibility, rates, and budget availability with the applicable SGIP program administrator before signing a contract.