PG&E shuts off power when the wind blows. The state of California offers the SGIP Equity Resiliency Rebate to pay for up to 100% of your battery backup system.
Many homes in Fresno County are located in Tier 2 or Tier 3 High Fire Threat Districts (HFTD). If you live here, you are eligible for the Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP).
The Deal: “If you meet the criteria (Medical Baseline OR Water Well Pump), the state pays you $1,000 per kWh of storage installed.”
In 2026, PG&E rates have hit an all-time high of nearly 34¢ per kWh. In Fresno, where AC units run 18 hours a day, this is unsustainable.
Under the new NEM 3.0 rules, you cannot just ‘bank’ your winter solar credits to pay for your summer AC. PG&E pays you pennies for exports.
You must stop exporting. A solar system with a battery stores your cheap daytime power so you can run your AC all night without buying a single kilowatt from PG&E.
Starting in March 2026, PG&E added a $24 Base Services Charge to every residential bill, regardless of solar.”
The Strategy: “You cannot eliminate this $24 fee. It is mandatory. However, a properly sized solar + battery system can eliminate every other charge on your bill, bringing your total monthly cost down to just $24.
When wildfire risk is high, PG&E turns off the power (PSPS Events). In Fresno, this often happens on the hottest days of the year.”
Safety First: “A solar battery detects the outage instantly and keeps your lights and AC running. If you have a medical device (CPAP, Oxygen) or a well pump, this isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.”
