San Diego Community Power homeowners comparing Solar Battery Savings proposals should ask whether the approved contractor can submit their project under the program’s current funding step. Contractor approval is important, but the program also limits the share of a funding step handled by one contractor.
This guide uses SDCP’s current webpage and linked Fall 2025 manual, checked November 3, 2026. It does not report that any contractor has reached the cap or that funding is exhausted. Confirm the status of your own application through the program’s official channels.
Understand the contractor-level limit
Section 2.3.2 of the Solar Battery Savings program manual sets a contractor cap at 25% of each funding step’s 30-megawatt-hour target: 7.5 MWh of project capacity.
Once a contractor reaches that cap, the manual allows additional applications only for CARE or FERA customers unless SDCP gives written authorization otherwise. Contractors are responsible for tracking submitted capacity and asking SDCP about their standing.
This is a limit across the contractor’s projects, not the storage size allowed for one home. It also differs from the dollar cap on an individual project’s rebate. Our rebate-cap guide explains that separate issue.
Ask about your application, not just the listing
Start with the current approved-contractor section on the Solar Battery Savings page. The published process calls for the contractor to apply and reserve the rebate before installation.
Then use this suggested checklist:
- Which approved company will submit the application?
- Has that company confirmed its position under the contractor project cap?
- If a cap-related exception is needed, who will obtain and document it?
- Has your application actually been approved and the rebate reserved?
- How would a delay affect the installation schedule or proposed payments?
Keep written answers with the proposal. A company’s appearance on the approved list does not by itself answer every application question. Our contractor-approval guide covers verifying the company’s program status.
The cap exception names CARE and FERA. Do not assume a Community of Concern designation by itself gives the same exception. Ask SDCP to confirm the applicable route rather than treating every higher-rebate customer category as interchangeable.
Check the household requirements too
SDCP’s service overview identifies its member communities, including San Diego, Chula Vista, Encinitas, Imperial Beach, La Mesa and National City, plus unincorporated San Diego County. Confirm actual enrollment; a county address alone is insufficient.
The bill guide shows Community Power generation on the SDG&E statement. SDG&E continues delivery, billing and grid outage response.
The program page requires eligible residential service, installation at a qualifying single-family service address, solar-only battery charging and restrictions on other program enrollment. Review equipment eligibility and actual funding reservation as well as contractor capacity. The 2024 pilot has separate resources.
Build a clear PPA comparison
A qualifying no-upfront solar-plus-battery PPA can help eligible homeowners access equipment while preserving cash. Have the provider confirm program compatibility, system-owner authorization, the incentive recipient and how the approved benefit appears in your proposal.
The CPUC solar guide explains provider ownership and ongoing electricity payments. Review rate, escalator, term, battery fees, maintenance and transfer provisions, plus remaining utility costs. No upfront purchase does not mean free electricity or guaranteed savings.
PG&E’s general battery guidance explains that stored charge, supported circuits and household demand limit backup duration. Confirm power limits and reserve settings. Ordinary grid-tied solar alone generally does not provide outage power; solar recharge needs compatible equipment and suitable sunlight.
Bring the proposal and application confirmations to the West Coast Alternatives homeowner journey. WCA is independent of SDCP; only the program can determine participation and funding approval.