For a San Diego Community Power customer using Solar Battery Savings, keep a record of the installed battery’s serial number or device ID. The program’s final installation paperwork requires a device identifier to confirm the specific equipment installed. A proposal’s battery model name serves a different purpose.
When a qualifying solar-plus-battery PPA includes program participation, ask who will collect this information and submit it. Clear handover records help connect the equipment at your home with the approved project and its ongoing support.
What the installation package requires
Section 4.3 of Community Power’s program manual says the contractor submits permission-to-operate letters and a device identifier as part of the Project Installation Package. Depending on the product, the identifier is an image of the battery serial number or a device ID. Where available, the program also requires an image showing all site information from the battery controls platform.
The manual explains that SDG&E’s permission-to-operate letter confirms authorization for grid interconnection and operation. The equipment identifier confirms which specific battery was installed. Having one document does not substitute for the other.
Ask your contractor which identifier is needed for your product and whether the final package has been accepted. Do not assume a model number from the sales proposal completes this requirement.
Keep a useful equipment record
Our suggested handover checklist is:
- Ask for the installed model and device identifiers in a clearly labeled record.
- Have the installer identify which unit each record describes if the project includes multiple batteries.
- Keep copies with the proposal, warranty information and service contact details.
- Ask the contractor to resolve any mismatch between the installed equipment and the submitted paperwork.
Have the installer collect information that requires equipment access. You should not need to remove covers or open electrical equipment to assemble your records.
For a hypothetical example, two batteries can share the same model name while having different serial numbers. A household should ask for records that distinguish the units, rather than saving two copies of the same product brochure. This is a recordkeeping example, not a determination of program eligibility.
Our approved-battery-model guide covers the earlier question of whether the proposed product is listed. Keep that eligibility check separate from identifying the equipment actually installed.
Keep the service roles clear
Check the current Solar Battery Savings page for requirements and availability before relying on a proposed incentive. Program participation and a PPA’s eligibility must be confirmed for the actual project; neither is universal across San Diego County.
Community Power supplies electricity generation, while SDG&E handles delivery and grid responsibilities. Community Power’s billing explanation shows how generation charges appear on the SDG&E statement. Submitting a battery identifier does not transfer utility outage response to the program or your PPA company.
Include handover support in the PPA
A suitable no-upfront-cost PPA can help an eligible homeowner access solar and battery equipment without an upfront purchase. The CPUC solar guide explains provider ownership and ongoing electricity payments. Review the rate, escalator, term, battery ownership and fees, maintenance, transfer provisions and remaining utility costs. No upfront purchase does not mean free electricity or guaranteed savings.
Equipment records also do not guarantee backup runtime. PG&E’s general battery guidance explains the limits imposed by supported circuits, available energy and demand. Ordinary grid-tied solar alone generally does not provide outage power. Recharging during an outage requires compatible backup equipment and suitable sunlight.
Sources checked October 22, 2026. Bring your equipment proposal and handover questions to a West Coast Alternatives consultation to discuss backup capabilities, payments and documentation responsibilities. WCA does not determine Community Power program approval.