PG&E offers rebates and incentives for certain home energy upgrades, including qualifying EV chargers and related electrical improvements. Eligibility depends on equipment, installation by licensed contractors, and program availability. Homeowners should design upgrades for long-term performance first, with rebates as a potential benefit rather than a guarantee.

A complete home energy system combines solar panels, battery backup, smart electrical panels, EV charging, and in some cases, vehicle-to-home power. When designed as a system, these technologies improve reliability, reduce reliance on the grid, and allow homeowners to add upgrades over time without having to start over.

Power outages can cost solar homeowners hundreds or thousands of dollars through lost food, missed work, interrupted EV charging, and household disruption. Without battery backup, solar homes still lose power during outages, making preparation essential for long-term energy reliability.

Vehicle-to-home power allows certain electric vehicles to send electricity back to a home during outages or peak-pricing periods. For solar homes, V2H can provide limited backup power, but it works best as part of a system that includes battery backup and proper electrical design.

Homes with solar panels but no battery backup still lose power during outages because grid-tied solar systems automatically shut off for safety. Adding battery backup allows solar energy to be stored and used when the grid goes down, keeping essential systems running.

Learn what a SPAN Smart Panel is, how it works, and why Bay Area homeowners are upgrading. Smarter energy control for EV charging, Powerwall, and backup power.