If you’ve been considering adding a battery backup to your solar system, now might be the perfect time—thanks to the Pacific Power Wattsmart Battery Program. The utility has introduced the Wattsmart Battery Program, which offers financial incentives to homeowners and businesses who install eligible battery storage systems. This initiative aims to enhance grid stability, promote renewable energy, and provide customers with a way to save on their energy costs.
Let’s break down what this program is, how it works, and how you can benefit from it.
See how battery backup could benefit you + get a free battery quote. Learn how many batteries you might need.
What Is the Wattsmart Battery Program?
The Wattsmart Battery Program provide financial incentives to encourage Pacific Power customers to install solar battery storage systems, which the company can then manage as part of a smart energy grid. Pacific Power will have the ability to draw small amounts of stored energy from enrolled batteries when demand on the grid is high. This helps reduce strain on the electrical system and improve overall reliability.
By participating, customers receive both upfront cash incentives and ongoing bill credits while contributing to a cleaner and more efficient energy system.
Key Benefits of the Program:
- Upfront Enrollment Incentives – Participants receive a one-time payment of $600 per kilowatt (kW) of their battery system’s output. For instance, a 6 kW battery would qualify for a $3,600 incentive (6 kW x $600). Note: Customers must remain enrolled in the Wattsmart program for 4 years and maintain their battery system and communications for the duration of that period or else will be required to pay back a prorated portion of the incentive. Existing battery systems that were installed before the Wattsmart program are not eligible for the upfront incentive.
- Annual Bill Credits – Starting in the second year of participation, customers will receive a $15 bill credit per kW annually. A 6 kW battery system would yield an additional $90 in credits each year (6 kW x $15). Note: Existing battery systems that were installed before the Wattsmart program are eligible for the annual bill credit incentive.
- Safety & Security – A battery backup system provides reliable power during outages, ensuring access to essential electricity even when the grid is down.
- Enhanced Energy Efficiency – Storing excess solar power allows homeowners to use their energy during peak demand periods, reducing reliance on the grid and lowering electricity costs.
- Grid Stability & Community Benefit – The ability to manage stored energy efficiently helps keep electricity prices stable for all Pacific Power customers.
- Environmental Impact – By participating in the program, customers help integrate more renewable energy into the grid and support a lower-carbon future.
How to Participate in Wattsmart Battery Program
Getting started with the Wattsmart Battery Program is straightforward, but it requires a few key steps to ensure eligibility and maximize your benefits. Here’s what you need to do:
- Consult a Qualified Installer – The first step is to find a certified battery installer who can assess your home’s energy needs and recommend a suitable battery system. An experienced professional like Green Ridge Solar can guide you through selecting an eligible system that meets Pacific Power’s program requirements. Contact Green Ridge Solar today for more details and to get a free battery quote.
- Review the Program Requirements – Before purchasing and installing a battery, carefully review Pacific Power’s eligibility criteria. Not all battery systems qualify, so it’s essential to choose one from the approved list to receive the incentive. Additionally, ensure your system is properly configured to integrate with the utility’s energy management platform.
- Install & Connect Your System – Once you’ve chosen an eligible battery, your installer will complete the installation and connect it to Pacific Power’s grid. This step ensures that the battery can store and release energy efficiently while meeting utility standards for safe operation.
- Submit an Application – After installation, you must submit an application through Pacific Power’s Wattsmart Battery Program portal (expected to launch soon). This includes providing details about your battery model, installation date, and system capacity.
- Verification Process – Pacific Power will review your application and ensure your battery system meets program requirements. This may involve testing or confirming the battery’s communication capabilities to ensure it can participate in demand response events.
- Receive Your Incentive Payment – Once your application is approved, Pacific Power will issue the incentive payment, helping offset the cost of your battery system. From there, you can begin earning ongoing bill credits as your battery contributes to grid stability.
Note: Customers must remain enrolled in the Wattsmart program for 4 years and maintain their battery system and communications for the duration of that period or else will be required to pay back a prorated portion of the incentive.
Eligible Batteries & Incentive Breakdown
Pacific Power offers incentives for select battery models based on their power capacity. Both newly installed and existing battery systems may be eligible for incentives, provided they meet Pacific Power’s program requirements. Here’s an example of the incentive calculation:
| Battery Model | Power Output (kW) | Upfront Incentive | Annual Bill Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| SolarEdge Energy Bank | 5 kW | $3,000 | $75 |
| Sonnen Core | 4.8 kW | $2,880 | $72 |
| Sonnen Eco | 7.2 kW | $4,320 | $108 |
| Fortress Power Envy True 8 kW | 8 kW | $4,800 | $120 |
| Fortress Power Envy True 12kW Based Systems | 12 kW | $7,200 | $180 |
| Torus Station Core with 8kW inverter – 5kW | 5 kW | $3,000 | $75 |
| Torus Station Core with 8kW inverter – 10kW | 10 kW | $4,800 | $150 |
| Torus Station Core with 8kW inverter – 15kW | 15 kW | $4,800 | $225 |
| Torus Station Core with 16kW inverter – 10kW | 10 kW | $6,000 | $150 |
| Torus Station Core with 16kW inverter – 15kW | 15 kW | $9,000 | $225 |
| Torus Station Core with 24kW inverter – 15kW | 15 kW | $9,000 | $225 |
For a complete list of eligible battery models, visit Pacific Power’s website.
Currently there is no maximum battery size or incentive value for the Wattsmart program. However, battery sizes over 500 kW require pre-approval. Contact Green Ridge Solar or Pacific Power to confirm your eligibility.
Why You Should Enroll in Wattsmart
Battery storage plays a crucial role in protecting you and your family during power outages, reducing electricity costs, maximizing solar energy usage, and stabilizing the power grid. The Wattsmart Battery Program not only makes battery adoption more affordable but also strengthens the resilience of the energy system while benefiting the entire community.
For those considering solar and battery storage, this is an excellent opportunity to get rewarded for your investment while making a positive impact on the environment.
To learn more and enroll, visit: Pacific Power’s Wattsmart Battery Program
Contact Green Ridge Solar today to get your free battery quote and to learn more battery backup could benefit you. Chat with our battery and solar experts today who can answer all your questions.
See how battery backup could benefit you + get a free battery quote. Learn how many batteries you might need.
