Oakland solar incentives in 2026 center on the Ava SmartHome Battery rebate: $90 per kWh of battery shared for market-rate customers and $500 per kWh for income-qualified customers. Income-qualified homeowners in disadvantaged communities can get no-cost rooftop solar through DAC-SASH. DuloCore checked these Ava, PG&E and CPUC pages on November 4, 2026.
For statewide programs, see our California solar panel rebates guide.
How Much Is the Ava SmartHome Battery Rebate in Oakland?
On November 4, 2026, Ava offered Oakland customers with an approved battery $90 per kWh shared at market rate or $500 per kWh if income-qualified, plus $3 monthly per kWh, while the budget lasts.
On the Ava SmartHome Battery page, you share 40%, 60% or 80% of your battery with Ava; batteries larger than the solar system can charge may get less. You earn $3 a month per kWh shared, paid every three months for five years while you join the required grid events: sharing 80% of a 10 kWh battery earns $24 a month.
| Customer type |
Installation rebate |
Rule |
| Market rate |
$90 per kWh shared |
Plus $3 per month per kWh |
| Income-qualified |
$500 per kWh shared |
Must be assigned to a qualified installer |
Compare solar installers in Oakland.
Can Low-Income Oakland Homeowners Get Free Solar?
Yes, if they qualify for DAC-SASH, which offers no-cost rooftop solar to income-qualified homeowners in disadvantaged communities who are eligible for CARE or FERA.
The CPUC page on solar in disadvantaged communities lists $3 per watt incentives for income-qualified single-family homeowners. Disadvantaged communities are census tracts in the top 25 percent statewide on CalEnviroScreen.
In those areas, the Ava Solar Discount gives CARE and FERA customers, renters included, an extra 20% off their bills on top of those discounts.
How Does the Solar Billing Plan Work for Ava Customers in Oakland?
New Oakland solar customers go on the Solar Billing Plan, and Ava adds an export bonus to PG&E credits.
The plan covers systems whose interconnection application was completed after April 14, 2023, and requires the E-Elec rate, per the Ava Solar Billing Plan page. Ava adds $0.025 per kWh for exports from 3 to 8 pm, or $0.01 per kWh on all exports for CARE and FERA customers.
PG&E adds Energy Export Bonus Credits for customers who start on the plan before 2028, locked in for nine years. Every April, Ava runs a true-up; balances under $100 roll over as a bill credit.
See our San Francisco solar panel rebate guide.
Is the SGIP Battery Rebate Open for Oakland Homes?
SGIP's equity budget serves low-income Oakland homes with paired solar and batteries, but the CPUC points to the SGIP site for whether it is open today.
The CPUC SGIP page lists $280 million for this equity budget. Under CPUC rules, Ava SmartHome Battery accepts past SGIP recipients only if they are CARE or FERA customers.
Did the Federal Solar Tax Credit End for Oakland Homes?
Yes, the federal Residential Clean Energy Credit ended for Oakland systems placed in service after December 31, 2025.
The IRS Residential Clean Energy Credit page confirms the credit ended on that date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can renters join Ava SmartHome Battery?
Yes, if you are the PG&E account holder with written landlord permission to install a battery and join the program.
No, you apply only to PG&E for interconnection approval, and PG&E notifies Ava once your system is installed.
Is Ava Resilient Home still open?
No, Resilient Home closed to new enrollments; SmartHome Battery is the Ava battery program taking new homes.
Planning solar or a battery in Oakland? See which of these programs fit your home with the free eligibility check.
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