Clean Energy Alliance debuts programs to install home batteries at no cost

California is the place you ought to be

The Clean Energy Alliance (CEA), a Community Choice Aggregator (CCA) in California, is rolling out two new programs to help income-qualified homeowners in its service territory access solar and battery storage — without the steep upfront costs that usually come with it. The Battery Bonus Connect and Solar Plus Connect programs are funded by California’s Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) and offer significant financial support for customers who need it most.

For those enrolled in the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program and live in a CEA city — including Carlsbad, Del Mar, Escondido, Oceanside, San Marcos, Solana Beach, or Vista — these programs could cut your electric bills and give your home backup power during outages. The funding is limited, though, so CEA is encouraging early applications.

“These programs make clean, affordable energy more accessible to those who need it most,” said Greg Wade, Chief Executive Officer of CEA. “Qualifying customers can reduce their monthly costs while gaining greater control over their energy use and ensuring they have backup power during any outages.”

Two new battery installation pathways

Battery Bonus Connect is aimed at households that already have solar. Eligible customers can get a home battery installed at no cost. That battery can store excess solar power and act as a safety net during grid outages.

Solar Plus Connect helps income-qualified customers go solar for the first time. The program offers affordable solar and battery system installations, with financing built right into the electric bill. It’s designed to lower monthly costs and add resilience to the grid while building clean energy capacity one rooftop at a time.

Program partners

To get the job done, CEA has tapped two implementation partners: Haven Energy will support the Battery Bonus Connect program, and Participate.Energy is handling the Solar Plus Connect rollout. Both programs are funded through SGIP and reflect CEA’s broader mission of promoting energy equity and helping local communities take control of their power.

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