Haven Energy helps LA homeowners access no-cost solar and batteries through SGIP program
Income-eligible LADWP customers can qualify for fully funded systems starting Sept. 29, with Haven handling installation, rebate, and virtual power plant enrollment
Wildfire season in Los Angeles County has already left nearly a million homes in the dark this year. Now, a state program is offering a lifeline for families most at risk of future outages.
Haven Energy, California’s largest developer in the Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP), is helping Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) customers apply for no-cost solar and battery systems when the Residential Storage and Self-Generation Equity (RSSE) funding window opens Sept. 29.
How the SGIP RSSE program works
The RSSE program provides low-income households with solar + storage systems or standalone batteries at no cost. Haven manages the entire process—from eligibility checks to rebate applications, permitting, installation, and optimization—while covering all upfront costs. Homeowners avoid credit checks, loans, property liens, or monthly payments. Instead, Haven receives reimbursement directly from the state and operates the systems under a lease model.
Reliability and affordability at stake
Energy reliability remains top of mind in LA following the Palisades and Eaton fires earlier this year, which triggered more than 936,000 outages. Rising rates add to the pressure: LADWP electricity prices jumped 11% in 2025 and are projected to climb another 8% annually. Nearly half of Californians report higher bills year-over-year, according to Haven survey data, and more than a third worry about affording electricity.
“This program represents a critical opportunity for LA families to take control of their energy at a time when access to reliable power is more important than ever before,” said Vinnie Campo, co-founder and CEO of Haven Energy.
Community-scale benefits
Haven has already submitted more than 1,500 SGIP applications for qualified homeowners statewide since June. Each household system doubles as a grid resource: program rules require batteries to participate in demand response for 10 years, allowing utilities to tap stored energy during peak demand. This aggregation builds a virtual power plant that helps stabilize the grid and reduces the need for peaker plants.
“Integrated solar and battery systems provide transformative cost savings while ensuring the lights stay on during power outages,” said Jeff Chapin, co-founder and CPO of Haven Energy.
Haven estimates current funding could support 1,000–1,500 Los Angeles households earning 80% or less of area median income. Because SGIP funding is limited and first-come, first-served, the company is encouraging residents to pre-qualify now.
