US Power helps Pasadena homeowners tap new solar and battery rebates

US Power is helping Pasadena homeowners navigate the Pasadena Water and Power Solar and Battery Rebate Pilot Program, which launched April 2 and covers qualifying systems installed on or after Jan. 1, 2026. The incentives can cut upfront costs for rooftop solar and storage, but homeowners must own their systems and meet program requirements.

Why it matters: - Pasadena homeowners can lower the upfront cost of going solar and adding battery storage through a new PWP rebate program. - The incentives matter more under California's NEM 3.0 rules, which pay homeowners less for exporting excess solar power to the grid. - PWP's program could make battery storage a more important part of home energy systems in Pasadena.

What happened: - US Power said it is helping Pasadena homeowners navigate the Pasadena Water and Power Solar and Battery Rebate Pilot Program. - PWP launched the pilot on April 2, 2026. - The program applies to qualifying systems installed on or after Jan. 1, 2026. - US Power said it is guiding customers through eligibility and application steps.

The details: - PWP residential electric customers can get $0.60 per watt for a new, permanent rooftop solar system. - Customers enrolled in a PWP income-qualified bill payment assistance program can get $1.00 per watt for rooftop solar. - Battery storage rebates can reach up to $550 per kilowatt-hour. - That total includes a standard $350 per kilowatt-hour rebate and an extra $200 per kilowatt-hour for income-qualified customers or Medical Assistance Program participants. - PWP is waiving plan review and inspection fees for solar and battery projects during the pilot. - The rebate only applies to systems purchased and owned by the homeowner. - Leased systems and systems installed through a Power Purchase Agreement do not qualify. - US Power said ownership structure is one of the most common points of confusion for Pasadena customers. - PWP's battery rebate also requires customers to enroll in the first applicable demand response or virtual power plant program for at least 36 months once that program launches. - US Power said it reviews that requirement with customers during the application process. - US Power said it will continue helping Pasadena customers apply for the rebate alongside factory-direct pricing through its partnership with Axia by Qcells. - US Power said customers may also be able to use state and federal incentives still available for battery storage. - The company offers free solar and battery consultations at uspowersolar.com.

Between the lines: - The program appears designed to push customers toward owned rooftop systems rather than third-party financing models. - The 36-month demand response or virtual power plant commitment suggests PWP wants home batteries to support grid management, not just backup power. - US Power is positioning its consulting service as a way to reduce confusion and speed up rebate qualification.

What's next: - Pasadena homeowners interested in the program can schedule a consultation with a US Power energy consultant. - Homeowners who want to use the rebate will need to confirm ownership structure, system eligibility and program commitments before installation. - The utility's battery rebate will depend on the launch of the first applicable demand response or virtual power plant program.