The current published My Energy Optimizer Partner+ enrollment incentive is up to $5,400 per Powerwall per smud.org, based on $500/kWh minus a 20% holdback on the 13.5 kWh Powerwall capacity. For non-Tesla batteries the same $500/kWh formula applies — amounts vary by model. The cap is $10,000 per household regardless of number of batteries. Rebate amounts are subject to change as SMUD program funds are depleted — always verify the current amount at smud.org before signing. We confirm current rebate availability for every customer during the design phase.

The rebate is permanently forfeited. SMUD does not offer extensions and the incentive cannot be claimed retroactively. This is the single most common way Sacramento homeowners lose their rebate — the install goes smoothly, life gets busy, and the 90-day window quietly closes. We track this deadline and handle the enrollment submission for every customer so it never slips.

No — the SMUD battery rebate is available for battery-only installations as well as solar + battery systems. You must be enrolled on SMUD's Solar and Storage Rate (SSR), which applies automatically to new solar or battery installations from March 2022 onward. If you already have solar on the older NEM rate, adding a battery with SMUD incentives will move you to the SSR.

Yes — and this is the most powerful combination for Sacramento and Folsom homeowners. The prepaid lease gives you 30% off the system cost at signing. The SMUD rebate (up to $5,400/Powerwall) applies after PTO as a completely separate program. Add the $440/year VPP payments and you have three independent savings layers running simultaneously. We show all three in every proposal with current confirmed amounts. See the Sacramento solar page →

After enrolling in My Energy Optimizer Partner+, SMUD pays $110/quarter ($440/year) per Powerwall for participating in grid support events. Two Powerwalls = $880/year ongoing — indefinitely as long as you remain enrolled. Events are called roughly 20 times per month, typically 24 hours in advance, and you can opt out via the Tesla app. SMUD maintains a 20% minimum battery reserve at all times so your backup power is always protected. Currently available for Tesla Powerwall only.

Yes. SMUD guarantees that your battery maintains a minimum 20% reserve at all times, even during VPP grid support events. This 20% is your dedicated backup power — untouchable by the program. For most Sacramento and Folsom homes, 20% of a Powerwall 3's capacity provides several hours of essential loads during an outage. If you want more backup protection you can opt out of any individual event through the Tesla app at any time.