Haven Energy Expands Access to No-Cost Solar and Battery Systems for Los Angeles Homeowners via SGIP Funding
Haven Energy, a climate technology company focused on broadening access to reliable and renewable energy, is helping homeowners across Los Angeles County secure solar and battery systems at no upfront cost through California’s Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP). The program opens for applications from Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) customers on September 29, offering an unprecedented opportunity for residents to reduce their electricity costs while enhancing energy reliability.
The SGIP Residential Storage and Self-Generation Equity (RSSE) program was established by the State of California to support communities in meeting growing electricity demand, particularly as climate-driven risks such as wildfires increase strain on the grid. By providing income-eligible households with no-cost access to solar and battery systems—or standalone batteries—the initiative directly addresses both financial and energy security challenges for vulnerable populations.
Haven Energy manages the entire process for homeowners, handling everything from program qualification and rebate application to permitting, installation, and system optimization. Uniquely, Haven owns and operates the installed systems, allowing homeowners to enter into a lease arrangement with zero upfront costs. Under this model, the company receives reimbursement directly from the state, ensuring that the systems fully comply with program requirements. This approach provides homeowners with the benefits of reliable backup power and potential utility bill savings without the risks commonly associated with energy upgrades—no credit checks, no loans, no property liens, and no monthly payments.
Energy reliability continues to be a major concern across California. Power outages, whether due to wildfire threats or scheduled maintenance, have become increasingly frequent and prolonged. In Los Angeles County, the Palisades and Eaton fires in January of this year caused nearly 936,000 outages at the height of emergency response efforts, highlighting the vulnerability of the region’s energy infrastructure. These disruptions particularly affect lower-income households, who often lack access to backup energy solutions and face the financial burden of rising utility rates.
Adding to these pressures, LADWP rates increased by 11% in 2025 and are projected to continue rising by roughly 8% annually. Survey data collected by Haven Energy reveals that 49% of Californians have experienced higher electricity costs over the past year, while 37% expressed concerns about their ability to pay their utility bills.
“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,” said Vinnie Campo, co-founder and CEO of Haven Energy. “We aim to remove barriers to clean energy by helping underserved communities navigate the complex and shifting landscape of state and federal incentives, allowing them to secure long-term energy savings and reliable renewable power.”
Haven Energy has emerged as California’s largest SGIP developer by volume, having submitted over 1,500 applications for qualified homeowners since the SGIP RSSE program opened in June 2025. Unlike traditional rebate programs, where customers pay upfront and wait months for reimbursement, Haven covers all initial costs and manages the complete application and installation process.
Despite growing interest, awareness of home battery incentives remains limited. Haven’s survey data indicates that knowledge of such incentives has more than doubled—from 22% in 2023 to 57% in 2025. Still, 74% of Californians are unaware that they may qualify for no-cost solar and battery systems through state programs, highlighting a critical opportunity to expand access to these technologies.
Integrated solar and battery systems can deliver transformative financial and energy benefits for homeowners. Jeff Chapin, co-founder and Chief Product Officer of Haven Energy, explained, “By strategically timing battery charging and discharging to align with renewable energy production and peak demand periods, homeowners can save up to 90% on their electric bills. Additionally, these systems contribute to grid stability through our virtual power plant technology, helping the broader community as well as individual households.”
Participation in the SGIP RSSE program requires that all homeowners receiving a system enroll their batteries in a demand response (DR) program for a ten-year term. This initiative allows the state and utility companies to leverage thousands of home battery systems—also known as distributed energy resources (DERs)—during periods of peak electricity demand. By drawing a portion of stored energy from these systems, utilities can reduce stress on the grid and minimize reliance on expensive and polluting peaker plants, supporting a more sustainable and resilient energy network.
Haven Energy estimates that the current SGIP RSSE funding could support the installation of solar and battery systems for 1,000 to 1,500 qualifying Los Angeles households earning 80% or less of the area median income. However, like all SGIP programs, funding is limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis until all available resources are allocated.
By lowering barriers to clean energy adoption, Haven Energy’s work with the SGIP program ensures that more Los Angeles residents can access the dual benefits of energy savings and grid reliability. With rising electricity costs, increasing power outage risks, and the need for sustainable energy solutions, programs like SGIP represent a vital tool in advancing both economic and environmental resilience across the state.
