While many homeowners already know that home solar and backup batteries can help reduce electricity bills, fewer may realize that the technology can actually make you money.
One homeowner shared on Reddit that they received an over-$400 payment from Tesla's Virtual Power Plant partnership with Pacific Gas and Electric Company.
The Tesla VPP program allows homeowners with Tesla Powerwalls to dispatch stored energy to the grid during periods of high demand or emergency conditions. In return, participants receive $2 for every kilowatt-hour supplied by their Powerwall during these events.
According to Tesla's website, the network of home batteries is the largest of its type in the world, helping to secure California's grid with clean energy. Plus, homeowners can adjust how much power they send to the grid versus how much they keep for their own consumption.
For the original poster, they were set to receive over $400 for sending power to the grid from their three Powerwalls during seven different blackout events
While the Tesla VPP program is not available everywhere, you may be surprised by the incentives offered in your community for clean energy renovations, such as solar panels and batteries. To see how much solar can transform your power bill and what deals and rebates are available in your area, connect with the solar experts at EnergySage.
Other homeowners shared their payouts through the program.
"Just got my payout last week," one wrote. "$497, 27 hours, 19 events, PG&E with 2 PW."
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"$377 payout this week for last year," another added.
"To me it's a no brainer," the OP wrote. "Here … I pay from .33-53¢ a kWh and sell for $2 a kWh."
Notably, these payouts do not include the additional savings homeowners may earn by avoiding peak electricity rates through battery storage and by pairing their systems with solar energy.
If you're curious about how much solar panels and batteries can transform your home and energy bills, check out the free tools from EnergySage. Homeowners who consult with EnergySage experts can save up to $10,000 on installation and purchase costs.
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EnergySage also has a helpful mapping tool to show the average cost of solar panels by state, as well as details on any incentives available in your area. It ensures you snag the best deal possible when making a solar upgrade.
As these homeowners pointed out, solar can have added benefits when paired with battery backups. Other than potentially lucrative incentive programs like Tesla's VPP partnership, batteries can help you dodge annoying power outages and even cut ties with the grid entirely.
Luckily, EnergySage has resources to help you find the best deal on batteries based on your home and budget.
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