California RSSE Solar and Battery Incentive Program for Low-Income Homeowners

What Is the California Residential Solar and Storage Equity (RSSE) Program?

California's Residential Solar and Storage Equity (RSSE) Program was created to make solar energy and battery storage more accessible to lower-income households across the state. Launched under the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), the program provides upfront incentives that significantly reduce the cost of going solar.

This initiative is about equity. It helps homeowners in disadvantaged communities cut utility costs, gain energy independence, and reduce their environmental impact.

How the RSSE Solar Energy Incentive Program Works

Program Goals

• Increase access to solar and battery technology for income-qualified homeowners
• Reduce electric bills and reliance on the grid
• Strengthen community resilience through local clean energy

What’s Covered (Free Solar?!)

• Upfront cash incentives for solar panel installation
• Additional rebates for battery storage systems
• Support for project costs such as permitting and interconnection fees

RSSE Solar Eligibility Requirements for Homeowners

Income Requirements

To qualify, applicants typically must have a household income that is 80% or less of the Area Median Income (AMI) for their county. For example, in Riverside County, that’s approximately $72,000 for a family of four.

Location-Based Eligibility

Applicants must also reside in an area designated as a Disadvantaged or Low-Income Community. These designations are based on environmental, economic, and health data through CalEnviroScreen or other CPUC-defined mapping tools.

Program Enrollment

You may also qualify if you’re already enrolled in certain utility or public assistance programs, including:

• CARE (California Alternate Rates for Energy)
• FERA (Family Electric Rate Assistance)
• LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program)

Homeowners can combine RSSE with other incentives to reduce upfront costs even further.

To qualify for RSSE funding, homeowners typically must:

• Meet income requirements (e.g., under 80% of Area Median Income)
• Live in a designated disadvantaged or low-income community
• Be enrolled in programs like CARE, FERA, or other public assistance

Homeowners can combine RSSE with other incentives to reduce upfront costs even further.

How Much Can RSSE Save You?

Incentives vary by project size and location but can cover thousands in system costs. For example:

Solar systems may receive $3–$4 per watt installed.

That means a 5kW system could qualify for $15,000–$20,000 in upfront savings.

Battery systems can qualify for rebates worth thousands, depending on size, energy storage capacity, and eligibility.

Combined with the 30% federal solar tax credit, total savings can dramatically lower your solar investment.

Read about the 30% Federal Tax Credit

Why Timing Matters: The Federal Tax Credit Could Be Going Away

The 30% federal solar tax credit is under threat. A recently passed House bill proposes eliminating the credit by the end of 2025 — years earlier than planned.

While the bill hasn’t passed the Senate yet, solar projects take time. Permitting, design, utility approvals, and installation can stretch across months. If you're planning to go solar and want to lock in your tax credit, now is the time to begin.

How to Get Started with RSSE

The RSSE program requires an application process through a qualified contractor.

New Day Solar can guide you through:

• Reviewing your eligibility
• Designing a system that meets program requirements
• Applying for and securing incentives

Contact New Day Solar

Already Have Solar? You Might Still Qualify

RSSE incentives for battery storage and solar system expansion may apply even if you’ve already gone solar.

And under NEM 3.0, many homes benefit from optimizing their existing systems.

Expand Without Losing NEM Benefits

Final Thoughts: Don’t Miss The RSSE Opportunity

The RSSE program and the federal tax credit provide a rare opportunity for significant savings.
But these programs have limited funding — and potential time limits.

Know someone who might qualify? Refer them and earn $1,000 for every solar installation that goes forward.

Let’s make clean energy affordable for everyone. Start your RSSE journey with New Day Solar today.