Incentives and energy storage

What is the best incentive for solar storage?

The best incentive for storage is the federal investment tax credit (ITC). The exact same ITC that provides a 30 percent credit on the cost of your solar system provides that same benefit to storage systems under certain conditions.

Are there state-level incentives for solar energy storage?

To date, state-level performance incentives for storage have typically been added to solar incentives. Perhaps the best-known state-level storage incentive in the US is California's Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP). SGIP provides a dollar per kilowatt ($/kW) rebate for the energy storage installed.

What are the different types of energy storage policy?

Approximately 16 states have adopted some form of energy storage policy, which broadly fall into the following categories: procurement targets, regulatory adaption, demonstration programs, financial incentives, and consumer protections. Below we give an overview of each of these energy storage policy categories.

What does the inflation Reduction Act mean for energy storage?

Just over a year ago, the passing of the Inflation Reduction Act brought in what has been considered the biggest legislative action on climate seen in the US. It brought with it investment tax credit (ITC) incentives for standalone energy storage, answering one of the industry’s biggest asks of policymakers.

How do solar incentives work?

These incentives typically take one of two forms: an upfront rebate or a performance-based incentive. Rebate programs are exactly what they sound like: states provide a direct cash payment after your battery is installed and connected to the grid. To date, state-level performance incentives for storage have typically been added to solar incentives.

Does Maryland offer a state tax credit for energy storage?

In 2022, Maryland became the first state to offer state income tax credit for energy storage that provides up to $5,000 for residential customers and up to $75,000 for commercial and industrial customers, subject to a program total of $750,000 per year.