What Riverside Public Utilities pays
These figures come from RPU's Energy Storage Rebate Program page, which we read on October 2, 2026. It covers qualifying systems purchased on or after July 1, 2026, for residential electric customers.
Residential customers
Up to $10,000. One rebate per year per service address, and the rebate cannot exceed total project cost.
Low-income SHARE customers
Up to $17,000, with the same one-per-year and project cost limits.
Who can apply
Existing solar customers, new solar customers and standalone storage installations all qualify.
Rate requirement
You must acknowledge the requirement to be on the applicable domestic time-of-use rate.
What it is worth
A 13.5 kWh battery earns 13.5 x $500 = $6,750 at the standard rate, and 13.5 x $850 = $11,475 for a SHARE customer. The standard cap of $10,000 is reached at 20 kWh. RPU's page says the rebate cannot exceed what you actually paid for the equipment and installation, so a low-cost system earns less than the formula.
What counts as storage
RPU's page lists battery energy storage systems and thermal energy storage systems used for air cooling as eligible, and says other technologies may become eligible. A system must be able to store energy during off-peak periods and discharge it during peak periods. There is no restriction on brand, type or kWh capacity, according to the qualifying products list, as long as the program's requirements are met.
The time-of-use rate trade-off
You must acknowledge that you will be on the applicable domestic time-of-use rate. That rate charges more at peak hours and less at off-peak hours, which is what a battery is built for: charge cheap, discharge when power costs the most. If you do not run a battery or solar, the rate can raise your bill, so ask RPU to show what your usage would cost on it before you commit.
Thermal storage is also on the list
RPU names thermal energy storage systems used for air cooling next to batteries. These store cooling, for example by making ice or chilled water at night, and use it the next afternoon so the air conditioner works less at peak hours. They are less common in homes than batteries, so ask installers about the maker's track record, the warranty and the space needed. Because RPU says there is no restriction on kWh capacity, ask for the nameplate kWh in writing on any quote, since that number sets the rebate.
Documents RPU asks for
You send the sales receipt and dated installation receipts, copies of all permits with final inspection approval, a photo of the installed system, a photo of the serial number matching the invoice, the manufacturer's specification sheet showing the nameplate kWh, and the signed acknowledgement of the time-of-use requirement. Submit within 180 days of the purchase date to RPURebates@riversideca.gov or to Riverside Public Utilities, Programs and Services, 3025 Madison Street.
Solar permits and batteries
The City accepts SolarAPP+ for residential rooftop solar permits but excludes projects with an existing or new battery storage system, so a solar and battery job goes through a regular permit path. See the City's SolarAPP+ page. Ask your installer which route they plan to use. Riverside averages about 5.4 peak sun hours a day, so a solar and battery system has good sun.
Your utility: Riverside Public Utilities
RPU's $500 per kWh matches SMUD's earlier battery rate (Sacramento, now $300) and is above San Diego Community Power's $250 to $350 for the market rate (San Diego). The federal 25C and 25D tax credits ended after December 31, 2025.
How to claim the RPU battery rebate
- Confirm that Riverside Public Utilities is your electric utility.
- Buy and install a qualifying battery or thermal storage system on or after July 1, 2026.
- Have permits finaled by inspection.
- Gather the receipts, photos, serial number and specification sheet.
- Sign the time-of-use acknowledgement.
- Apply within 180 days of purchase.
Common questions
How much does RPU pay for a battery?
$500 per kWh up to $10,000, or $850 per kWh up to $17,000 for qualified low-income SHARE customers.
Which purchases qualify?
Systems purchased on or after July 1, 2026, for existing solar, new solar or standalone storage.
Do I need a special rate?
Yes. You must be on the applicable domestic time-of-use rate.
How often can I claim it?
One rebate per year per service address.
How long do I have to apply?
Within 180 days of the purchase date.
What to do next
See RPU's Energy Storage Rebate Program page, or compare all Riverside offers on our Riverside hub.
By Sam Menard. Sources, last read October 2, 2026: Riverside Public Utilities Energy Storage Rebate Program, City of Riverside SolarAPP+, Riverside Public Utilities rebates and programs. All Riverside rebates → Every Riverside Public Utilities rebate →