Storage incentives reduce the cost of adding a battery to a solar system. Aurora supports four storage incentive types, each modeling a different kind of program. Admins configure storage incentives in the Database; sales reps can then apply them to projects in Sales Mode.
In this article:
- Storage incentive types
- How to configure a storage incentive
- How to apply a storage incentive to a project
- Storage incentive type reference
Storage incentive types
Aurora supports the following storage incentive types:
- Storage demand response: Payments from a utility in exchange for grid access to the customer’s battery (also called BYOB or “bring your own battery” programs). Paid per kW of battery output power; payment timing varies by program.
- Storage fixed amount: A one-time flat dollar payment regardless of battery size.
- Storage SGIP: California's Self-Generation Incentive Program. Paid per Wh of battery capacity, with separate rates for general market and equity/resiliency participants.
- Storage system size: A $/watt-based grant calculated against nominal kWh capacity. Used for utility and government rebates outside of SGIP.
How to configure a storage incentive
To create a custom storage incentive, navigate to Database > Incentives > + New.
- Enter a name for the incentive.
- Select the appropriate Type from the dropdown. See Storage incentive type reference below for field details by type.
- Set Scope to Local for region-specific programs or National if it applies everywhere.
- Configure Tax rates applied if applicable.
- Fill in the disbursement fields for your selected type.
- Optionally toggle on Allow amount to be editable? so sales reps can adjust the amount in Sales Mode.
- Review the plain-language calculation summary at the bottom of the form, then click Save.
Note: Pre-configured storage incentives from Aurora's database cannot be edited directly. To customize one, open it and select Duplicate, then edit the copy.
How to apply a storage incentive to a project
Once an incentive is configured and enabled in the Database, sales reps can apply it in Sales Mode:
- Open the project in Sales Mode.
- Navigate to the $ (Pricing) icon > Incentives.
- Click Add Incentive. A dropdown appears with all enabled incentives. Scroll or search by name and click to apply.
- Toggle the incentive on to apply it to the proposal.
Storage incentive type reference
Storage demand response
Models utility BYOB programs where customers receive payments in exchange for allowing the utility to draw from their battery during peak grid demand. Payment structure (upfront rebate vs. recurring payments) varies by program.
Common examples: NV Energy’s Powershift program (terminated August 2024), Green Mountain Power’s Bring Your Own Device program (Vermont, active).
- Amount: Enter the $/watt rate based on Storage kW (AC) output power.
- Duration: Number of years the program pays out.
- Disbursement: Cash grant. Payment timing varies by program (some pay upfront, others pay annually).
Note: Some BYOB programs require batteries from an approved list, enrollment in a specific utility rate, or a minimum battery bank size. Check the utility's documentation before applying this incentive.
Storage fixed amount
A one-time flat payment for any qualifying storage installation, regardless of battery size.
- Amount: Enter the flat dollar value of the grant.
- Disbursement: Cash grant.
- Year applied: Enter the year the payment is made (typically Year 0 or Year 1).
Storage SGIP
California's Self-Generation Incentive Program pays out per Wh of battery capacity. Special bonus rates apply for equity and resiliency participants. For more information, visit the CPUC's SGIP page or check current rates at SelfGenCa.com.
Note: SGIP funding availability varies by budget category and utility territory, and some budgets may be on a waitlist. Always check SelfGenCa.com for current program status before applying this incentive to a proposal.
- Amount: Enter the $/Wh rate.
- System size based on: Select General market for standard participants, or Equity / Equity and resiliency for low-income or resiliency-program participants.
- Disbursement: Cash grant.
Note: SGIP incentive rates are updated periodically. Always verify the current rate before configuring this incentive.
Storage system size
A $/watt grant based on nominal kWh battery capacity. Used for utility and government programs outside of SGIP.
Common examples: Hawaiian Electric’s Battery Bonus program (now closed), Maryland’s Residential and Commercial Energy Storage Grant Program.
- Amount: Enter the dollar-per-watt rate. Aurora measures this against Storage kWh (nominal) capacity.
- Disbursement: Cash grant.
- Year applied: Enter the year the payment is made.
- Is this amount capped?: Toggle on to set a maximum dollar payout.