Build Resilience with Solar + Batteries Through PSE’s Home Batteries
The storm spiked interest in battery backup system, and we are experiencing a high volume of inquiries—get in our queue now to secure your spot and discuss your options. Please be patient as we work through the requests; we will respond to you as soon as possible!
The bomb cyclone in November left hundreds of thousands without power. Events like these highlight the importance of having reliable backup power to protect your home and family.
Puget Sound Energy (PSE) has introduced the Flex Batteries program, offering generous incentives to help you offset the cost of installing a home battery system—or rewarding you for participating if you already have a home battery system installed.
The Flex Batteries program allows PSE to use some of your battery’s stored energy to help stabilize the grid during high-demand periods. By doing this, your battery reduces strain on the electrical grid, contributing to a more stable and reliable power supply for everyone.
Whether you’re a PSE customer with solar and/or batteries or not, you can take advantage of this cutting-edge program.
Note: PSE’s program is called Flex Batteries. If you have a Tesla Powerwall, it is called Virtual Power Plant (VPP) on the app.
A&R Solar currently installs one battery option eligible for the Flex Batteries program: Tesla Powerwall. While SolarEdge is another battery option for the PSE program (at the moment), we do not install it at this time. We are evaluating additional storage options and will update this page as new offerings become available in 2025.
Through the PSE Flex Batteries program, you can:
- ⇨ Stay powered during outages—keep your lights on and appliances running when the grid goes down.
- ⇨ Earn up to $1,000 upfront per battery and $500 annually for participating in the program.
- ⇨ Store your solar energy and use it when you need it most.
If you already have a battery system installed, you may qualify to enroll today. See below for Tesla Powerwall instructions or learn more on PSE’s website.
No Solar? No Battery?
A&R Solar is here to help. We’ll guide you through the process of installing a system so you can benefit from these generous incentives while building energy resilience for your home.
Adding a battery not only keeps your home powered during outages but also earns you valuable incentives while helping support a cleaner, more reliable energy grid during peak demand.
How much does a battery cost?
Battery costs vary depending on the system size and installation requirements. On average, a Tesla Powerwall costs around $18,000–$25,000 per unit (including installation). Contact A&R Solar for an accurate quote tailored to your needs.
How much does solar cost?
Solar system prices depend on your energy goals and home size. Typical costs range from $20,000 to $40,000 or more, depending on system size and features.
PLEASE NOTE: Solar and batteries are eligible for the 30% Federal Solar Tax Credit.
Puget Sound Energy Flex Batteries Details
Customer Incentives
- $1,000 Enrollment Reward: Per eligible battery, issued as a check.
- Up to $500 Annual Reward: Participants will be paid $500 annually in the form of an e-gift card (e.g., Visa).
- Additional Incentives: $7,500 Federal Solar Tax Credit for those who qualify (contact your tax consultant).
For Example
- A system with 3 batteries earns $3,000 upfront and $500 annually.
- Over five years, that’s $5,500 in incentives for 3 batteries.
Program Duration
Incentives are guaranteed through 2029, with the potential for extension.
Eligibility
- Must be a PSE residential electric customer.
- Requires a valid interconnection agreement and an AMI meter.
- Current eligible batteries: Tesla Powerwalls
Participation
Customers retain control of their systems, including:
- Setting a backup reserve
- Opting out of events as needed
- StormWatch feature ensures the battery prioritizes backup power during storms
Have a Tesla Powerwall? Here’s How to Enroll.
The enrollment process is designed to be simple and straightforward. Here’s how it works:
Eligibility Check: To qualify, you must be a Puget Sound Energy customer, have a valid battery interconnection, and an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) meter.
Accessing the Tesla App: Open the Tesla app on their devices. If you have a Powerwall, you will see a banner for the Virtual Power Plant (VPP) program on the homepage. Note: This is what Tesla calls the Flex Batteries program.
Enrollment Steps:
- ⇨ Click on the Virtual Power Plant banner in the app.
- ⇨ Fill out the required information, including your name, utility account number, email, and phone number.
- ⇨ Agree to the terms and conditions of the program.
- ⇨ Submit the information.
Tesla will validate the submitted information with PSE.
Incentive Payment: Once verified, you will receive a $1,000 enrollment incentive check within four to six weeks. Additionally, you will earn $500 annually for each Powerwall they have, as long as they continue to participate in the program.
Automated Participation: After enrollment, participation in the program is automated. You do not need to take further action unless you wish to opt out of specific events or adjust your backup reserve settings.
Have questions or problems with enrollment? Contact PSE at flex@pse.com or call 1-888-292-0502.