Haven Energy, a climate tech company focused on expanding access to renewable energy, announced a new initiative to provide free home solar and battery systems to low and moderate income homeowners in California.
The program aims to eliminate financial barriers to clean energy by leveraging California’s $280 million Self-Generation Incentive Program Residential Solar & Storage Equity (SGIP RSSE) fund.
Under the new initiative, Haven, a TechNexus Venture Collaborative portfolio company, will cover all costs associated with the purchase and installation of solar panels and home battery systems. The company will own the equipment and collect state rebates, tax credits, and demand response revenues, while homeowners benefit from lower monthly electric bills and backup power during outages.
This approach addresses the significant upfront costs—averaging over $20,000 in 2025—that often deter homeowners from investing in renewable energy solutions.
“Many homeowners simply don’t have the resources to cover the purchase and installation costs of the systems,” co-founder and CEO of Haven Energy Vinnie Campo (pictured, right) said in a statement.
“We are bridging that gap in the state’s rebate program,” he added.
Participants in the program will be enrolled in a ten-year demand response (DR) program, allowing the state and utility companies to utilize stored energy during peak demand periods. The strategy not only stabilizes the grid but also contributes to lower energy prices statewide.
Haven anticipates building 10 MW of capacity through the initiative, creating one of California’s largest virtual power plants (VPP) to date.
“Rather than sending surplus electricity to the grid automatically, we strategically work with our customers to time battery-charging and discharging,” co-founder and CPO of Haven Energy Jeff Chapin (pictured, left) said in a statement.
Additionally, to maximize the program’s reach and impact, Haven Energy is collaborating with organizations such as The Energy Coalition (TEC) and the Clean Power Alliance (CPA).
The partnerships will help Haven to identify qualifying households, streamline installations, and scale access to free solar and battery systems across underserved communities.
Haven estimates that the SGIP RSSE program’s funding could support solar and battery installations for 8,000-10,000 qualifying California households.
Homeowners can check their eligibility for the program by visiting www.havenenergy.com/qualify.