Foster City Offers $1,000 Home Battery Rebate: Apply Before Funds Run Out

FOSTER CITY, San Mateo County — October 25, 2026. Homeowners considering a backup battery system now have a city incentive to investigate. Foster City announced on October 5 that its new Residential Battery Storage Rebate Program offers a one-time $1,000 rebate for an eligible residential property. The program is funded on a first-come, first-served basis, and an announced rebate is not a guarantee that every applicant will receive funds.

Which installations can qualify?

According to Foster City’s official announcement, the battery must have a minimum capacity of 5 kilowatt-hours (kWh) and be paired with a new or existing solar photovoltaic (PV) system. A stand-alone battery without solar does not meet the condition described in the city’s program notice. The city says the incentive may be combined with its separate solar rebate for a new solar installation, subject to each program’s rules.

Apply in the correct order

The city provides separate documents for program guidelines, a rebate reservation form to submit before applying for a permit, and a reimbursement form to complete after installation, necessary inspections and PG&E approval. Homeowners should read the full guidelines before signing an installation contract, making a payment or assuming they have reserved funding. Projects must secure applicable Building Division permits and pass a final inspection.

Why is the city supporting batteries?

When paired with solar, battery storage may save some electricity generated during the day for use later and provide backup capability during certain grid outages. Actual backup duration depends on the system size, wiring, household loads and equipment. The rebate is a contribution toward installation costs; it does not establish an energy-cost saving for a particular household.

Where to check availability

Visit the official Foster City battery incentive page for the reservation and reimbursement forms, current funding status and conditions. The city states that applications remain available until allocated funds are exhausted each year. For assistance, check the municipal contact directory or call City Hall at (650) 286-3200.

More local reporting and city resources can be found at Foster City News.

Primary source: City of Foster City, “Apply for the Residential Battery Storage Rebate Program,” October 5, 2026, reviewed October 25. Eligibility and remaining funding must be confirmed with the city; California58 is independent.

YOUR LOCAL NEWSPAPER NEEDS YOU

Help this community newspaper grow

Your support helps build coverage for the people and places this local newspaper serves.

Donate once by card ↗

Help Foster City News grow Help strengthen reporting on Foster City: community voices, important decisions and local life.

Support Foster City News

Choose how to support Foster City News:

Credit / Debit Card via Stripe

Choose an amount from $1. One-time support through the publisher's LINKERNO Stripe account.

Continue with PayPal Continue with Zelle

Zelle payments go to Vitaly Ataev Troshin. Please verify the recipient in your bank before sending. Availability depends on your bank.

Optional reader support. When possible, add “Foster City News” to the payment note. Contributions are not advertised as tax-deductible. Support does not influence editorial decisions.

Optional support through the publisher. Contributions are not advertised as tax-deductible and never buy editorial influence.

Foster City News — Your Community Newspaper

Have a correction, news tip, local announcement, or story to submit? Contact our editorial team. All submissions are reviewed before publication.