There are a number of programs that may be available to you when it comes to making the very most out of your solar energy system, and some of these are offered by local power companies as a mutually beneficial arrangement. One great example here is the Rocky Mountain Power Wattsmart battery program, which offers benefits for both individual customers and the grid at large.
At Intermountain Wind & Solar, we're here to help with a huge range of solar panel installation services for clients around Salt Lake City, Utah and Boise, Idaho, helping you get manageable power rates and reliable solar power battery storage. Here are some of the basics on the Wattsmart battery program - its purposes, how it benefits both clients and the grid overall, and some other important details.
In the most basic terms, the Wattsmart program is a four-year program that involves a mutual usage of the batteries installed in their home or business as part of their solar power setup. Essentially, Rocky Mountain Power pays clients for the ability to use excess energy from your battery when the grid is struggling with power demands, such as during surges or peak times.
This offers simple benefits to both parties. For the client, it can create significant savings on their power bill while also making sure that your solar energy system is even more efficient than normal. For Rocky Mountain Power, they receive access to added renewable and sustainable energy when they need it most, helping them avoid using traditional fossil fuels that are harmful to the environment.
The Wattsmart battery program provides a number of important benefits both for individual clients and for the grid at large. One of the biggest advantages is its contribution to reducing our reliance on non-renewable energy sources. By using excess solar energy stored in batteries during peak times, we're able to reduce our carbon footprint and lessen our impact on the environment.
Moreover, this program helps promote better energy management and reduces the chances of power outages during high-demand periods. In addition, it offers a way for clients to save money on their electricity bills while also helping promote sustainability in their local community.
Here are some of the basic details of the program:
If you're interested in participating in the Wattsmart battery program, Intermountain Wind & Solar is here to help. We can design and install a solar power system that meets all program requirements and give you access to reliable backup power solutions for your home or business.
Furthermore, we offer ongoing maintenance and support to help you monitor your energy usage and ensure your system is functioning at top efficiency. Our team is dedicated to helping our clients save money on their energy bills while also promoting a cleaner, more sustainable future for all.
By participating in this program, clients not only get financial benefits but also contribute to making our world more sustainable for future generations. The continued development of programs like the Wattsmart battery program helps move us towards a more renewable and environmentally friendly future. So if you're interested in finding out more about this or any of our other solar power and solar battery storage services around SLC, Utah or Boise, Idaho, speak to our team at Intermountain Wind & Solar today.
The Wattsmart battery program is an incentive program offered by Rocky Mountain Power that pays homeowners with solar and battery storage to share stored energy with the electrical grid during peak demand periods. In exchange, participants receive upfront incentives and ongoing payments while still maintaining backup power for their home.
Incentives typically include an upfront payment based on battery size (often around $400 per kW installed) plus ongoing annual participation payments during the program term. The exact amount depends on your battery capacity and configuration.
Here’s a realistic example using a common Fortress battery setup:
Many Fortress systems provide roughly 5 kW to 10 kW of usable power output depending on the model and inverter pairing.
If your system qualifies at 5 kW, the estimated incentive could be:
Upfront: 5 kW × $400 ≈ $2,000
Annual payments: Often around $15 per kW per year (≈ $75/year for 5 kW)
For larger systems (for example 10 kW output), incentives could reach:
Upfront: ≈ $4,000
Annual payments: ≈ $150/year
Fortress batteries like the eFlex or eVault are modular, so the total incentive increases as you add more storage capacity. Some models provide over 18 kWh of energy storage and can scale much larger for whole-home backup.
Your final incentive amount will depend on:
Battery size (kW output rating)
Utility program rules
Solar system configuration
Installation location
A qualified installer can calculate the exact rebate before installation.
Yes. To participate, you must have a grid-connected solar energy system paired with an eligible home battery. The system must meet minimum size requirements established by the utility program.
For many homeowners, solar batteries are especially valuable in regions with time-of-use rates, grid demand programs, or power outage concerns. Batteries provide backup power, energy independence, and potential financial incentives through programs like Wattsmart, which can significantly improve return on investment.
The initial program term is typically four years, with options to renew annually afterward. Incentives are paid during participation as long as your system remains eligible and operational.
Most programs require a minimum solar system size (often around 4.8 kW or larger) paired with battery storage. A professional installer can design a system that meets both your energy needs and program requirements.
Yes. Solar battery adoption is growing rapidly in the Intermountain West the last few years due to improved battery technology, utility incentive programs, rising electricity costs, and increased interest in energy independence and outage protection.
he best solar battery depends on your energy usage, backup goals, and budget. Homeowners in Utah, Wyoming, and Idaho commonly choose lithium-ion battery systems designed for both daily energy cycling and backup power during outages.
Popular options include:
Tesla Powerwall — One of the most well-known home batteries, offering about 13.5 kWh of storage with strong whole-home backup capabilities and high power output.
Enphase IQ Battery — Modular batteries that pair especially well with Enphase microinverter solar systems and are great for scalable backup solutions.
Fortress Power Battery — Known for durable lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry and flexible system sizing, often used for both grid-tied and off-grid applications.
FranklinWH aPower — A newer whole-home battery with strong power output and smart energy management features.
A professional installer can evaluate your home’s electrical loads, solar production, and outage priorities to recommend the right battery system. Companies like Intermountain Wind & Solar offer all of these battery options and can help homeowners choose the best solution for their needs.
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