Program Overview
Battery incentive and Virtual Power Plant (VPP) programs allow homeowners with solar + battery storage systems to earn financial incentives by supporting the grid during periods of high demand.
During scheduled grid events, the battery system may discharge a controlled amount of stored energy to help stabilize the grid. In return, participants may receive upfront incentives, ongoing performance payments, or other financial benefits depending on the specific program.
Programs vary by region and utility. Availability and eligibility requirements are determined by the local utility or program administrator.
General Eligibility Requirements
While requirements vary by program, participants typically must have:
A Tigo EI Inverter with Tigo EI Battery or GO Battery
A fully installed and commissioned system
An internet-connected battery system
Approval for interconnection or net metering with the local utility (if required)
Location within a region where a battery incentive or VPP program is available
For Installers
Step 1: Complete Installation & Commissioning
Before enrolling a customer:
Install and commission the Tigo EI inverter and battery system.
Verify the system is online and communicating.
Confirm the customer has completed any required utility interconnection or net metering approvals (if applicable in their region).
Step 2: Access Battery Incentive Programs
Enrollment can be completed using either:
Tigo EI App, or
Tigo EI Web Portal
To begin:
Log in to the Tigo EI App or EI Portal.
Navigate to Battery Incentive Programs from the system dashboard.
The platform will automatically detect the system location and display available battery incentive or VPP programs in that region.
Step 3: Select an Available Program
Select the desired program from the list.
Review the program details carefully, including:
Upfront incentives (if offered)
Ongoing or annual incentive structure
Participation requirements
Event participation expectations
Commitment terms (if applicable)
Each program may have different performance requirements and compensation structures.
Step 4: Complete the Enrollment Form
Fill out the required enrollment fields within the App or Portal.
Information typically includes:
Customer contact details
System configuration details
Utility account information (if required)
Review all information for accuracy.
Click Submit to send the enrollment for review.
Step 5: Enrollment Confirmation
After submission:
A confirmation message will appear indicating the enrollment request has been received.
The program administrator or utility will review the application.
Review timelines vary depending on the program.
Step 6: Customer Communication
Once submitted, the homeowner will typically receive:
A confirmation email acknowledging submission
An approval email once enrollment is finalized
Program participation details, including:
How and when grid events occur
How incentives are calculated
Payment process and timelines
Event opt-out options (if allowed by the program)
For Homeowners
What Happens After Enrollment?
Once your installer submits your enrollment:
The program administrator or utility reviews the application.
You will receive an email once your enrollment is approved.
After approval, your battery system becomes eligible to participate in scheduled grid events.
Approval timelines vary by program.
Event Notifications & Participation
Once enrolled, you will be notified when a grid event is scheduled.
1. Email Notification
Before each event, you may receive an email that includes:
Event date and time
Expected duration
Participation details
Opt-out instructions (if permitted by the program)
This ensures you are informed before your battery participates.
2. Viewing Events in the Tigo EI App or Portal
You can view upcoming and active events in the Battery Incentive Programs section.
Each event card displays:
Event date and time
Event status (Scheduled, Upcoming, Participating, or Opted Out)
Selecting an event allows you to see:
Start and end times
System charging/discharging behavior during the event
Participation status
3. Opting Out of an Event (If Allowed)
Some programs allow homeowners to opt out of individual events.
If supported:
Select the scheduled event.
Choose Opt Out of This Event.
Confirm your selection.
A message will explain that opting out may reduce incentive payments.
You may rejoin (if allowed) before the event begins by selecting Participate in This Event.
Battery Reserve Settings
Proper reserve settings ensure the homeowner maintains backup power while participating in grid programs.
Backup Reserve (Outage Protection)
The installer or homeowner can set a Backup Reserve State of Charge (SOC).
The battery will not discharge below this level.
This protects stored energy for power outage scenarios.
The setting can be configured in both the Tigo EI App and Web Portal.
VPP Event Reserve (If Supported by Program)
Some programs allow a separate VPP Reserve SOC setting.
During a grid event, the battery will not discharge below this VPP reserve level.
This allows participation while maintaining a defined minimum stored energy level.
Configurable in both the App and Web Portal.
During an Active Event
While an event is in progress:
The battery may discharge according to the program rules.
The system will respect the configured Backup and/or VPP Reserve SOC limits.
Participation status is visible in the App or Portal.
Summary
Using the Tigo EI App or EI Portal, installers and homeowners can:
View available battery incentive and VPP programs
Complete digital enrollment
Track event participation
Manage reserve settings
Monitor incentive participation
Program availability and requirements vary by region and utility. Always review program-specific terms before enrolling.