We have been installing batteries as companions to our rooftop solar arrays for homes since 2004.  However due to the high price and functional limitations we have been generally discouraging of using batteries for home back up until 2023.  At that time the development of available products had reached a lower price and higher functionality that caused us to revise our opinion and become excited to install these battery back-up systems for our clients and feel they were getting a good value for their investment.

As of 2025, there became an economic reason for these systems as well for our clients in PSE territory.  If you are a Puget Sound Energy (PSE) customer, you are eligible to join the PSE Flex Batteries program. This “Virtual Power Plant” (VPP) initiative pays you to help stabilize the grid, often covering a significant portion of the cost of the system itself.

What is a “Virtual Power Plant” (VPP)?

In the past, when energy demand spiked (like on a freezing January morning or a record-breaking July afternoon), utilities had to fire up expensive, carbon-heavy “peaker” plants to meet the need.  The PSE Flex Batteries program replaces those plants with technology. By networking thousands of residential batteries together, PSE creates a “Virtual Power Plant.” When the grid is under stress, PSE can briefly pull a small amount of stored energy from your battery (and your neighbors’) to balance the load. In exchange for this “flexibility,” they pay you.

The Financial Rewards: Upfront & Ongoing

The incentives for this program are some of the most aggressive in the country, especially with the 2026 updates.

• Enrollment Bonus: Most customers receive a one-time check of up to $1000 per battery for signing up (e.g., if you have two Franklin aPower batteries, you could receive $2,000 upfront).

• Annual Participation Payments: As long as you stay in the program, you earn an annual reward of up to $500 per battery, per year, usually delivered via an e-gift card.

How it Works

The program is fully automated.  When demand is high, PSE triggers a “Flex Event.” Your battery will automatically discharge power to the grid. There are typically no more than 100 events per year (50 in summer, 50 in winter).  PSE will never drain your battery completely. The program is hard-coded to leave at least 20% of your battery capacity as a reserve.  If a major storm is forecasted, PSE generally suspends Flex Events to ensure your battery is at 100% capacity for potential outages.  If you know you need every drop of power for a big event at your house, you can opt out of any specific Flex Event through your battery’s mobile app.

What Battery Systems are Compatible and Qualify for the Flex Program?

As of early 2026, the program includes Tesla Powerwalls, Solar Edge Home Hub Inverters and Batteries, Enphase IQ Batteries, and FranklinWH aPower systems.

How to Get Started

Contact us at Power Trip Energy and we will begin to assess your needs and whether this program might be a good fit for your energy goals.  Since 2003 we have been helping our clients craft their own personal energy policies with clean roof top solar power.