Programs and incentives
What help is actually available.
There is a lot of noise about energy rebates in the territory, and much of it does not apply to backup power. This is a plain summary of the Virgin Islands Energy Office programs and who each one is genuinely for.
Start here
Right now, there is no territory rebate on a home battery system.
We would rather tell you that than let you discover it after you have budgeted around it. The Energy Office runs several programs, but as of August 2026 the ones involving batteries are either targeted at specific vulnerable groups, aimed at community organizations rather than households, or still being designed.
That may change. Solar for All is a large federal award to the territory that will eventually cover residential solar and storage, and we are watching it closely. The section below explains each program and where it stands.
The programs, plainly.
Each of these is run by the Virgin Islands Energy Office, not by us. Check with VIEO directly before making any decision, as details change.
Solar for All · in planning
The one worth watching
A federal EPA award to the territory covering residential rooftop solar, community solar and associated energy storage, with priority for underserved communities. VIEO is still designing the program requirements, documentation and vendor agreements, so there is no application to submit yet.
Who it is for: eventually households, with an emphasis on low income and disadvantaged communities.
Read the VIEO pageVIRG · limited and at capacity
Resiliency Gateway
A program providing batteries to full time residents aged 60 and over who rely on powered medical devices. It is not a purchase rebate, batteries are limited, and applying does not guarantee receiving one.
Who it is for: residents 60+ dependent on powered medical equipment. St. Thomas and St. Croix have been at capacity, so check current status with VIEO.
Read the VIEO pageCEI · organizations only
Community Electrical Innovation
Grants to build solar and battery microgrids, funded through HUD. Preference goes to community based organizations serving vulnerable populations, such as housing authority properties, health care facilities and long term care housing.
Who it is for: community based organizations, not households or ordinary businesses.
Read the VIEO pageWAP · income qualified
Weatherization Assistance
A long standing program focused on making homes more energy efficient. Eligibility is income based and the scope is weatherization rather than battery storage, but it is worth asking about if efficiency is part of what you are trying to solve.
Who it is for: income qualified households. Confirm current criteria with VIEO.
Read the VIEO pageOne program you may come across is Electric Mobility, which offers rebates on electric vehicles and e-bikes. It is a genuine program, but it applies to vehicles rather than home backup power or storage, so it is not listed above.
Federal
Ask your tax professional about federal credits.
Separately from anything the territory offers, federal tax credits have applied to residential clean energy including battery storage. Rules, percentages and expiry dates change, and whether you can use a credit depends on your own tax position.
We are not tax advisors and we will not quote you a figure. Speak to a tax professional, or check the IRS directly, before counting on anything.
Go straight to the source.
We keep this page current as best we can, but the Energy Office is the only authority on its own programs. They are helpful and worth calling.
St. Thomas office
Nisky Center
8000 Nisky Center, 2nd Floor, Suite 208, Charlotte Amalie, VI 00802
St. Croix office
Estate Carlton
#2 Estate Carlton, Suite 3, Frederiksted, VI 00840
Meanwhile
Build in stages instead of waiting.
Most people who come to us are weighing a large purchase against an uncertain program timeline. The practical answer is usually to start smaller than you planned, cover the essentials now, and expand later if funding opens up.
- Every system we stock expands rather than being replaced
- Covering internet, refrigeration and lighting is the cheapest step
- Solar can be added at any later stage
- Nothing you buy first becomes redundant
Stay informed
We will tell you when something opens.
If a program becomes available that applies to home backup power, we will say so plainly rather than quietly.