Incentives
Rebates and Tax Credits for Panel, EV and Electrification Upgrades
As of October 2026, there is no federal tax credit for a new panel upgrade or home EV charger: 25C ended for property placed in service after December 31, 2025, and 30C after June 30, 2026. PG&E's EV charging rebate is the main program still listed for chargers, and MCE customers have heat pump rebates.
Status as of October 4, 2026
| Program | What it covers | Who qualifies | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal 25C credit | Energy efficiency improvements, including panel upgrades installed with qualifying equipment | Homeowners filing federal taxes | Not allowed for property placed in service after Dec. 31, 2025 | IRS |
| Federal 25D credit | Residential clean energy such as solar and battery storage | Homeowners filing federal taxes | Not allowed for expenditures made after Dec. 31, 2025 | IRS |
| Federal 30C credit | EV charging equipment at home, in eligible census tracts | Taxpayers in eligible areas | Not allowed for property placed in service after June 30, 2026 | IRS |
| PG&E Residential EV Charging Rebate | Standard: up to 50% of one approved charger. Rebate Plus (income-qualified): up to $2,000 install, up to $5,000 panel upgrade + install | PG&E residential electric customers, including MCE customers, with a qualifying EV | Listed; limited funding; Rebate Plus needs pre-approval | PG&E |
| MCE heat pump rebates | Heat pump space and water heating (no panel rebate found) | MCE customers: Walnut Creek, Lafayette, Danville, Moraga, Pleasant Hill, Concord, unincorporated county. Not Orinda or Clayton | Check current amounts | MCE |
| TECH Clean California | Single-family heat pump HVAC and water heater incentives | Statewide | Reserved statewide as of Nov. 14, 2025 | TECH |
| California HEEHR (income-qualified) | Home electrification rebates, including electrical panels | Income-qualified households | Northern California requests not yet approved were waitlisted as of Feb. 24, 2026 | TECH |
| BayREN | Regional home energy programs | Bay Area residents | Check availability | BayREN |
| GoGreen Home financing | Loans for energy upgrades through participating lenders | California homeowners | Financing, not a rebate | GoGreen |
What this means for your project
- Panel upgrades: no broad federal credit for new work. The income-qualified HEEHR program covers panels but is waitlisted in Northern California.
- EV chargers: PG&E's rebate is the program to check first. Rebate Plus applicants must be approved before buying or starting work.
- Heat pumps: MCE customers should check MCE's rebates; Orinda and Clayton homes are PG&E bundled customers, not MCE.
- Avoiding the upgrade: PG&E's own guide shows ways to electrify without a new panel. Do I need a panel upgrade?
Rebate questions
Is there a federal tax credit for an electrical panel upgrade in 2026?
No, for new work. The IRS says the 25C energy efficient home improvement credit is not allowed for property placed in service after December 31, 2025.
Is there an IRS tax credit for installing an EV charger?
Not anymore for new installs. The 30C refueling property credit is not allowed for property placed in service after June 30, 2026.
Does PG&E pay for an EV charger?
PG&E's residential EV charging rebate lists up to 50% of the price of one approved charger, and an income-qualified Rebate Plus option with up to $2,000 for installation or up to $5,000 for a panel upgrade and installation. Rebate Plus requires approval before you buy or start work. Funding is limited.
Does MCE give rebates for panel upgrades?
We didn't find an MCE panel rebate. MCE lists heat pump rebates for its customers, and Orinda and Clayton are not MCE communities.
Sources
- IRS: FAQs on 25C, 25D, 30C and other credits after Public Law 119-21
- PG&E: Residential EV charging rebate
- MCE: Contra Costa County service
- MCE: Heat pump rebates
- TECH Clean California: Single-family incentive status
- BayREN: Find incentives
- GoGreen Financing (California)
- PG&E: How to switch to electric appliances without a panel upgrade
Next steps: EV charger installation · upgrade costs · contact
Next step
Plan the upgrade, then the incentives
A local electrician can tell you what the job involves; you can check incentives with the programs above before you sign.
Call (925) 722-6103Prefer to type? Use the form.