Utility rate breakdowns, rebate guides, and honest answers about which home energy upgrades actually make sense in California. Updated as rates and programs change.
The honest answer depends on your climate zone, current heating system, and utility. Here's a breakdown across all 16 California climate zones with the four factors that actually determine payback, plus the cases where a heat pump genuinely isn't worth it.
Read the guide →The 30% federal solar tax credit expired December 31, 2025. Here's what California solar actually costs in 2026 by system size, by utility, with verified per-watt pricing and the lease workaround that still captures the credit through July 2026.
Read the guide →The federal 25C tax credit expired and HEEHRA is fully reserved statewide. Here's an honest, current look at what California heat pump rebates are actually still available in 2026, including SMUD's increased amounts, PG&E, SCE, SDG&E, LADWP, and California Energy Smart Homes.
Read the guide →SMUD's residential rates run roughly 50% lower than PG&E's. We break down both utilities plan by plan with real 2026 numbers, including which is better for solar customers under NEM 3.0, heat pump owners, and EV drivers.
Read the guide →What it actually costs to charge an EV at home in California.
The avoided-cost rate change explained without the industry spin.