What it costs, what's permitted, and what to ask before you hire.
Last verified: 2026-05-31 · Well-sourced
Likely first step
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Panel / electrical
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Complexity
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Permit likelihood
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Rebate sensitivity
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Best first call
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Utility impact
Electric & gas: SDG&E
San Diego Gas & Electric
As of 2026-05-30, SDG&E's default residential plan is TOU-DR1, a three-period time-of-use plan with on-peak / off-peak / super off-peak windows and a 4-9 PM peak. TOU-DR2 offers a simpler two-period structure with the same 4-9 PM peak. Households with EVs, batteries, or heat pumps may benefit from TOU-ELEC (designed for electrified homes), or from EV-specific plans: EV-TOU-5 (whole-house TOU with the lowest overnight pricing for home charging and the Solar Billing Plan) and EV-TOU (a separate-meter option). TOU-DR-P and EV-TOU-5-P are event-based variants that add Reduce Your Use events (up to 18/year) with a $1.16/kWh event adder during 4-9 PM. Plans require 12-month commitments; homeowners should verify the current default and rate cards on the SDG&E pricing plans page before assuming a peak window or rate.
$2,000–$6,000 — Installed cost for a single-family SoCal home (roughly 1,500–2,500 sq ft conditioned floor area) for attic air sealing plus blown-in cellulose or fiberglass insulation top-off to R-38, pre-incentive. Range reflects attic accessibility, existing insulation depth, and number of penetrations. Excludes wall insulation, crawlspace work, and spray-foam.
Section 25C Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (insulation and air sealing)
Expired Dec 31, 2025. For 2023–2025: 30% of materials (labor excluded), up to $1,200/yr envelope cap. EXPIRED: This federal credit ended Dec 31, 2025 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Public Law 119-21, signed July 4, 2025). Installations completed in 2026 or later do not qualify, regardless of when payment was made. For installations completed during 2023–2025, the credit applied to a U.S. principal residence owned and used by the taxpayer (renters and second homes were not eligible for this category) and covered bulk insulation materials (batts, rolls, blow-in, rigid board, spray foam, pour-in-place) and air-sealing materials (weather stripping, caulk, spray foam cans, house wrap) with manufacturer certification. Labor was excluded from the credit basis. Homeowners with eligible 2025 installations may still claim the credit on their 2025 federal tax return. Verify with a qualified tax professional.
California Equitable Building Decarbonization (EBD) Direct Install Program
No-cost direct-install upgrades for income-qualified households — homeowner does not pay out-of-pocket for covered measures. Measures may include heat pump HVAC, heat pump water heater, induction stove, electrical panel upgrade, and weatherization, subject to a per-household scope set by the regional implementer. Administered by the California Energy Commission (CEC) as the statewide Equitable Building Decarbonization Direct Install Program, with delivery through regional implementers and a separate Tribal Direct Install track. Targets low- and moderate-income households in low-income communities; specific AMI thresholds and per-region eligibility rules are set by the regional implementer rather than statewide. Both single-family homeowners and renters in eligible buildings may qualify, though scope and contractor selection are determined by the implementer (homeowners do not freely choose contractors). The program is funded through California IRA HOMES funding (60% allocation to Direct Install, approximately $130.3M) plus state appropriations. Direct Install retrofits began rolling out in summer 2025. Homeowners interested in EBD should contact the CEC at equitablebuildingdecarb@energy.ca.gov or watch for their regional implementer's launch announcement; the program does not accept open online applications the way TECH or HEEHRA do.
SDG&E Energy Savings Assistance Program (ESA) — income-qualified no-cost upgrades
No-cost (program-funded) upgrades for eligible households. ESA Basic Plus measures include attic insulation, envelope and air sealing, duct sealing, heat pump water heaters, water heater repair/replacement, gas furnace repair/replacement, refrigerator, clothes washer/dryer, room AC, whole house fans, and smart thermostats. As of 2026-05-30 the program is actively accepting applications. Eligibility is income-based; effective July 1, 2025 through May 31, 2026, ESA income limits run up to 250% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (approximately $80,375 maximum combined annual income for a family of four). Categorical eligibility is available via Medi-Cal, CalFresh, SSI, CalWORKs, LIHEAP, and similar assistance programs. Both homeowners and renters in buildings with four or fewer units may qualify (renters may need landlord permission for some measures). Verify current thresholds and the qualifying-measure list at the program page before applying.