Energy Star Windows in California:
Rebates & What to Know in 2026

Energy Star windows still pay off in the Bay Area through lower heating bills and a quieter, more comfortable home, and some utility and community energy programs offer incentives on top. The federal tax credit that used to apply has ended (details below). Here is how the remaining programs work and what to document so you capture what is available.

What "Energy Star" Means for Windows

Energy Star is a certification program administered by the EPA. For windows, it sets minimum thresholds for two key performance metrics:

• U-factor: Measures heat transfer through the window. Lower is better. A U-factor of 0.27 means 27% of the temperature difference between inside and outside transfers through the window per hour per square foot.
• Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC): Measures how much solar radiation passes through the glass. Lower SHGC means less solar heat entering the home.

The United States is divided into climate zones for Energy Star certification. San Francisco and the Bay Area fall in Energy Star Zone 3 (Pacific / Marine Climate). The requirements for this zone are:

The Zone 3 SHGC requirement is "any" because the Bay Area benefits from solar gain in winter and needs less solar blocking than hotter inland climates. Most quality double-pane windows from reputable manufacturers meet Zone 3 requirements. Your contractor should provide you with the NFRC (National Fenestration Rating Council) label showing the certified U-factor. Rebate programs will ask for it.

The Federal 25C Tax Credit Has Ended

From 2023 through 2025, the federal energy efficient home improvement credit (25C) covered part of the cost of Energy Star windows. Federal legislation passed in 2025 ended the credit for improvements placed in service after December 31, 2025, so windows installed in 2026 do not qualify. If you completed a qualifying project in 2025, you may still be able to claim it on your 2025 return; your tax preparer can confirm.

PG&E Rebates

Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) offers energy efficiency rebates to residential customers through its Energy Upgrade California and home energy programs. Rebate availability and amounts change periodically, so it is important to check the current PG&E rebate catalog before beginning your project.

Historically, PG&E has offered window incentives as part of whole-home energy upgrade packages rather than as a standalone window rebate. The key requirements are:

• Windows must meet or exceed Energy Star Zone 3 U-factor requirements
• Installation must be performed by a licensed California contractor
• Rebate applications must be submitted within 90 days of installation completion
• Some programs require a before installation home energy assessment

Check current PG&E rebates at pge.com/rebates or call 1-800-933-9555. Note that rebate programs are funded until their budget runs out, so applying early is advantageous.

Bay Area Community Energy Programs

Many Bay Area communities have their own community choice energy programs that supplement utility rebates:

• MCE (Marin Clean Energy): Serves Marin County and parts of Contra Costa and Napa. Offers energy efficiency rebates for qualifying window replacements in addition to PG&E distribution rebates.
• EBCE (East Bay Community Energy): Serves Alameda County including Oakland, Berkeley, Richmond, and Fremont. Periodically offers supplemental efficiency rebates.
• CleanPowerSF: San Francisco's community choice energy program. Efficiency programs run through SFPUC and SFEI.
• Peninsula Clean Energy: Serves San Mateo County. Offers rebate stacking with PG&E programs.

These programs change regularly. The best approach is to check your community energy provider's website or call them directly when you are ready to start your project.

How to Capture All Available Rebates: A Step-by-Step

1. Confirm your home is in a qualifying area. For utility rebates, you must be an active PG&E customer (or your community energy provider).
2. Choose Energy Star Zone 3-certified products. Ask your contractor to confirm the U-factor of every window being installed. Get the NFRC certification information in writing.
3. Check current PG&E and community energy rebates before installation. Some programs require pre-approval or a before installation assessment. Starting this process after installation may disqualify you from certain rebates.
4. Keep all documentation. Retain the manufacturer's NFRC certificate, your contractor's itemized invoice showing the product cost separately from installation labor, and proof of payment. You need these for any rebate application.
5. Submit rebate applications promptly. Most programs have 90-day submission windows from installation. Do not wait.

Which Window Materials Qualify

Most modern double-pane windows from quality manufacturers meet Zone 3 requirements. That includes most vinyl, all fiberglass, and clad-wood products from major manufacturers. Basic single-pane replacements do not qualify. Low-grade vinyl with high U-factors may not qualify. Always verify the NFRC rating.

Fiberglass and clad-wood windows often achieve better U-factors than standard vinyl, sometimes qualifying for additional program tiers when programs have tiered incentives.