Short answer: TECH Clean California is a statewide program that offers incentives for heat pump heating and cooling systems and heat pump water heaters. For most homeowners, the incentive is handled through an enrolled contractor, so your main job is choosing a contractor who participates. Funding is limited and changes over time, so the first question is always what is open right now.
What is TECH Clean California?
TECH Clean California is a state-backed program that encourages homeowners to replace fuel-burning equipment with electric heat pumps. It covers two main types of equipment:
- Heat pump heating and cooling (HVAC) systems, including heat pumps and ductless mini splits
- Heat pump water heaters
The program is aimed at existing homes. That means it is built around replacing equipment you already have, which describes most North Bay homes in Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Novato, San Rafael, and beyond.
How do the incentives work?
As of October 2026, the program describes its incentives as flowing through participating contractors rather than being a check you apply for yourself. The usual path looks like this:
- Choose an enrolled contractor. Only contractors who have enrolled in the program can submit for the incentive.
- Get a written quote. The contractor designs the system to your home and prices it.
- The contractor submits the paperwork. Applications and reservations are handled by the contractor before or during the job.
- The incentive is applied to your project. How it shows up on your quote depends on the program rules at the time.
Because the rules and reservation process can change, we don't promise a specific dollar amount in a blog post. We check what the program is offering when we quote your job.
Why funding status matters
Incentive programs run on a set budget. When a funding bucket is fully reserved, new projects may go on a waitlist, and some waitlisted projects only qualify if the equipment is installed after the reservation is approved. Programs also add and close pathways, such as income-qualified options, during the year.
That is why the order of steps matters. Don't schedule equipment first and look for the rebate afterward. Ask about incentives at the estimate stage, so the paperwork is in place before the install date.
You can see the program's current details on the official TECH Clean California incentives page.
Other programs that may stack
TECH Clean California is only one piece. Depending on your electric provider and what is open, programs like BayREN, Sonoma Clean Power, and MCE may also offer help for heat pumps or water heaters. Each has its own rules and funding, and some can be combined. We check which ones apply to your address.
The federal 25C tax credit ended for systems installed after December 31, 2025, so plan your budget around the state and local programs instead.
How Green Core helps
Our approach follows our CORE values of Craftsmanship, Ownership, Respect, and Efficiency. In practice:
- We give you a free in-home estimate and size the system to your home, not to the old unit's label.
- We check which programs are open for your project and tell you plainly if funding is limited.
- We handle the incentive paperwork so you aren't filling out forms.
- We show you the price and the incentive status separately, so you know what you are paying for.
Heat pump systems are priced to your home after the estimate, and the incentive picture depends on timing and funding, so we'll give you the real numbers once we see the house.
Common questions
Do I apply for the TECH Clean California incentive myself?
Usually not. The incentive is processed through an enrolled contractor, who submits the paperwork for your project. Your part is choosing a contractor and giving the information they need.
Does TECH Clean California cover heat pump water heaters too?
The program has included heat pump water heaters as well as heat pump heating and cooling systems. Whether a specific category is open depends on current funding, so we confirm it at the estimate.
What if funding is fully reserved when I call?
Ask about waitlists and other programs. Sometimes a different local rebate is open, and sometimes waiting a short time is worth it. We'll walk through the options with you rather than pushing a date.
Can I get the incentive after the system is already installed?
Don't count on it. Incentive programs generally require the paperwork to be started on a schedule set by the program, so talk to your contractor before work begins.
Thinking about a heat pump for your Sonoma or Marin home and want to know which incentives are open? Call Green Core at (707) 988-5858 or request a free estimate.