What it costs, what's permitted, and what to ask before you hire.
Last verified: 2026-05-31 · Well-sourced
Likely first step
Get itemized quotes from 2–3 licensed contractors
Panel / electrical
Verify your panel capacity with an electrician
Complexity
Verify locally
Permit likelihood
Confirm with your building department
Rebate sensitivity
Verify current programs
Best first call
A licensed contractor for an itemized quote
Utility impact
Electric & gas: PG&E
Pacific Gas & Electric
As of 2026-05-30, PG&E's default residential electric plan is E-TOU-C, a time-of-use plan with a 4-9 PM peak window. Alternatives include E-TOU-D (5-8 PM peak), EV2-A (whole-home TOU optimized for EV charging, lowest rates 12 AM-3 PM daily), and E-ELEC (a newer flat-rate-style plan for fully-electric and NEM 3.0 solar households, and the default plan when registering new residential solar under NEM 3.0). In March 2026, PG&E restructured residential rates under AB 205's income-graduated fixed charge framework, adding a flat Base Services Charge (~$24/month for non-CARE households; CARE/FERA pay a reduced fixed fee) paired with a per-kWh price cut. Households planning heat-pump HVAC, EV charging, or whole-home electrification may want to compare E-TOU-C, EV2-A, and E-ELEC; verify current rates and plan rules at the provider site.
$10,000–$25,000 — Whole-house window replacement cost for a single-family Bay Area home (roughly 12–20 windows) using mid-range ENERGY STAR-rated vinyl or fiberglass dual-pane low-E windows, pre-incentive. Range reflects window count, retrofit vs. full-frame replacement, and lead-paint or asbestos abatement on older homes. Excludes structural rough-opening modifications and historic-district custom-frame requirements.
Section 25C Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (windows and skylights)
Expired Dec 31, 2025. For 2023–2025: 30% of product cost, up to $600/yr (sub-cap inside the $1,200 envelope). 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 required ENERGY STAR Most Efficient windows or skylights, verified by NFRC Certified Product Directory number against climate-zone requirements. The $600 windows sub-cap sat inside the $1,200 annual envelope. Homeowners with eligible 2025 installations may still claim the credit on their 2025 federal tax return. Verify with a qualified tax professional.