Before Installation: Preparation
Before your installation begins, gather the information you'll need for rebate applications. You'll need: proof of home ownership (property tax bill or deed), your EV registration (shows you own an EV), the charger's ENERGY STAR certification (for PG&E rebate), and your ChargeWizards contract and invoice. Take photos of your electrical panel before and after installation. Keep all receipts and documentation in one folder (digital or physical). ChargeWizards provides a rebate documentation packet with all necessary paperwork.
- •Proof of home ownership
- •EV registration or title
- •Charger ENERGY STAR certification
- •ChargeWizards contract and invoice
- •Photos of electrical panel (before/after)
- •Keep all receipts organized
Step 1: Federal 30C Tax Credit
The federal Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit (Section 30C) is claimed on your annual federal tax return. You'll file IRS Form 8911 with your tax return. The credit is 30% of total installation cost (charger + labor + permit), up to $1,000 for residential. You must own the home (not rent) and the charger must be installed at your primary residence. Keep your invoice and proof of payment — the IRS may request documentation. The credit is non-refundable (can't exceed your tax liability) but can be carried forward. Example: $1,500 installation = $450 credit on your tax return.
- •Form: IRS Form 8911 (Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit)
- •Amount: 30% of total cost, up to $1,000 residential
- •Eligible costs: charger, labor, permit, materials
- •Must own home (not rent)
- •Credit is non-refundable but carryforward allowed
- •File with your annual federal tax return
Step 2: PG&E EV Charger Rebate
PG&E's EV charger rebate is applied for online after installation. Go to pge.com/EVrebate and complete the application. You'll need: your PG&E account number, charger model number (must be ENERGY STAR certified), installation invoice, proof of payment, and the permit/inspection documentation. PG&E typically processes rebates within 4-6 weeks. The rebate is paid via check or bill credit. Current rebate amounts: up to $1,000 for residential Level 2 installation. Income-qualified customers may receive enhanced rebates.
- •Apply at: pge.com/EVrebate
- •Required: PG&E account, charger model, invoice, proof of payment, permit
- •Charger must be ENERGY STAR certified
- •Processing time: 4-6 weeks
- •Rebate amount: up to $1,000
- •Paid via check or bill credit
Step 3: State and Local Incentives
California and local agencies offer additional incentives. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) and BAAQMD periodically offer residential charging incentives. Check the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) at dsireusa.org for current offerings. Some cities offer additional rebates — check your city's sustainability or building department website. ChargeWizards tracks current incentive programs and can alert you to new opportunities.
- •Check DSIRE (dsireusa.org) for current state incentives
- •BAAQMD periodically offers residential charging incentives
- •Some cities offer additional rebates
- •ChargeWizards tracks current programs
- •Incentives change frequently — check regularly
- •Stack multiple incentives when possible
Documentation Checklist
Keep these documents organized for rebate applications: ChargeWizards invoice (showing charger model, labor, permit costs), proof of payment (credit card statement, cancelled check), permit application and approval, final inspection card, charger ENERGY STAR certification, photos of installation, your EV registration, proof of home ownership. Create a digital folder with scanned copies of everything. ChargeWizards provides a rebate documentation packet at project completion with most of these documents.
- •ChargeWizards invoice (itemized)
- •Proof of payment
- •Permit application and approval
- •Final inspection card
- •Charger ENERGY STAR certification
- •Photos of installation
- •EV registration
- •Proof of home ownership