Good News: This One's a Bit Easier
In the Inland Empire — Riverside, San Bernardino, Ontario, and Moreno Valley — the big heat pump incentive used to be TECH Clean CA, but TECH Clean California's single-family heat pump incentives have been fully reserved and closed to new reservations since November 14, 2025. Check SCE's current offers before you plan around a rebate. That, combined with your region's hot summers, tilts the decision more clearly than it does in some other parts of California.
Why Heat Pumps Make Extra Sense Here
A heat pump also runs in reverse as an efficient air conditioner. In a region with genuinely hot summers, that dual-purpose function matters a lot. You're not just buying winter comfort; you're replacing an old, inefficient AC unit at the same time, often with the same rebate covering both functions.
Where Solar Still Fits
None of this means skip solar. If your summer electric bills spike from AC use, solar can offset a big chunk of that cost, and a heat pump running efficiently pairs well with solar generation during peak summer sun hours. Many Inland Empire homeowners do best treating this as "heat pump now, solar next" rather than picking one forever.
Decision Checklist
- Check your current SCE/TECH Clean CA rebate eligibility, including DAC and hard-to-reach bonuses, at sce.com.
- If your AC is old, prioritize the heat pump — it replaces two systems at once.
- Budget solar as your next project once the heat pump rebate is locked in.
Full rebate breakdown: SCE Rebate Guide. Also see: Why the Inland Empire Is Underrated.
Local pages: Riverside, San Bernardino, Ontario, Moreno Valley, Inland Empire hub.