October 2026 planning update: code editions and expired credits

Which California code edition applies?

California’s 2025 Building Standards Code became effective January 1, 2026. The California Energy Commission identifies that same date for permit applications under the 2025 Energy Code. Ask the project team to record the applicable edition and confirm any jurisdiction-specific requirements.

For a project already in process, ask the reviewing authority how its application status and revisions affect the applicable rules. A calendar date alone cannot resolve every pending or revised permit scenario.

Source: California Building Standards Commission · California Energy Commission: 2025 Energy Code

Which federal credits have ended?

The IRS states that section 25C is unavailable for property placed in service after December 31, 2025. Section 25D is unavailable for expenditures after December 31, 2025; its guidance also explains that paying earlier does not preserve the credit when installation finishes after that deadline. Section 30C is unavailable for property placed in service after June 30, 2026.

These deadlines are already past for a new project planned on October 3, 2026. Do not subtract these credits from a new project budget on the basis of an older article. A prior-year qualifying project is a separate tax question.

Source: IRS: Updated energy-credit termination dates

What should remain in the budget?

Keep the gross project scope visible before incentives. List each potential local program separately, with the account, equipment, reservation status and deadline. Include an incentive as confirmed only when the administrator has actually established the applicable approval or reservation, and retain any remaining conditions.

Silicon Valley Clean Energy’s current home-rebate guidance instructs customers to apply before installation and describes final documentation. An available program page is not the same as funding reserved for an individual project.

Source: Silicon Valley Clean Energy: Home rebates

How to use this dated briefing

This page was checked against the linked sources on October 3, 2026. Recheck them at equipment purchase, application and installation because program terms and guidance can change. Save the version or confirmation used for your decision.

For a specific tax return, use the current IRS instructions and qualified tax advice. For a rebate, obtain the administrator’s eligibility determination. For a permit, use the reviewing authority’s requirements. Each answers a different part of the project.

Put it into practice

A decision table to keep handy