The Federal HEAR Rebate Program: Complete 2026 Guide
A $4.5 billion federal program covers up to $4,000 of your electrical panel upgrade — applied upfront, not as a tax refund. Here's exactly how it works.If you're planning a panel upgrade, solar install, or heat pump replacement, there's a good chance you qualify for money back through a federal program most homeowners have never heard of. Here's what the HEAR program actually covers, who qualifies, and how to claim it.
What Is the HEAR Program?
The Home Electrification and Appliance Rebate (HEAR) program — originally named HEEHRA, the High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Act — is a $4.5 billion federal initiative created under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.
The key difference from most energy incentives: HEAR provides point-of-sale rebates — meaning the savings are applied directly to your installation invoice at the time of work, not as a credit you wait months to claim on your taxes.
What's Covered
The program covers a range of home electrification upgrades, each with its own rebate cap:
| Equipment | Maximum Rebate |
|---|---|
| Heat Pump (Heating & Cooling) | $8,000 |
| Electrical Panel Upgrade | $4,000 |
| Electric Wiring | $2,500 |
| Heat Pump Water Heater | $1,750 |
| Insulation & Air Sealing | $1,600 |
| Electric Stove / Induction Range | $840 |
| Maximum Per Household | $14,000 |
Smart Main Panel qualifies directly as a panel upgrade under the "Electric Load Service Center" category — no ENERGY STAR certification required.
Income Eligibility Tiers
How much of the cost is covered depends on your household income relative to your county's Area Median Income (AMI):
| Income Tier | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Below 80% AMI | 100% of project cost |
| 80–150% AMI | 50% of project cost |
| Above 150% AMI | Not eligible |
Rebate availability and dollar amounts vary by state and are subject to change. Registered contractors apply rebates directly at the time of installation in active states.
How the Rebate Process Works
- Verify eligibility — We check your household income against your county's AMI. You'll know your rebate tier before anything is scheduled.
- Get your quote — We provide a full installation quote with the HEAR rebate amount already applied, so you see exactly what you pay after the rebate.
- Schedule installation — Our licensed electricians handle permits, installation, and inspection. Same-week scheduling is available in most areas.
- Save on day one — The rebate is applied directly to your installation invoice. Your out-of-pocket cost is reduced immediately — no waiting for a check or tax refund.
Is It Available in Your State?
HEAR is a federally funded but state-administered program, so availability varies. As of mid-2026, the program is active in:
Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Maine, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Washington State, Washington D.C., and Wisconsin — with some California regions currently on a waitlist due to reserved funds.
Oregon, Connecticut, Tennessee, and Montana are expected to launch in 2026, though Montana's program remains pending final U.S. Department of Energy approval as of this writing.
The program is funded through 2031 and was reaffirmed by federal courts after a brief funding pause in early 2025 — it remains fully backed by $8.8 billion in appropriated federal funds.
The Bottom Line
If you're planning a panel upgrade and haven't checked your HEAR eligibility, you're likely leaving money on the table. For income-eligible households, the rebate alone can make a smart panel upgrade cost the same as — or less than — a standard, non-smart replacement.
Claim Your $4,000 Rebate Before Funds Run Out
State funding pools are limited and some regions are already on a waitlist. Check your eligibility today.