DLC-listed retrofits,
code-compliant from quote to commissioning.

It depends on scope. California's Title 24 retrofit trigger is at least 10% of luminaires within a single enclosed space, or 40 fixtures total across the project, whichever comes first. Above the trigger, lighting power density and controls must comply with current 2025 code and an electrical permit is required. Below the trigger, a straight like-for-like fixture replacement generally does not require a permit. However, any project that adds new circuit wiring, modifies a panel, or installs new networked controls requires an electrical permit regardless of fixture count. We make the permit determination as part of the site walk and the permit fee (typically $500–$1,000 depending on jurisdiction for retrofit-scope work) is rolled into the project quote.

Four separate forcing functions converge in 2026. First, California AB 2208 already banned the sale of new fluorescent tubes statewide as of Jan 1, 2025. Replacement supply for legacy fluorescent fixtures is gone. Second, the Title 24 2025 code takes effect for permits submitted on or after Jan 1, 2026. Office LPD tightens from 0.75 to 0.65 W/sf and demand-responsive controls become mandatory in buildings over 10,000 sf. Third, the Federal Section 179D commercial-buildings deduction sunset for projects whose construction begins after Jun 30, 2026. That cutoff has now passed, so the deduction (worth up to $5.81/sf with Prevailing Wage + Apprenticeship met) is claimable only for projects that established construction start on or before Jun 30, 2026; the placed-in-service date can still fall later, so grandfathered retrofits can continue to file. Fourth, DLC SSL V6.0 became the active rebate standard Jan 5, 2026 and V5.1 products delist Dec 15, 2026. Multi-phase projects specified on V5.1-only product risk mid-cycle rebate disqualification. There is genuinely no better year to retrofit.

From site walk to final rebate receipt, a small to mid project (one floor of office, one warehouse bay, one parking lot) runs 3 to 6 months. A larger multi-building or whole-campus retrofit runs 8 to 18 months. The long-pole items are SVP pre-approval (4–5 weeks before installation can start), permit plan-check (San Jose large projects 40+ weeks, San Jose expedited 10–12 weeks, other SCC cities 2–8 weeks), and final rebate paperwork (10–12 weeks from closeout to rebate check). The installation itself (actually swapping fixtures) usually runs 8 to 13 weeks for a full project and is phased to minimize tenant disruption.

Sometimes, but the right answer depends on fixture condition, controls requirements, and rebate eligibility. There are three LED-tube retrofit families. Type A plug-and-play tubes drop in on the existing ballast: fastest install, but the ballast must remain in good condition and be on the lamp manufacturer's compatibility list. When the ballast eventually fails, the LED tube fails with it. Type B ballast-bypass tubes remove the ballast and run line voltage directly to the tombstones: lowest material cost, but require permanent labeling at every fixture because the sockets are now line-voltage live. We install Type B under NFPA 70E energized-work discipline. Type C external-driver retrofit kits replace the ballast with a remote LED driver: best balance of energy savings, dimming range, and controls compatibility. We choose by return on investment and controls requirements, not by default. Every project gets the analysis on the proposal.

Networked lighting control (NLC) refers to fixtures and controls that communicate over a wired or wireless network, allowing occupancy-based dimming, daylight harvesting, scheduled scenes, and demand-response participation. The energy math is decisive. DesignLights Consortium data shows NLC adds roughly 49% additional savings on top of LED-only retrofits. Silicon Valley Power's Commercial Lighting Program offers an NLC bonus rebate (DLC-listed NLC product required). Title 24 2025 already mandates occupancy sensors in all office zones ≤600 sf and daylight harvesting in primary and secondary daylight zones. NLC is the cleanest way to satisfy those requirements while adding measurement and verification data your facilities team can use. On most office and warehouse retrofits over a few thousand square feet, NLC pays for itself inside the rebate cycle.

All fluorescent lamps and HID lamps are classified as California Universal Waste because of their mercury content. They cannot go in the trash and they cannot accumulate on site for more than one year. Our team packages, transports, and recycles them through a permitted Universal Waste handler, and we retain the recycling certificates for your LEED, ENERGY STAR, and corporate ESG documentation. Pre-1979 fixtures may contain PCB-bearing magnetic ballasts. These are regulated separately under California Title 22 Chapter 42 and must be disposed of through an approved PCB facility, never trash and never chemical-waste landfill. We test ballast manufacture dates during the audit, segregate suspect units on the install, and provide chain-of-custody documentation back to the building owner.