Zero-Emission Equipment Voucher Program

Program Contact: Jessica Audelo | Jessica.Audelo@sdcounty.ca.gov | 619.952.9566

Overview

Lawn mower in the grass

The County of San Diego (County) is partnering with Oceanside Ace Hardware and Powerland Equipment Inc. in Valley Center to offer vouchers on zero-emission equipment used in landscaping, construction, and agricultural operations.

The Zero-Emission Equipment Voucher Program provides unincorporated area residents, business owners, and agricultural producers with incentives that expand access to electric alternatives to gas- or diesel-powered equipment. By making it easier and more affordable to adopt cleaner technology, the program helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and implements the County’s Climate Action Plan (CAP).

Eligible equipment includes a range of zero-emission landscaping, construction, and agricultural equipment such as chainsaws, leaf blowers, trimmers, edgers, push mowers, utility vehicles, and more.

Approved applicants will receive a voucher for up to 50% off the cost of eligible equipment. Vouchers will be redeemed directly at participating retailers as a point-of-sale discount.

Applications will be accepted from July 13, 2026 to August 7, 2026.

Participation Guidelines

To participate in the program, please review the following information regarding applicant eligibility, voucher amounts, and the application process.

Who Can Apply

Applicants must meet one of the following:

  • Live in the unincorporated area of San Diego County; OR
  • Own or operate a business or farm located in the unincorporated area

To confirm whether an address qualifies, please enter the property address into the Eligibility Map.

How Applications Are Prioritized

Zero-Emission Equipment

Some applicants may receive priority during the review process if they identify with any of the groups listed below (i.e., small business, income-qualified, or historically underserved agricultural producer and/or operation). Qualifying for a priority group is not required to apply to the program. If an applicant who claimed a priority group is selected, they will be asked to submit proof that they meet one of the qualifications by sending documentation to the email provided below. For questions on how to submit documentation, refer to the Instructions on How to Apply section below.

To learn more about each priority group and what qualifies, click on the accordions below.

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  • Small Business

    A for-profit business or non-profit organization that meets at least one of the following qualifications, as defined by County Board of Supervisors Policy B-53: 1) Certified by the State of California; 2) Meets the State of California’s revenue and employee count criteria for a small business; 3) Qualifies as a Veteran-Owned Business or Disabled Veteran Business; or 4) Certified as a small business by a public agency whose certification is reciprocally recognized by the County’s Office of Economic Development and Government Affairs.

    To demonstrate you meet one of these qualifications: Submit a recent business tax return (e.g., IRS Form 1120, 1065, Schedule C, or Form 990 for non-profits) showing revenue within small business thresholds. The tax return must include the business name.

     

  • Income-Qualified Applicant

    Individuals with an annual household income at or below 80% of the San Diego County Area Median Income (AMI), including households with incomes below 50% AMI, or individuals who are currently enrolled in one of the public assistance programs listed below.

    To demonstrate eligibility: Applicants must submit income documentation (such as a tax return or pay stubs) or proof of enrollment in a qualifying public assistance program, including but not limited to:

    • California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE)
    • Family Electric Rate Assistance Program (FERA)
    • CalFresh
    • Section 8 Housing Assistance
    • Medi-Cal

    To determine whether a household income falls within the applicable AMI limits, applicants may reference the San Diego County Area Median Income (AMI) and Income Limits.

     

  • Historically Underserved Agricultural Producer and/or Operation

    The USDA defines four groups as Historically Underserved Farmers and Ranchers:

    • Beginning Farmers or Ranchers  
    • Socially Disadvantaged Farmers or Ranchers
    • Veteran Farmers or Ranchers
    • Limited Resource Farmers or Ranchers

    Applicants may qualify as historically underserved if they meet the eligibility criteria for one or more of these categories. Eligibility requirements and additional information can be found on the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service website: Historically Underserved Farmers and Ranchers | Natural Resources Conservation Service

     

  • Intended Use and Frequency

    Applicants that intend to use their selected zero-emission equipment on an occasional, consistent, or frequent basis will also be prioritized to receive a voucher.

     

Voucher Amounts & Discount Limits

Approved applicants will receive a voucher covering up to 50% of the cost of eligible zero-emission equipment, or up to the maximum incentive amount, whichever is less. The voucher may also be used toward the purchase of a compatible battery and/or charger if those items are not already included with the equipment. All incentive amounts are calculated before sales tax.

Voucher amounts are based on the equipment type selected in the application and are applied as a point-of-sale discount at eligible locations of Oceanside Ace Hardware and Powerland Equipment Inc.. Recipients are responsible for any remaining balance not covered by the voucher, as well as applicable sales tax.

Each equipment type falls under a light-duty or heavy-duty equipment category. Each category has a set maximum voucher value. Please refer to the table and examples below.

Category

Light-Duty
Equipment

Heavy-Duty
Equipment

Zero-Emission Equipment

       Handheld Leaf Blowers
       Pole Saws
       Trimmers​
       Brushcutters​
       Chainsaws​
       Edgers​
       Cut-Off Machines​
       Mutli-Task Tools​

       Backpack Leaf Blowers
       Push Mowers
       Zero-Turn Mowers
       Utility Vehicles

Voucher Amount

$400 or 50% off,
whichever is less

$10,000 or 50% off,
whichever is less

Battery & Charger Add-Ons

Electric lawn mower

Applicants may include a compatible battery and/or charger with their equipment purchase if:

  • The battery and/or charger is purchased together with eligible equipment
  • The battery and/or charger is not already included with the equipment
  • The battery and/or charger cost does not exceed the cost of the equipment itself

If the selected equipment already includes a battery and/or charger, additional batteries or chargers cannot be added through the voucher.

Eligible Purchases

Eligible purchases include:

  • Any equipment listed on the Eligible Equipment List
  • A compatible charger (if not included with the equipment)
  • A compatible battery (if not included with the equipment)

Example 1: Applicant Chooses Equipment Type in Light-Duty Category

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  • Scenario A (50% Discount)

    If you are interested in buying a light-duty zero-emission leaf blower with a retail value of $200, a charger with a retail value of $150, a battery with a retail value of $100 the total pre-tax cost is $450. The light-duty equipment voucher covers 50% of the purchase price ($225). Because the discount amount ($225) is below the $400 discount limit, you receive the full $225 voucher and pay the remaining $225 plus any sales tax.

     

  • Scenario B (Voucher Limit)

    If you are interested in purchasing a light-duty zero-emission chainsaw with a pre-tax cost of $1,000, the voucher covers 50% of the purchase price ($500). However, because the maximum voucher amount is $400, you would receive a $400 voucher and pay the remaining $600, plus any applicable sales tax.

     

Example 2: Applicant Chooses Equipment Type in Heavy-Duty Category

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  • Scenario A (50% Discount)

    If you are interested in buying a heavy-duty zero-emission push mower with a retail value of $2,000 and a charger with a retail value of $300, the total pre-tax cost is $2,300. The heavy-duty equipment voucher covers 50% of the purchase price ($1,150). Because the discount amount ($1,150) is below the $10,000 discount limit, you receive the full $1,150 voucher and pay the remaining $1,150 plus any sales tax.

     

  • Scenario B (Voucher Limit)

    If you are interested in purchasing a heavy-duty zero-emission utility vehicle with a pre-tax cost of $30,000, the voucher covers 50% of the purchase price ($15,000). However, because the maximum voucher amount is $10,000, you would receive a $10,000 voucher and pay the remaining $20,000, plus any applicable sales tax.

     

Eligible Equipment List

Ready to choose your zero-emission equipment?

The Eligible Equipment List provides an overview of all approved equipment and chargers, organized by light-duty and heavy-duty categories. It includes key specifications, participating retailers, and details to help you choose the equipment that best fits your needs.

Application Criteria and Scoring Guide

Eligible applications will be evaluated using the criteria below. The maximum possible score is 20 points.

Prioritization Applicant Group
(10 points)

Applicants who qualify as a small business,
an income-qualified applicant, or a historically
underserved agricultural producer will receive
10 points. See How Applications Are Prioritized
above for details on how to qualify.

Intended Use & Frequency
(Up to 10 points)

All applicants will be scored based on how
often and for what purposes the zero-emission
equipment will be used in the unincorporated area
in place of gas- or diesel-powered equipment. More
frequent or extensive use in the unincorporated
area will result in a higher score.

To earn full points, applicants must provide clear, complete, and accurate responses. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure answers align with the intent of each question.

Application Process

Applications will be accepted from July 13, 2026 to August 7, 2026. If funds remain after this period, the program may reopen at a later date to accept additional applications.

Only one application per address – whether residential, business, or agricultural producer – will be accepted during the application window(s).

Applying does not guarantee selection. Applications will be awarded based on available funding, program goals, and the scoring process (see Application Criteria and Scoring Guide). Scores will be determined by the responses provided, and awards will be made in order of highest total score. If multiple applications receive the same score, they will be selected in the order they were submitted.

Approved applicants will be notified via email using the email address provided on their application.

How to Apply

Eligible participants may apply by following the instructions and complete and submit an application starting on July 13, 2026.

Proof of residence, employment, or income is not required at the time of application. If selected, County staff will contact applicants using the email provided in the application and will request that supporting documentation be submitted by email to Jessica.Audelo@sdcounty.ca.gov.

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  • Application Steps

    Step 1: Read through all content and participation guidelines on this webpage.

    Step 2: Use the Unincorporated Area Map to determine if you are is eligible to apply for the program.

    Step 3: Review Eligible Equipment List and select which equipment you wish to purchase. You will need the name of retailer, equipment’s name, model number, article number, and price when filling out the application.

    Step 4: Fill out all required fields on the form below and click Submit Voucher Application

    a. If applicable, County staff will contact you using the email provided in the application and will request documentation verifying that you meet the requirements for small business, income-qualified applicant, or historically underserved agricultural producer.

    b. Submission of documentation verification should be submitted to Jessica.Audelo@sdcounty.ca.gov.

    Step 5: Monitor the email address(es) listed on the applicant’s application for confirmation and next steps. If you do not receive a confirmation email, please contact County staff (details below). 

    If you have any questions or need assistance, please email Jessica.Audelo@sdcounty.ca.gov.

     

  • Receiving & Using Voucher

    Step 1: County staff will email a voucher to each selected applicant using the email address provided in the application.

    Step 2: Selected Applicant takes a printed copy or digital copy of the issued voucher to the participating retailer listed on their voucher in person to receive a discount at the point of sale. Note: The voucher cannot be redeemed online at the retailer’s website and must be presented in person.

    Step 3: Retailer reviews voucher and asks the applicant for an identification to ensure the name of voucher presented matches the County issued voucher

    Step 4: Retailer applies the discount presented on issued voucher, shares the remaining balance, and completes transaction. A receipt is given to participant after sale is complete.

    Step 5: Enjoy your new zero-emission equipment!

     

  • Approved Retailer(s)

    The following retailers are the program’s only approved retailers. Selected participants must redeem their vouchers in person at the location specified on their issued voucher at one of the following approved retail shops: