CSI: Solar Water Heating Pilot Program

The Solar Water Heating Pilot Program rewards residential and non-residential clients who incorporate solar water heating systems into their existing water boilers or heaters.

Through the program, customers are given necessary training to maintain the system.  This pilot program is available for those under the San Diego Gas and Electric service territory.  If the pilot program succeeds, then it will be made available all over the State of California.

It was in January 12, 2006, when the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) created the California Solar Initiative.  As part of the CSI, the California Center for Sustainable Energy (CCSE) was tasked to develop a solar water heating pilot program.  The program was approved on February 2007 and will be in effect until December 31, 2009, or until its funds are used up.

The solar water heating pilot program was proposed to encourage people to install SWH systems in their homes by providing financial incentives to help with the equipment costs and training for the contractors.

There are two incentive options available.

1. Residential and small commercial installations can avail themselves of the Prescriptive Method.  The incentive is calculated on the solar rating and the Certification Corporation rated savings of the installed system.
2. Large commercial solar water heating systems are entitled to the area method.   The incentive will be based on the SRCC-rated savings of the collectors in various climate zones, and the type of system installed.

Residential home owners are entitled to the incentive as long as they own the solar heating system and are a retail electric customers of the SD&E.  Applicants of the program must allow the CCSE to survey the system before the final approval will be given.

The maximum incentive given for a residential system is $1,500.  The incentives are given to qualified contractors, to be passed on to customers, or they can also be given directly to the owners themselves.  It should be noted that spa and pool heating systems are not entitled to any incentives.

For more information with regards to solar water heating pilot program, you can contact:

Annie Henderson
Center for Sustainable Energy
8690 Balboa Ave, Suite 100
San Diego, CA 92123
Phone: (877) 333-SWHP
Fax: (858) 244-1178
E-Mail: annie.henderson@energycenter.org
Web Site: http://www.energycenter.org/

Disclaimer: This article does not constitute a source of a official legal or financial advice. While we attempt to represent all data as accurately as possible, we advice you to refer to official government websites, for the most accurate and up-to-date information.