California Center for Sustainable Energy

Homeowner’s Frequently Asked Questions

1. What rebate programs are available for installing solar water heating?
   The SWH Pilot Program will be available for SDG&E customers through December 31, 2009.  A new California Statewide solar water heating rebate program, called CSI-Thermal, will replace the Pilot Program; however, applications will not be accepted until May 1^st, 2010. The CSI-Thermal program is currently being developed and is expected to run from May 2010 through December 2017. A 30 percent federal tax credit is also available on the installed cost of the system less the rebate.
   
   
2. Who is eligible for this new CSI-Thermal Program?
   Eligible customers are gas or electric water heating customers of SDG&E, PG&E and SoCalGas & SoCal Edison.
   
   
3. What if I am not an electric or gas customer of the above investor owned utilities (IOUs)?
   Unfortunately you are not eligible for the rebate under the CSI-Thermal Program.  However, you should check with your electric and gas providers to find out if they offer any solar water heating rebates and you will qualify for federal tax deductions.
   
   
4. Am I eligible if I heat my water with propane?
   Propane users are not eligible for the program, even if they are electric customers of one of the above IOUs.
   
   
5. What are the incentive amounts?
   This rebate program is a four-step declining incentive structure over the life of the program and the rebate is calculated based on the expected energy savings of your solar water heating system. Incentive amounts depend upon your current water heating fuel source (natural gas or electricity). Residents who heat their water with natural gas may receive a maximum incentive of $1,875. Residents who heat their water with electricity may receive a maximum incentive of $1,250. Commercial or multifamily buildings who heat their water with natural gas may receive a maximum incentive of $500,000, while commercial or multifamily buildings who heat their water with electricity may receive a maximum incentive of $250,000.
   
   
6. How can I learn more?
   We recommend you attend one of our monthly “Solar Water Heating Basics for Homeowners Workshops.” You can view the workshop schedule at swh.energycenter.org. You may also contact us directly for additional details: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 858.244.7290

Contractor’s Frequently Asked Questions

1. What equipment is eligible to receive a rebate through the CSI-Thermal Program? Solar water heating ( SWH) equipment must be certified by the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation ( SRCC).  SRCC OG-300 certified equipment must be installed on single-family homes and SRCC OG-100 certified collectors must be installed on multifamily and commercial buildings.  At the start of the program, only solar water heating technology will be eligible for the rebate.  Other Solar Thermal technologies such as space heating, radiant floor heating, space cooling, etc will not be eligible.  We expect that those technologies may be introduced into the rebate program at a later date.
2. What are the contactor participation requirements?
   The requirements for contractor participation are currently being developed. We expect that contractors will need to attend a training workshop to learn about the application process, program guidelines and SWH installation techniques. We may also ask for verification of liability insurance, workman’s compensation and auto insurance coverage. This requirement will be determined by April 1, 2010. Thank you for your patience.
3. What is the application process for the rebate? Contractors will be responsible for submitting the rebate applications. The Program Administrators ( PG&E, SoCal Edison, SoCalGas and the California Center for Sustainable Energy) are currently developing the application process and creating an appropriate online application database.
4. What can I do to prepare my installation team? We have some great technical resources posted in our “Contractors Corner.” We recommend you become very familiar with the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation installation guidelines (www.solar-rating.org). It is also strongly encouraged for you to seek training from SWH equipment manufacturers.
5. Can I provide input into the program design? Yes. The California Public Utilities Commission ( CPUC) will be holding public workshops in the first quarter of 2010 to discuss the following: system sizing requirements, development of an online incentive calculation tool that estimates energy savings, development of energy-efficiency requirements and metering requirements. Your input is welcome and encouraged! Refer to the CPUC website for postings on workshop details.
6. Do I have to wait until May 1^st, 2010, to sell and install SWH systems in order to receive the incentive? No. The CSI-Thermal Program will provide a rebate to projects that meet the program requirements and were installed after July 15, 2009. You will have to wait until May 1, 2010, to apply for the rebate for single-family projects and June 1, 2010, for multifamily and commercial projects.
7. How can I learn more?
   You may contact us directly for additional details: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it