California Center for Sustainable Energy

Application Process for:

HOMEOWNERS

Educate yourself.

Your first step in installing a solar water heating ( SWH) system is to learn about the technology and rebate program.  Although not required, we recommend you attend one of our free 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 (877) 333-SWHP

Contact 3 or more contractors for bids.

You may find an eligible contractor at the GoSolar California webpage.  It is a requirement that you use a CSI-Thermal eligible contractor in order to receive a rebate, unless you install the SWH system yourself (see Contractor and Self –Installer section).  It is highly recommended that you get at least 3 different bids before you chose a contractor. The contractors on this list have been informed of all program requirements, including how to select eligible equipment and how to calculate and apply for your rebate. Contractors are responsible for submitting the rebate application on your behalf.

Suggested questions to ask your contractor:

• Is this system SRCC OG-300 certified?
• What is the estimated energy savings?
• Will you be obtaining a permit for my project?
• What do I need to be aware of, in term of maintaining the SWH system to prolong the life?
• Can I talk to your past customers about their SWH system?

Sign a contract with a contractor.

Once you choose a contractor, make sure to ask about the contract structure, who will receive the rebate- the homeowner or the contractor?  There are two options:

1) The homeowner may pay the contractor’s fees in full upfront and the SWH rebate check will be sent to the homeowner.

OR

2) The homeowner can pay the contractor the cost of the SWH installation minus the expected rebate; the rebate check will then be sent to the contractor as final payment.

Take a Free Home Energy Efficiency Survey.

Understand your current energy usage and learn ways to help you save energy and money at home by taking SDG&E’s free Home Energy Efficiency Survey. Provide a copy to your contractor, as this document is required with submittal of the rebate application.  After completion of the survey, you can request a complimentary energy and water savings kit to begin saving right away!

CONTRACTORS & SELF-INSTALLERS

Become a licensed contractor.

Contractors must be licensed by the State of California Contractors State License Board ( CSLB) and have an active A (Engineer), B (General), C-4 (Boiler, Hot Water Heating and Steam Fitting), C-36 (Plumbing) or C-46 (Solar) contractor's license to participate in the CSI-Thermal Program. This requirement does not apply to self-installers.

Attend the Mandatory CSI-Thermal Contractor and Self-Installer Workshop

The business owner, whose name is on the CSLB license, must attend a one-day training workshop to learn about the application process and program requirements, both administrative and technical.  Self-Installers are also required to attend this one-day workshop.  This workshop is free; 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.

Apply online

Once the contractor or self-installer completes the workshop, they will be given a unique key that will grant them access to the CSI-Thermal database at www.csithermal.com.  The contractor will be able to become a part of the CSI-Thermal Eligible Contractors list, as well as submit rebate applications.  Self-installers will be able to input a rebate application for their self-installed project.

Contractors will be responsible for submitting the rebate applications for their customers. The process for single-family residential projects will be one-step, meaning the incentive application will be submitted after the project has been installed. Multi-family and commercial projects will have a two or three step process (depending on project size), where the incentive will be reserved prior to installation and then paid after the project has been installed. Please refer to the CSI-Thermal Program Handbook for details on the application process. The CSI-Thermal Program will provide a rebate to projects that meet the program requirements and were installed after July 15, 2009.