California Center for Sustainable Energy

Sometimes characterized as the “other” solar technology, solar water heating ( SWH) is poised to make a resurgence in California and across the nation as energy costs increase, concerns over greenhouse gas emissions grow and technologies improve. CCSE’s involvement in promoting SWH goes back to 1999, and we have worked on its adoption ever since. And we are not done yet.

Some of you may remember the boom of solar water heating in the late 1970s and 1980s when the industry grew rapidly, but then plummeted as a result of poorly designed and installed systems and a sudden drop in fossil fuel prices that ended the “energy crisis.” By 1990, more than 95 percent of SWH dealers nationwide were out of business and the technology was largely relegated to heating swimming pools. The pendulum has swung back around, energy prices are high and air pollution is again a growing concern, so it is a perfect time for SWH to make a comeback – this time to stay.

In 1999, CCSE provided SWH technical support and training for Shea Homes, which enabled them to be the first production builder in the country to integrate solar water heating into new homes. In 2000, CCSE began hosting regular solar trainings and has subsequently provided dozens of workshops. Included in these trainings are well-known solar design experts, code compliance seminars for inspectors and installation workshops for contractors.

In 2007, the California Public Utilities Commission specifically selected CCSE to develop and implement its only Solar Thermal incentive program, a regional effort meant to gauge the marketplace and determine effective program strategies. It ran for three years, and its success was the basis for the statewide California Solar Initiative Thermal Program that began in 2010. In this newsletter, you will find an article about a newly released report on the pilot program.

CCSE has developed extensive knowledge and know-how in the delivery of SWH technical training and solar market outreach. We provide a bridge between residents, industry, regulators, local jurisdictions and the Solar Thermal marketplace, helping to ensure high standards, ethical practices and quality installations. We develop and offer all levels of education, for homeowners and contractors to college-level courses, which you can read about in this newsletter.

Among CCSE’s staff of energy experts and engineers are several longtime SWH experts as well as one of the top SWH engineers in the state, Skip Fralick, who has more than 30 years of industry experience. If you are interested in discussing SWH with Fralick, you can join him for the workshop “Skip’s Tips” on the evening of Wednesday, May 25.

Using SWH simply makes sense in California where sunshine is abundant and natural gas and electricity rates have steadily increased over the past ten years. It’s relatively inexpensive and can displace a lot of energy that you currently get from fossil fuels. You’ll still have all the hot water you need to take baths, wash clothes and dishes and other uses. In addition to the California rebates, there are federal tax credits available for up to 30 percent of system costs. And, a well-maintained solar system will deliver you and your family comfort for up to 30 years. . . . Isn’t it time you consider solar water heating?

Continue reading May's newsletter.