The First PG&E Check in the State of California for a Residential, Solar-Hot Water Heating System

Date: June 30, 2010
Source: Sun, Light & Power (www.sunlightandpower.com)

EDNOTE: Preheating water before it is heated in the typical way reduces the need for energy – either gas or electric. Using the sun to pre-heat the water greatly reduces energy bills and the ROI is short and easily recovered – now especially with rebates it makes converting a “no-brainer”.

The first rebate to be successfully processed through the new California Solar Initiative-Thermal (CSIT) program (AB 1470) will be recognized through an event that includes the first PG&E check to be presented to a residential user of solar thermal in the state of California.

Rebates Reduce the Cost of Solar Thermal Installations and Greatly Reduce Monthly Gas Bills.

Residential customers with natural gas water heaters will be eligible for rebates of up to $1,875 and commercial and multifamily housing projects will be eligible for up to $500,000. Customers with electric water heaters qualify for smaller rebates - up to $1,262 for homes and $250,000 for commercial/multifamily projects - as they will realize greater savings because of the high cost of electricity. Combining the rebate with the 30% federal tax credit, the reduction in cost of installing a solar water heating system could equal as much as 60%,

Homeowner Cecelia Collados said: “We have had a very pleasant experience with our solar system, starting with the first visit of Sun Light & Power to check the site, when we received a detailed explanation of the way a solar water heating system works. We have been enjoying ‘sun water’ since August 2009.”

“We decided to purchase this system because we think that this technology not only can be very effective in conserving energy in California’s Mediterranean climate, but also because it provides jobs, promotes innovation, and utilizes the solar potential of our roof.”

“We are very happy that the State of California has decided to give incentives for solar water heating systems. It will be good for the State and the users. Being the first to apply for this rebate feels great! Sun Light & Power facilitated all the paperwork and we are looking forward to receiving the rebate. We also hope that many homes decide to go this way for their hot water needs.”

Solar Thermal systems provide a very efficient way to reduce the use of natural gas, a fossil fuel in limited supply. This new rebate significantly reduces the cost of installing a solar water heating system.