California Solar Initiative
CSI-Thermal Program
Incentives are now available for Solar Water-Heating Systems!
Rebates of up to $1,875 are now available for qualifying solar water heating systems under the California Solar Initiative's Thermal program, CSI-Thermal.
- CSI-Thermal rebates are available to homeowners who install solar water heating systems in the service territories of PG&E, SCE, SoCalGas and SDG&E.
- Solar water heating systems must have a Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC) OG-300 rating.
- Solar water heating systems may displace either natural gas or electric water heaters.
- Rebates of up to $1,500 per system are available for qualifying systems that were installed after July 15, 2009.
How much you'll save
Rebates vary depending on the type of solar water heating system, location, shading and other design factors. A typical homeowner with a solar water heating system displacing a natural gas water heater can expect a rebate of about $1,500 at the initial incentive level. Rebates for electric-displacing systems start at around $1,000 for the average system. Incentives will decline over time as the program meets certain benchmarks, so customers are encouraged to apply for their rebate early.
NEW California Cash For Appliances Rebates
The California Cash For Appliances Program will add an additional rebate for qualifying systems beginning on July 29, 2010, and continuing until the money is used up. The program offers an additional rebate for solar water-heating systems of up to $750. The program is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act / Stimulus Fund and is administered by the California Energy Commission.
Details about that program can be found online at: www.Cash4Appliances.org.
Finding an Eligible Solar Thermal Contractor
Contractors and self-installers must become eligible to participate as contractors in the CSI-Thermal Program by taking a one-day training class offered by the CSI-Thermal Program Administrators. A listing of all eligible CSI-Thermal Solar Water Heating Contractors List is provided for consumers.
For More Information
- Contact your Program Administrator for more information on the CSI-Thermal Program.
- Incentive levels, technical requirements and other program details can be found in the CSI-Thermal Program Handbook.
- For application information, please visit www.csithermal.com.
- For information about CSI-Thermal program policy developments, including the forthcoming CSI-Thermal program for multifamily and commercial solar hot water systems, see the CSI-Thermal Program page on the CPUC website.