Note: This program is no longer available.
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) voted in October 2011 to create the California Solar Initiative (CSI) Thermal Low-Income program for single and multifamily residential properties. The program offers rebates that are substantially higher than ones provided under the CSI-Thermal General Market Program.
The program is only available to customers who currently heat their water with natural gas in the service territories of Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E), and Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) . For single-family residences, customers must be participating or have previously participated in an Energy Savings Assistance Program (ESAP), and the property must remain low-income for at least 10 years. For multifamily housing property, at least 50% of all units in the structure must be occupied by ratepayers who have participated in an ESAP. The residences must also meet the definition of low-income residential housing in California Public Utilities Code 2861(d). Additional requirements are outlined in the CSI Thermal Handbook.
Incentives will be determined based on the expected performance of the system using the SRCC rating and the specific orientation of the system. Incentives will step down over time in 4 steps as program participation levels are met. See the website above and the CSI Thermal Handbook for more information.
Interested customers should contact the appropriate program administrator:
| Implementing Sector: | State |
| Category: | Financial Incentive |
| State: | California |
| Incentive Type: | Rebate Program |
| Web Site: | http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/PUC/energy/Solar/lowincomeolarwater.htm |
| Administrator: | |
| Start Date: | |
| Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: |
|
| Incentive Amount: |
Step 1 Incentive Rates (contact utility to determine current incentive levels): Single-Family Low-Income: $25.64 per therm displaced Multi-Family Low-Income: $19.23 per therm displaced |
| Maximum Incentive: |
Single-Family Low-Income: $3,750 Multi-Family Low-Income: $500,000 |
| Equipment Requirements: |
Systems must be used in connection with a natural gas water heater. Systems used in connection with an electric water heater are ineligible. Systems must be SRCC certified. |
| Installation Requirements: | Systems must be installed by an appropriately licensed contractor |
| Technologies: | Solar Water Heat |
| Sectors: | Low Income Residential |
| Parameters: | The incentive is 25.64 $/therm displaced, The incentive has a minimum of $3750.00 |
| Technologies: | Solar Water Heat |
| Sectors: | Multifamily Residential |
| Parameters: | The incentive is 19.23 $/therm displaced, The incentive has a minimum of $500000.00 |
| Name: | CSI Thermal Handbook |
| Effective Date: | September 2013 |
| Name: | CPUC Decision 11-10-015 |
| Date Enacted: | 10/6/2011 |
This information is sourced from DSIRE; the most comprehensive source of information on incentives and policies that support renewables and energy efficiency in the United States. Established in 1995, DSIRE is operated by the N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center at N.C. State University.
Copyright © 2023 EnergyBot • All rights reserved.
1601 Bryan St Suite 900, Dallas, TX 75201
