Cash incentives now available for solar water heating

San Diego has more sunny days than most of the country. Why not use all the FREE energy?

As the threat of global warming and cost of fossil fuels continues to rise, many are bolstering their efforts to implement viable alternative energy technologies. The California Center for Sustainable Energy (CCSE), a San Diego non-profit, has taken the lead in this effort by launching the Solar Water Heating Pilot Program (SWHPP), a trial program that provides San Diegans with cash incentives and tax credits for installing a solar water heating system.

The pilot program offers cash incentives up to $1,500 for San Diego residents and $75,000 for businesses. The SWHPP is accepting applications from homeowners and business who are interested in reducing their energy costs by installing a state-of-the-art solar water heating system. In fact, Carlsbad homes built after 1981 are already pre-plumbed for solar water heating, providing an even greater savings.

Solar water heaters use the sun’s energy to heat water that is used on a daily basis, which helps reduce consumers’ dependence on the fossil fuels that power traditional water heating systems. Solar systems are a popular alternative because sunlight is a clean, free and renewable energy source.

Since standard gas-powered water heaters account for 30 percent of a home’s energy bill, solar water heating systems enable consumers to be more energy independent, helping insulate them from energy shortages and/or price increases.

Andrew McAllister, director of programs at CCSE, explained the possible energy savings and said, “In California, about 70 percent of the fossil fuel used to heat water could be saved through the use of clean, renewable solar water heating systems.” McAllister then stated, “Solar water heating helps reduce traditional energy consumption, avoids combustion-related emissions and reduces the need for new power plants.”

The pilot program was made possible by a $2.6 million allocation from the California Public Utilities Commission to provide incentives to licensed contractors, homeowners and businesses to help reduce the costs and promote the installation of clean, renewable solar water heating systems. The Solar Water Heating Pilot Program is the predecessor to a potential $250-million statewide program, which is contingent on the outcome from the pilot.

To learn more, please visit www.swh.energycenter.org.