California Solar Initiative–Thermal (Solar Water Heating)
PG&E is now offering renewable rebates to customers who are investing in solar water heating systems. Approved by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) in January, 2010, the California Solar Initiative–Thermal program provides rebates to residential, multifamily and commercial customers who install eligible solar water heating systems in their home or business.
Program Overview and Background
Through the signing of California Assembly Bill (AB) 1470 for gas service, and California Senate Bill (SB) 1 for electricity service, the California Solar Initiative (CSI)–Thermal program provides incentives to eligible customers who are installing solar water heating systems.
The CSI–Thermal program is administered by PG&E, Southern California Edison (SCE) or Southern California Gas (SoCalGas) and the California Center for Sustainable Energy (CCSE) in San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E) service territory. Program administrators began accepting single-family residential applications on May 1, 2010, and will begin accepting multifamily and commercial applications in July, 2010. The program will run for eight years, ending on December 31, 2017.
AB 1470 also set aside a portion of the gas budget to provide incentives for a low-income program that will be adopted by a separate decision at a later date.
Read the CPUC's Final Decision (D.) 10-01-022 approved on January 21, 2010.
Program Eligibility
To qualify for the California Solar Initiative (CSI)–Thermal program, customers must heat their water with gas or electricity provided by PG&E, San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E), Southern California Edison (SCE) or Southern California Gas (SoCalGas), and receive their final permit after July 15, 2009. Complete program guidelines can be found in the CSI Thermal Program Handbook. Learn more about program eligibility.
Incentives
CSI–Thermal rebate amounts differ and are based on customers' system size, class (e.g., residential or commercial) and water heating fuel source (e.g., gas or electric). Learn more about the incentive structure.
How to Apply
The CSI–Thermal program has established an application process for single-family residential structures. Information about multifamily and commercial applications will be available in July, 2010. Learn more about the CSI–Thermal application process and the required documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions section for answers to commonly asked questions. If you have further questions, please Contact Us.
Additional Resources
- U.S. Department of Energy
- The National Renewable Energy Laboratory
- California Solar Energy industries Association (CALSEIA)
- Solar Rating and Certification Corporation
- California Energy Commission
- PG&E Solar Water Heating Class and CSI Thermal Workshops
Contact Us
E-mail
solar@pge.com
Phone
Solar Customer Service Center 1-877-743-4112
Solar Hotline 415-973-3480
Mailing Address
PG&E Solar and Customer Generation - CSI Thermal
PO Box 7433
San Francisco, CA 94120
Street Address (for overnight deliveries)
PG&E Solar and Customer Generation - CSI Thermal
245 Market St., MC N7R
San Francisco, CA 94105-1797
