California Gets Statewide Solar Thermal Incentives

California stepped up its commitment to protect the environment today by voting in favor of a new statewide incentive
program for solar thermal systems. This decision establishes a California Solar Initiative (CSI) Thermal Program to
provide incentives to promote the installation of solar water heating systems in the territories of Pacific Gas and
Electric Company (PG&E), Southern California Edison Company (SCE), San Diego Gas and Electric Company (SDG&E), and
Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas).
So what does this mean for Californians? You can save the environment and reduce your utility bills, all while saving
on the cost of a solar thermal installation. This will make solar thermal much more attractive for homeowners and
businesses alike. Qualified homeowners can receive up to $1,875 and businesses can save up to $200,000.
Since the <a href=”http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/PUC/energy/Solar/swh.htm” target=”blank”>California Public Utilities
Commission</a> (CPUC) just voted on the program today, it will take some time to roll out the program statewide.
However, if you are considering solar thermal for your home or business, don’t let this delay slow you down. The folks
at CPUC recognized that this might forestall decisions while customers waited for the incentives to be rolled out. The
CPUC brilliantly noted that any qualifying solar water heating system installed <b>after July 15, 2009 would be
eligible to apply for the incentives</b>.
As a <a href=”http://www.vaillantsolarsystems.com/About_Us.php” target=”blank”>solar thermal manufacturer</a>, we at Vaillant are thrilled about the commitment to this new incentive program in
California and we applaud the people who worked diligently to make it all happen. Especially the team at the <a
href=”http://energycenter.org/index.php/incentive-programs/solar-water-heating-pilot-program” target=”blank”>California
Center for Sustainable Energy</a> (CCSE) who managed the solar water heating pilot program in San Diego for the last
two years.
The folks at CCSE and CPUC know that we still have a long road ahead of us. The next challenge is to educate
Californians about these incentives and ensure they take advantage of them while they last. I’m glad to hear that CPUC
has dedicated $32.5 million for education and marketing programs. After all, if people don’t know about free money, how
can they take advantage of it?
If you are interested in learning more about the CSI Thermal Program, contact us at 858-259-0305 and talk with one of
our solar thermal experts!
Californians save more with solar water heating.

Californians now save more with solar water heating.

California stepped up its commitment to protect the environment today by voting in favor of a new statewide incentive program for solar thermal systems. This decision establishes a California Solar Initiative (CSI) Thermal Program to provide incentives to promote the installation of solar water heating systems in the territories of Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), Southern California Edison Company (SCE), San Diego Gas and Electric Company (SDG&E), and Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas).

So what does this mean for Californians? You can save the environment and reduce your utility bills, all while saving on the cost of a solar thermal installation. This will make solar thermal much more attractive for homeowners and businesses alike. Qualified homeowners can receive up to $1,875 and businesses can save up to $200,000.

Since the California Public UtilitiesCommission (CPUC) just voted on the program today, it will take some time to roll out the program statewide. However, if you are considering solar thermal for your home or business, don’t let this delay slow you down. The folks at CPUC recognized that this might forestall decisions while customers waited for the incentives to be rolled out. The CPUC brilliantly noted that any qualifying solar water heating system installed after July 15, 2009 would be eligible to apply for the incentives. That’s right! If you have already installed a solar thermal system, you may be eligible for a rebate. And you thought you couldn’t love solar any more.

As a solar thermal manufacturer, we at Vaillant are thrilled about the commitment to this new incentive program in California and we applaud the people who worked diligently to make it all happen. Especially the team at the California Center for Sustainable Energy (CCSE) who managed the solar water heating pilot program in San Diego for the last two years.

The folks at CCSE and CPUC know that we still have a long road ahead of us. The next challenge is to educate Californians about these incentives and ensure they take advantage of them while they last. I’m glad to hear that CPUC has dedicated $32.5 million for education and marketing programs. After all, if people don’t know about free money, how can they take advantage of it?

If you are interested in learning more about the CSI Thermal Program, contact Vaillant at 858-259-0305 and talk with one of our solar thermal experts!

Cheers!

Tara Heiser

Vaillant Solar Systems Inc.
Your Solar Water Heating Experts

Tags: , , ,

1 Comment »

Leave a Reply


Solar Thermal System – Propane Case Study

Solar Thermal System - Solar Thermal Water heating in Ramona, Ca

Solar Thermal water heating in Ramona, Ca

Living in the hills of Ramona, Ca has many benefits for homeowners, Peter and Connie Krickhuhn. Unfortunately, the high propane costs are not one of them, which is why the Krickhuhn’s decided it was time to focus on a renewable source of energy and invest in a solar thermal system.

Peter went with Vaillant Solar Systems because he wanted a solar manufacturer he could rely on. Peter explains, “I installed Vaillant tankless water heaters some 52 years ago as a plumber in Germany. From firsthand experience, I know Vaillant makes reliable and quality products. Plus, being familiar with the company helps.”

Peter and Connie have enjoyed their first year of solar savings, cutting their propane costs by $702 per year. With a life expectancy of 25 plus years, the Krikuhns will be able to experience increased savings year after year.

View Propane Case Study.

1 Comment »

Leave a Reply


Solar Thermal System – Residential Case Study

Solar Thermal Tank and Controls

Marc Esser will tell you: if you want to save green, you have to go green.  Owner of the San Diego energy consulting firm, NegaWatt Consulting, Marc is all about renewable energy, conservation and reducing utility costs. When it came to retrofitting his own home, Marc wanted to achieve all three with one application – which is why he decided to install a Vaillant® solar thermal system.

“I went solar thermal because it is the most efficient form of solar energy. Plus, Vaillant has 135 years of water heating experience.” says Marc. “The system’s carbon reduction is great and so is the technology that comes with the German engineering.”

Marc’s closed loop system reduces his natural gas consumption by as much as 80% and saves Marc over $30 a month on his hot water utilities. Since the Vaillant solar system is manufactured with a life expectancy of 25 years, Marc will be able to enjoy the increased savings for years to come.

With an annual savings of over $300, the system is estimated to save $19,735 over 25 years and will offset 3,510 lbs of C02 per year, or 87,775 lbs of C02 over the life of the system. That is the equivalent to taking almost eight passenger vehicles off the road.

View Natural Gas Case Study.

No Comments »

Leave a Reply


What is your 2010 Green Resolution?

Did you set any green goals for yourself this year?

Last year, I resolved to incorporate one small change into my daily life each month so I wouldn’t get overwhelmed or drive my family crazy. Some changes required an investment (new hybrid car), some changes were free (improved recycling habits), and some even saved us money (shorter showers). The trick is to identify a simple change and then after you’ve done it a few weeks, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner (reusable shopping bags).

Do you need some inspiration for your green goals? Watch this brief video of a 12-year old girl calling out the United Nations during their Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. Although this video was shot in 1992, the message still rings true today.

This year, I am working to make little improvements to my home. I recently had a home energy audit and learned some interesting information. For example, I need to add insulation to my attic hatch, which is where the majority of the heat is escaping from my home. We are also considering adding solar thermal and PV but we’re still weighing our options.

So tell us! What are YOU doing this year to green your world?

Tags:

1 Comment »

Leave a Reply