Looking for energy rebate programs? This new law clarifies eligibility for solar water heating system rebates.

Public Utilities Code §§ 2861, 2863, 2867.1

Amended by AB 2249

Effective date: July 1, 2013

The Solar Water Heating and Efficiency Act of 2007 promotes the use of solar technologies to reduce natural gas demand. The Act seeks to install 200,000 solar water heating systems throughout California by 2017. Rebates and incentives are available to installers of solar water heating systems.

Installers qualified for solar water heating system rebates now include:

  • owners of:
    • single family residences (SFRs);
    • multifamily residential properties;
    • commercial properties; and
    • industrial properties;
  • government entities;
  • nonprofit companies; and
  • primary, secondary and post-secondary educational customers.

However, this law clarifies that a solar water heating system does not include single-family residential solar pool heating systems.

Editor’s note – Where can qualifying property owners find these rebates? Visit the California Public Utilities Commission website for more information.

The Act is set to expire in 2017, so make sure to get your solar water heater rebate while you have the chance! Federal subsidies for solar power are also quickly dwindling and will drop considerably by 2014, expiring completely in 2016.