The first rebates issued in San Diego from the new California Solar Initiative’s ( CSI) Thermal Program were awarded in July to three residents who purchased Solahart solar water heating systems installed by Solar Services of San Diego in Santee, Calif.

Solahart solar water heating systems. Image from www.carssaipan.com

According to Katrina Phruksukarn, CCSE’s manager for CSI-Thermal, the rebates varied from $814 to $928 based on the type of solar water heating system, location, shading and other design factors. All three homeowners have an electric water heater as a back up to the solar system to boost water temperatures on cold or cloudy days. The average rebate for electric-displacing systems is expected to be around $1,000, while a typical homeowner with a solar water heating system displacing a natural gas water heater can expect a rebate of about $1,500 at the initial incentive level. Incentives will decline over time as the program meets certain benchmarks, so customers are encouraged to apply for their rebate early, Phruksukarn said.

Incentive recipient Bob Stanberry of San Diego said the solar water heater installation went well, only taking about three to four hours, and that the system supplies more hot water than he and his wife need on a regular basis. Not only would he recommend solar water heating, he already has to several people including his brother who is considering it.

Cindy Becker of Fallbrook explained that there had been an old-style solar water heating system on their house when she and her husband Wayne moved in about tenyears ago, but it soon quit working correctly. She said Solar Services of San Diego did all of the paperwork for the CSI rebate and made it easy to lower the purchase price. The third recipient was Mavis Smith of San Diego.

In a recent development, the California Cash For Appliances Program has approved an additional rebate for qualifying systems that will continue until the money is used up. The program offers a rebate for solar water heating systems of $750. The program is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Stimulus Fund and is administered by the California Energy Commission. Details about the program can be found online at: www.Cash4Appliances.org.

The best way to learn about solar water heating technology and rebates is to take a free workshop for homeowners at CCSE. For information on how you can take advantage of rebates for solar water heating, go to www.energycenter.org/swh or call (877) 333-SWHP. Enter to win a solar water heating system at Sustainable Energy Week!

Watch video demonstrating Solahart Solar Hot Water Heater below:

Source: http://energycenter.org

Using the sun to heat the water in your home will reduce your monthly utility bill, and your family’s carbon footprint on the world.
There is a lot of different companies on the market offering solar water heating systems. One of them is VELUX. It is bringing its Solar Water Heating system, proven for years in Europe and around the world, to the United States.

The Solar Water Heating System. Image by Veluxusa.

Why solar water heating systems?

Today’s energy methods need to become more sustainable, renewable and efficient. Natural resources such as gas and oil have been tapped so much that they are beginning to run low, making them ever more costly and difficult to find. High emissions of carbon dioxide from the burning of fossil fuels are also causing noticeable global climate changes.

Energy prices continue to rise, and environmental concerns are high on the nation’s agenda. Savvy homeowners are on the lookout for alternative energy sources. VELUX, a global leader in skylights and other solar technologies, is meeting this need by providing solar hot water heating systems. As you can see, there are many benefits to solar hot water heating that make it a great energy choice.

Cost effective solution.
On average, if you install a solar water heater, your water heating bills should drop 50% – 80%. Also, because the sun is free, you’re protected from future fuel shortages and price hikes. Other financial incentives include:

* Anticipated payback period of 3 to 7 years, in years with state and federal incentives.
* Solar energy systems can take advantage of the sun’s free energy year round.
* Solar energy can be produced even at low temperatures.
* Federal tax credits help pay 30% of the system and installations costs. Many states and utilities offer additional support.
* Between tax credits and energy savings, this system offers a faster return on your investment than other types of solar energy systems.
* Lower first-time start up cost than solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.

Source: U.S. Department of Energy EERE consumer’s guide.

Environmentally beneficial
* Solar energy is an unlimited resource.
* Solar energy does not produce harmful emissions or require transportation or pipelines like electric energy does.
* Solar water heating systems installed in the U.S. help reduce our household energy consumption, and the nation’s reliance on toxic fossil fuels.
* Solar water heating systems will work anywhere in the U.S., not just sunny states.

Source: U.S. Department of Energy EERE consumer’s guide.

The Solar Water Heating System. Image by Veluxusa.

How it works?
Water heating systems are economical and effective.

Take a look at how they operate.
Solar water heating system installation video HERE.
Find more technical information here.
Resource: www.veluxusa.com.