California moved one step closer to a statewide incentive program for residential and commercial solar water heating last week with the release of Commissioner Peevey’s Proposed Decision recommending the creation of the CSI-Thermal Program by the California Public Utilities Commission.

The solar water heating incentive program was mandated by law in October of 2007 when Governor Schwarzenegger signed AB1470 which created the Solar Hot Water and Efficiency Act of 2007.   There has been a pilot program in place in San Diego since then and the final vote on the program is slated for December by the CPUC.

The new CSI – Thermal Program described in the Proposed Decision would set aside $305.8 million for direct financial incentives for consumers to install solar water heating systems and another $31.25 million for market facilitation.

SunWater Solar is pleased that the rebate program will soon be implemented which will help make it easier for people all over the state to install solar water heating systems.   By doing so, people can increase their use of renewable energy to heat water and at the same time cut down on their greenhouse gas emissions as well as their utility bills.