The California Solar Initiative Thermal Program applies to all homes in the areas covered by the four major gas and electronic companies throughout the state. It will be funded through $250 million in collections from natural gas ratepayers as well as $100.8 million through a separate photovoltaic program and earmarked in a Senate Bill sponsoring solar projects.
Overall, the incentives could reduce the cost of solar powered heaters by up to 25 percent, the Los Angeles Times reported.
"The dispersion of solar heating systems can play an important role as we strive to achieve the goal of zero net energy in residential and commercial buildings by 2020 and 2030 respectively, as outlined in the California Energy Efficiency Strategic Plan," said Commissioner Dian M. Grueneich. "These systems can be cost-effective for ratepayers, while helping to displace both electricity and natural gas usage in new and existing homes and businesses."
The goal of the program will be to drastically increase the use of solar power for water heating. By switching to the solar systems, the CPUC estimates that it could displace 585 million therms - equivalent to placing a solar water heater on 200,000 single-family homes - and displace 275.7 million kilowatt-hours per year of electricity by the end of 2017.
