The bulk of the new program stems from the passage of AB 1470, authored by Marin and Southern Sonoma Assemblyman, Jared Huffman. Under the program, commercial and residential property owners will receive substantial rebates for installing certified solar water heating systems. In addition to the existing 30% Federal Tax Credit, owners of single family homes can receive rebates averaging $1,500. Commercial and multifamily properties are eligible for much larger rebates based on system size and design. Incentives are paid upon system completion.

“Today’s decision will increase consumer confidence and understanding of solar water heating technology and its benefits,” states Michael R. Peevey, President of the California PUC.

The program will run until December 31, 2017, or until the program funds are exhausted.  Like the credits for installing solar electric systems, incentives decrease in four steps based on program participation, so larger incentives are made available to those who take advantage of the program early.

SolarCraft is one of the most experienced solar energy contractors in California. For more than 26 years the certified Green Business has been providing Solar Thermal and Solar Electric services including consulting, design, installation, monitoring and maintenance. SolarCraft has installed more than 4,300 solar energy systems in California with over 1.3 million square feet of solar collector surface area, saving customers more than $7 million annually and preventing production of more than 28,000 tons of greenhouse gases every year.