Solar Water Heating

In April 2005, the CPUC directed PG&E, SCE, SDG&E, and SoCalGas to include solar water heating in their energy efficiency program proposals for funding years 2006-2008. The utilities filed their proposals with the CPUC June 1, 2005. We recommend the CPUC adopt an appropriate plan to offer an up-front rebate to solar water heaters, payable after system installation, as part of the CSI. We recommend the rebate be based on a system performance index. Rebate levels should decline over a ten-year period.