Austin Energy: Solar Water Heating Rebate

Austin Energy offers its residential, commercial, and municipal customers up front rebates or a low interest loan for the purchase and installation of solar hot water heaters. Because the program is in part designed to help Austin Energy reduce peak electricity demand, only systems that preheat water for a permanently installed electric hot water heater are eligible to receive the incentive. Rebate levels vary by customer class.

Rebates

• Residential (new construction): $1,500
• Residential (existing homes): $2,000 or low interest loan (see below)
• Commercial: Custom, determined on a case-by-case basis

Loans option details (existing homes)

• Home improvement loans: 0% interest rate over 3, 5, 7, or 10 year term; $1,500 minimum
• Personal loans: 2% interest rate over 3 or 5 year term; $500 minimum
• Maximum loan of $5,000 for single family or $10,000 for duplexes
• Additional 2% interest rate (added to base rate) for credit scores of 639 and below

All systems must be new, SRCC certified, and sized to accommodate the needs of at least 4 people. Systems must also be designed for frost protection, scale elimination or remediation, and have a 5-year warranty on all major components. The use of existing tanks will be allowed on a case-by-case basis. All systems must be installed by a licensed, program approved contractor, and comply with all applicable city codes and permitting requirements. Participants must sign an agreement stating their intention to maintain the system in proper working order for at least 5 years and allow Austin Energy to inspect the system. Failure to maintain the system may result in repayment of a prorated portion of the rebate. Participants must also sign a Renewable Energy Credit (REC) Assignment Form handing over all RECs produced by the system to Austin Energy.

FY2010 budget for the solar water heater program was $50,000. The FY2011 budget for solar water heater program is not separated out of the general solar rebate budget, which is $4,000,000. The FY2012 budget for all solar prgram is $3,000,000. The budget year runs October - September.