WATER HEATER REBATE BEGINS MAY 1: UP TO $1,875 FOR SWITCHING TO SOLAR

May 11, 2010 (San Diego) – Starting this month, the State of California hopes to entice homeowners to replace their old water heaters with solar-powered systems. Under the California Solar Initiative Thermal Program, rebates up to $1,875 will be available for people who switch from natural gas or electric water heaters.

Californians can get as much as $1,875 for replacing their natural gas units and $1,250 for removing their electric heaters. Multi-family and commercial customers may apply for the rebate beginning June 1, 2010. The rebates willapply retroactively to August 2009. The rebates phase out at the end of2017, or when the funds are exhausted.

Buyers can also qualify for a 30 percent renewable-energy tax credit fromthe federal government.

To learn more about the state rebate program, visit www.gosolarcalifornia.org

To learn about the federal rebate program, visit www.energystar.gov.