A local building code enacted in 1981 requires all Carlsbad homes to include the copper piping needed to install a complete solar water heating system. This puts Carlsbad residents in a unique position to install a cost-effective solar water heating system and start saving money.
Now is the time to take advantage of cash incentives and tax credits, which are only available for a limited time. A workshop will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. April 10 at the Granary, 2650 Garfield St., Carlsbad, to review the benefits of going solar.
Residents can receive up to $1,500 in cash incentives and a 30 percent federal tax credit for installing a solar water heater. Businesses qualify for up to $75,000 in cash incentives and receive the same federal tax credit.
The cash incentive is part of the Solar Water Heating Pilot Program at the California Center for Sustainable Energy, or CCSE. The Solar Water Heating Basics for Homeowners workshop CCSE is hosting April 10 will cover various solar water heating technologies, explain the benefits of going solar and discuss the incentives of this new pilot program.
The pilot program is accepting applications from homeowners and businesses interested in reducing their energy costs by installing state-of-the-art solar water heating systems. Solar water heaters use the sun's energy to heat water that is used on a daily basis, which helps reduce consumer dependence on the fossil fuels that power traditional water heating systems.
Solar systems are a popular alternative because sunlight is a clean, free and renewable energy source. Since standard gas-powered water heaters account for 30 percent of a home's energy bill, solar water heating systems enable consumers to be more energy independent and also help insulate them from energy shortages and price increases.
"In California, about 70 percent of the fossil fuel used to heat water could be saved through the use of clean, renewable solar water heating systems," said Andrew McAllister, director of programs at CCSE. "Solar water heating helps reduce fossil-based energy consumption, avoids combustion-related emissions and reduces customer exposure to future price increases for traditional fuels."
The pilot program was made possible by a $2.6 million allocation from the California Public Utilities Commission to provide incentives to licensed contractors, homeowners and businesses to help reduce the costs and promote the installation of clean, renewable solar water heating systems. The pilot program is the predecessor to a potential $250 million statewide program, which is contingent on the outcome of this pilot.
For more information or to sign up for the workshop, call (877) 333-7947 or visit www.swh.enerycenter.org.
Now is the time to take advantage of cash incentives and tax credits, which are only available for a limited time. A workshop will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. April 10 at the Granary, 2650 Garfield St., Carlsbad, to review the benefits of going solar.
Residents can receive up to $1,500 in cash incentives and a 30 percent federal tax credit for installing a solar water heater. Businesses qualify for up to $75,000 in cash incentives and receive the same federal tax credit.
The cash incentive is part of the Solar Water Heating Pilot Program at the California Center for Sustainable Energy, or CCSE. The Solar Water Heating Basics for Homeowners workshop CCSE is hosting April 10 will cover various solar water heating technologies, explain the benefits of going solar and discuss the incentives of this new pilot program.
The pilot program is accepting applications from homeowners and businesses interested in reducing their energy costs by installing state-of-the-art solar water heating systems. Solar water heaters use the sun's energy to heat water that is used on a daily basis, which helps reduce consumer dependence on the fossil fuels that power traditional water heating systems.
Solar systems are a popular alternative because sunlight is a clean, free and renewable energy source. Since standard gas-powered water heaters account for 30 percent of a home's energy bill, solar water heating systems enable consumers to be more energy independent and also help insulate them from energy shortages and price increases.
"In California, about 70 percent of the fossil fuel used to heat water could be saved through the use of clean, renewable solar water heating systems," said Andrew McAllister, director of programs at CCSE. "Solar water heating helps reduce fossil-based energy consumption, avoids combustion-related emissions and reduces customer exposure to future price increases for traditional fuels."
The pilot program was made possible by a $2.6 million allocation from the California Public Utilities Commission to provide incentives to licensed contractors, homeowners and businesses to help reduce the costs and promote the installation of clean, renewable solar water heating systems. The pilot program is the predecessor to a potential $250 million statewide program, which is contingent on the outcome of this pilot.
For more information or to sign up for the workshop, call (877) 333-7947 or visit www.swh.enerycenter.org.