Power Saver™ Program
Solar Water Heater

If you are planning on installing a new water heater, consider a Solar Water Heater. These heaters are a cost-effective and environmentally responsible alternative to conventional methods of producing domestic hot water.

Solar Technology + Incentives = Savings
Austin Energy continues to drive renewable energy incentives. As a result, we have expanded our Solar Photovoltaics offerings to solar water heaters. Through rebates and tax credits, there's never been a better time to "go solar" with your water heating system. Based on a typical system, you can expect these savings:

	Rebates from $1,500 to $2,000
	A 30% tax credit of $750 to $1,000
	A total net savings of $2,250 to $3,000

Eligibility
All current, Austin Energy residential, commercial and municipal customers are eligible to participate in this program. Additional eligibility criteria:

	Solar water heaters must be SRCC (Solar Rating Certification Corporation) certified.
	All installations must meet all applicable codes and adhere to applicable building permit processes.
	New equipment must be installed by licensed contractors.
	Customer will have 90 days (from receipt date of application) to install equipment.
	Solar water heater must preheat water for an electric water heater that is permanently installed at the structure.
	Solar water heater installer is responsible for determining the optimal location of the solar collectors. The proposed location must provide maximum benefits.
	Manufacturer must provide a minimum five year warranty on major components. Additionally, the system shall be designed for frost protection and scale elimination or remediation.
	Solar water heater equipment to be installed must be new. Rebates will not be offered retroactively (on equipment already installed). Use of existing tanks will be allowed on a case by case basis.
	At minimum, a solar water heater system must be sized to accomodate a family of four.
	Use of existing tanks will be allowed if the tank is less than five years old at time of inspection. Tanks over four years old must be flushed prior to system activation.
	The participating company must install a Cycle Saver water heater timer.
	Completed rebate application must be submitted before equipment is installed. The application must be accompanied by SRCC rating data, warranty information and a site sketch (included in application), showing solar collector location(s).
	Customer agrees to maintain the installed solar water heater system in proper working condition for a minimum period of five years. Failure to do so may constitute a repayment of a prorated portion of the rebate that shall become due and payable to AE. In addition, customer agrees to allow AE to perform equipment inspection(s).

Rebate Process in 5 Steps:

1. Review the Guidelines (pdf) to learn about scheduling a preliminary site assessment, the responsibilities of the contractor, and other details about the rebate process.
2. Contact an Austin Energy Participating Company. We encourage you to solicit multiple bids for competitive purposes.
3. Participating company submits the completed Solar Water Heater Rebate Application along with the Renewable Energy Credit Assignment Agreement. They will receive notice of the application approval.
4. Once the installation is complete and inspected by the permitting authorities (if applicable), the participating company will call Austin Energy to schedule a final inspection of your installation.
5. Austin Energy mails your rebate check within four to six weeks after final inspection and approval.

More Information
To learn more, e-mail us or call (512) 482-5346.

Thank you for your interest in our Power Saver Program. Please note that you can apply for either a loan or a rebate, but not both.

Power Saver™ Program—Saving Energy Together