Become an Eligible Contractor
As program administrator in SDG&E territory, CSE offers free workshops for parties interested in becoming eligible CSI-Thermal contractors or self-install their solar water heating system.
Be a licensed contractor
Contractors must be licensed by the State of California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) and have one of the following contractor's licenses to become an eligible CSI-Thermal contractor:
- A (engineer)
- B (general)
- C-4 (boiler, hot water heating and steam fitting)
- C-36 (plumbing)
- C-46 (solar)
Contractors with a C-53 (swimming pool) license are eligible to apply for solar pool system rebates only. This license requirement does not apply to self-installers. However, a self-installer is only eligible to install a solar water heating system on a property for which you are the utility customer of record.
Attend the mandatory CSI-Thermal workshop
The business owner whose name is on the CSLB license, must attend a free, one-day training to learn about the application process and program requirements of the CSI-Thermal Program. Self-installers also are required to attend this one-day workshop.
We also recommend that any staff who will be working on submitting CSI-Thermal rebate applications attend the workshop. This will help new applicants avoid common errors when going through the application process.
Use your key to register online
Once the you complete the workshop, you will be provided a unique registration key that grants access to the CSI-Thermal database, hosted on CSIThermal.com.
Contractors are added to the CSI-Thermal Eligible Contractors list and have the ability to submit rebate applications.
Self-installers can use the portal to submit CSI-Thermal rebate applications for their self-installed projects.