Information for Active CSI-T Applicants

The California Solar Initiative–Thermal (CSI-T) Program is now in a sunset period ending October 31, 2024, and is no longer accepting new applications as of August 1, 2020. This includes new single-family residential applications and reservation requests for solar pools, multifamily, commercial and industrial applications.

During the sunset period, CSE will continue to process submitted applications for projects that received a confirmed reservation prior to the program sunset. For applications that were in process, you will still be able to access your applications and retrieve or modify any information or documents you may have uploaded.

You will have 18 months from the date you receive a confirmed reservation to install your solar water heating system, complete an inspection by the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) and submit all required documentation for your CSI-Thermal incentive claim. For questions about program requirements, please consult the current version of the CSI-Thermal Program Handbook.

Single-Family Property Applicants

For single-family residential applications that achieved a status of “Incentive: Application Review” on or before July 31, 2020, you will be able to respond to administrator requests for additional information, make corrections to application documentation and still claim your CSI-Thermal rebate. If your application remained in “Incentive: Draft” status, you will not be able to complete your incentive application or receive a CSI-Thermal rebate.

Commercial, Multifamily and Industrial Property Applicants

If you or your contractor have an application that was submitted for review and achieved a status of “Reservation: Application Review” on or before July 31, 2020, you will be able to respond to administrator requests for additional information, make corrections to application documentation and still claim your CSI-Thermal rebate. If your application remained in “Reservation: Draft” status, you will not be able to complete your incentive application or receive a CSI-Thermal rebate.

Contact Us

CSE will continue to support CSI-Thermal applicants during the sunset period. For questions related to application processing, such as the status of your application, requests for due date extensions or to discuss your unique requirements, contact email CSE at swh@energycenter.org.

Payments for existing applications

While new applications are no longer being accepted for commercial or multifamily projects during this time, existing confirmed reservations will be able to claim their rebate and performance-based incentive (PBI) projects will continue to receive payments at the following rates.

Step

Incentive per annual therm displaced

Maximum Incentive Amount

1

$20.19

$800,000

2

$17.16

$800,000

About CSI-T

During 2010-20, the CSI-T Program provided significant rebates for solar water heating systems installed at homes, commercial properties and multifamily housing. The program was funded by utility gas and electric ratepayers, and customers of California’s four largest investor-owned utilities were eligible to participate.

Within the San Diego Gas & Electric service territory, the Center for Sustainable Energy (CSE) served as program administrator. CSE processed CSI-Thermal rebates, performed field inspections of installed systems and carried out marketing, education and outreach activities.

Although the program was initially intended to be available through the end of 2017, legislation was passed to extend the program’s incentives through July 31, 2020.