Among California’s most progressive clean energy municipalities, the City of Palo Alto offers an incentive program for residential and commercial solar water heating with CSE serving as its administrator. Similar to the statewide California Solar Initiative – Thermal Program, the Palo Alto program encourages adoption of solar water heating technologies by providing rebates that lower installation costs, training for contractors and education for potential customers to help them make informed decisions.
CSE aims to ensure effective and successful implementation of Palo Alto’s solar water heating program to help meet the city’s energy efficiency goals, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve 100 percent renewable energy.
Palo Alto Solar Water Heating Impacts
$285,797+ in rebates
To date, CSE has administered and processed approximately 60 SWH rebates for residences and businesses, totaling more than $285,000.
90+ tons of CO2/year avoided
Natural gas-displacing solar thermal projects are reducing greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to more than 90 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually.
13,387 kWh of electricity
Electric-displacing solar thermal projects are reducing greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to the carbon sequestered by planting 240 tree seedlings grown for 10 years.
Program at a Glance
- Program Goals
The City of Palo Alto Utilities’ goal is to achieve installation of 1,000 solar water heating systems by 2020
- CSE's Role
As program administrator, promote program participation and the benefits of solar water heating technologies
- Technologies
Renewable Energy
- Key Partners
Aztec Solar (system inspector)
- State or Local Policies Supported
AB 1470, Palo Alto Sustainability and Climate Action Plan
- Impact Statement
Displacing gas and electricity use to lower greenhouse gas emissions and reduce energy use