CSI Solar Thermal Incentive Extended

Californians who currently heat their water with natural gas can receive a rebate check of $4,366 for installing the Sunbank 80G or $3,254 for installing our Sunbank 40G system. Those rebates are for Sunbanks pre-heating tankless natural gas systems. For Sunbanks pre-heating conventional tank natural gas systems the rebate is slightly less but still more than covers the cost of the solar heating equipment, considering that the SB-80G costs $3,499 and the SB-40G costs $1,999. With the increased incentive for tankless water heaters it is a great time to install a tankless water heater pre-heated by solar.

And commercial customers are eligible for rebates of up to $800,000. Contact us for more information about the rebate and for instructions on how to apply for the rebate.

Assembly Bill 797, which proposed an extension of the California Solar Initiative (or CSI) Solar Thermal Incentive, was passed by bi-partisan votes in both the California Assembly and Senate. It was then signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown on October 4th, 2017.

Having the CSI solar thermal incentive exteded is exciting news for the solar thermal industry, for Californians who use hot water (hint: all of us), for hot water intensive businesses like breweries and hotels, and for everyone who benefits from having less carbon in the atmosphere.

Contact us for more information about the rebate and for instructions on how to apply for the rebate.

Are you eligible for state and federal solar energy incentives?

Its easier than ever to reduce your energy costs and environmental impact with Sunbank solar water heaters. Just take our eligibility survey to get started!

TAKE SURVEY NOW

Answer 5 questions (2 mins) and get info about cash refunds and tax credits for your project. Learn more…

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History

The California Solar Initiative started in 2006 with the goal of incentivizing 3,000 MW of additional solar capacity by 2016. In 2011 that goal was raised to 12,000 MW by 2020. Part of this initiative was a solar thermal component – solar hot water instead of solar electric. The solar electric portion of the incentive has long been used up but the solar thermal portion remains. And since there was money remaining in the pot it was important that the Assembly pass this bill so that this money continues to go toward offsetting the use of inexpensive, yet environmentally costly fracked natural gas.

Looking Forward

We are proud of the California state government for their forward thinking policies and thankful for organizations like CALSEIA who work to make these progressive ideas become laws. This, in the face of a federal government, that is threatening daily to repeal solar incentives while subsidizing the oil and gas industries.

And most importantly, to the consumer who may not have previously known about this generous incentive: ultimately it is up to you to use it! Yes, it may require some upfront cost and you might have to jump through a hoop or two (we’re actively working with the utilities to make this process easier), but the reward is that you end up with an environmentally responsible solar water heating system at a very low out of pocket cost. Don’t let this opportunity go to waste – find out if you qualify for the incentive today!

          
   nic maier 
 
 
 
   I don't write reviews but I have to tell others about James from Sunbank! We got an 80 gallon solar water heater and installed it ourselves. It works very well in Southern California. The installation was a little challenging for us, but James helped every step of the way and was even available to give us advice a full year after we had purchased the unit. He was always quick to respond with a thorough and helpful answer! I wish all businesses were run like Sunbank with people like James!
  
 
 
       
   Bob Billings 
 
 
 
   James, thanks for your continued support.  Our 40 gallon Sunbank water heater is the best. Installed in October of 2021 and we would not trade it. Our life off-grid has worked out well. Bob Billings
  
 
 
       
   Jonathan Bishop 
 
 
 
   My only regret is not getting the Sunbank sooner! I installed the 40 gallon system which has been perfect for 3 people. It has a 1500 watt element to heat the tank when the sun isn't shining and because of the low power demand, we are able to run it completely off-grid. James also took time to answer any questions I had and has been excellent to work with!
  
 
 
       
   Robert Thorlin 
 
 
 
   James and the team at Sunbank are exceptionally knowledgeable and willing to help.  Pre-sale and post-sale support was wonderful, even to the point of shipping a bunch of extra T-bolts I needed for my unique installation, bolts and shipping all at their cost.

I would bot hesitate to work with them again on anything... 10 stars if I could...

Mike
  
 
 
       
   Elsa Hennings 
 
 
 
   Living in the Mojave desert, I've wanted to "go solar" for our home's energy needs for a long time (I like free stuff). We put in a solar electric system in 2004, which has long since paid for itself, and bought a plug-in hybrid car to use our "free gas" several years ago.  I finally decided to heat our water with the sun, and after looking at a number of systems, I chose SunBank Solar based on it having no moving parts (I don't like to fix stuff). I mounted it on the ground since we have no shading on the other side of the wall from our old electric water heater, which made the plumbing pretty simple. For overheating protection in the desert, I painted half of each heating tube with reflective silver paint as James recommended (see photo on right), so when we leave on vacation I just rotate each tube to prevent heat absorption, turning the system off. The instructions provided, along with some how-to videos on youtube for using pex tubing, allowed me to get it all put together with no prior plumbing experience.  James was an invaluable resource when I had questions, which was often!  The system has now been running for over a month, quietly generating all the hot water we need!  I highly recommend not only the system but the company for the high quality materials and excellent product support!
  
 
 
       
   debra covey 
 
 
 
   Installed the Sunbank 40 water heater 12/2019. We didn’t install the controller until 8/2020 in case we needed it in the coming winter, but still haven’t needed supplemental heat in south Florida as of 4/2021.  Love this thing! Works great for the 2 of us in our small (1000 sq ft) home.  So glad we installed it.  Company was very responsive to all questions prior to ordering through install.  Highly recommend!
  
 
 
       
   Jim Feldhan 
 
 
 
   I rarely write reviews; however, I am very happy and impressed with the Sunbank solar hot water heater. It appears to be made from top quality material. I was replacing a Solarhart which was not a stainless steel tank and the heat exchanger developed a leak. I started with a 40-gallon system and installed it myself. I’m very handy with DIY projects.
The Instructions online were clear, and James was very helpful with any of the questions I had.
Being in Phoenix I thought a 40-gallon system would be enough. Once Witter arrived, I realized that I use more hot water than I thought and wanted to have 100% solar hot water. Thus, I installed a second 40-gallon system to boost my capacity to 80. I also install a couple of radiators to heat the master bath and home office allowing me to heater those room in the fall, winter, and spring with excess hot water.
In summary, I am very happy and give Sunbank 5 stars for quality and service.
  
 
 
       
   Timothy Clayton 
 
 
 
   I installed the Sunbank and the water temp went from 50F to 101F in 4 hours the 1st day.  By the 3rd day I was up to 160F.  It only loses approx 5 degrees overnight.  It is awesome!  James at Sunbank is one of the best support guys I've dealt with.  Definitely recommend buying this for solar hot water.
  
 
 
       
   Cuyler Smith 
 
 
 
   Our family purchased a 40 Gallon Sunbank Solar Water Heater just over a year ago and we are VERY pleased with its performance, ease of installation, and energy savings!  We have it installed on top of our spring house roof, located about 125 ft. away from our house.  When combined with the Federal Tax Credit and the savings associated with the solar offset of electrical usage for heating water, this Sunbank system quickly pays for itself and is a great investment.  I was able to install the system on my own and it has performed flawlessly during its first year of use.  James at Sunbank Solar has been more than helpful in responding to any questions I have, even after the initial purchase, which says a lot!  I would recommend the Sunbank Solar Water Heater to anyone wanting to save money and reduce our environmental impact!
  
 
 
       
   tutti hacking 
 
 
 
   I recently installed two 40 gallon Sunbank solar water heaters - one on my garage and one on my ADU. They have been awesome! Water is super hot and now I don't have any qualms washing my laundry with warm, solar heated water! I have wanted a Sunbank system for almost four years now, and James has patiently helped me through the process. I used my local solar panel installer to get the job done. Took 3 days to fully install (I did need some reinforcement for 2x4 rafters) and inspection was quick and easy. James steered me to a great structural engineer to get what I needed for City Planning. It feels great to have gotten rid of my natural (fracked) gas water heaters! And the 30% tax credit, along with the California Solar Initiative rebate, really makes it affordable.
  
 
 
  
 
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