California expands solar thermal program



California regulators have expanded the state's California Solar Initiative (CSI) Thermal Program in an effort to provide enhanced incentives for solar heating and cooling technologies.

In addition to accepting new technologies, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) Order also modifies the way program rebates are paid by implementing a performance-based system. Total incentives will be capped at $10 million for service territories of the state's regulated utilities, which include Pacific Gas and Electric, Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric, and Southern California Gas Company.

Expanded eligibility includes process heat applications and solar cooling, as well as commercial and single-family combination water and space heating units.

California regulators have expanded the state's California Solar Initiative (CSI) Thermal Program in an effort to provide enhanced incentives for solar heating and cooling technologies.

In addition to accepting new technologies, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) Order also modifies the way program rebates are paid by implementing a performance-based system. Total incentives will be capped at $10 million for service territories of the state's regulated utilities, which include Pacific Gas and Electric, Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric, and Southern California Gas Company.

Expanded eligibility includes process heat applications and solar cooling, as well as commercial and single-family combination water and space heating units.

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"Providing incentives to these technologies will not only provide significant energy savings, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lessen dependence on imported fossil fuels, but will also provide much needed data on the performance of these systems, demonstrate the effectiveness of the technology and increase public awareness of the diverse potential benefits of solar thermal technologies," the CPUC said in its proposed Order.

The CSI program was created in 2006 and includes $2 billion in funds to promote solar technologies statewide. The $250 million thermal program extension was formed in 2010.

For more:
-see the proposed decision

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Read more: California expands solar thermal program - FierceEnergy http://www.fierceenergy.com/story/california-expands-solar-thermal-program/2013-03-06#ixzz2MmPhU2jj
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