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BTU's Green Plus
Solar Water Heater Program
Program Description
Solar water heaters are a cost-effective and environmentally responsible alternative to conventional methods of producing domestic hot water. In response to renewable power generation goals, BTU offers a rebate or a low interest loan to its customers as incentives to install solar water heaters. Customers benefit from solar technology through utility bill savings and sound environmental stewardship; BTU benefits by reducing its peak demand and reliance on power production from fossil fuels.
Program Guidelines and Eligibility Criteria
- All BTU residential, commercial and municipal customers are eligible to participate. This includes current and new construction.
- Solar water heater collectors must be SRCC (Solar Rating Certification Corporation) certified.
- Commercial grade systems will receive a custom rebate determined on a case by case basis.
- BTU offers customers the opportunity to receive a one time rebate of $1,500 per system installed for existing homes and $1,000 per system installed for new homes. Or, customers living in an existing home can apply for a 0% loan to help finance the installation.
- All installations must adhere to the City of Bryan building permit process and new equipment must be installed by licensed contractors.
- All installations must meet all applicable City of Bryan codes.
- Customer will have 90 days (from receipt date of application) to install solar water heating system.
- The solar water heater must preheat water for an electric water heater that is permanently installed at the structure. Gas water heaters do not qualify for this program at this time.
- The solar water heater installer is responsible for determining the optimal location of the solar collectors. The proposed location must provide maximum benefits.
- Manufacturer must provide a minimum five (5) year warranty on major components. Additionally, the system shall be designed for frost protection and scale elimination or remediation.
- Installed solar water heating system must be new. Rebates will not be offered retroactively (on systems already installed).
- Use of existing tanks will be allowed if the tank is less than five years old at the time of inspection. Tanks over 4 years old must be flushed prior to system activation.
- Storage tank must be 80 gallons at minimum. Collectors should be sized according to manufacturer recommendation to meet requirements of tank size.
- The rebate application must be submitted before system is installed. The application must be accompanied by SRCC rating data, warranty information and a site sketch showing solar collector location(s).
Participation Process
Step 1
Contact the BTU Customer Information Center (979-821-5700). They can provide the documents required for applying for available rebates (including a list of Participating Solar Contractors).
Step 2
Contact a Participating Solar Contractor in your area. BTU recommends that you solicit at least three bids for comparative purposes.
Step 3
Complete and submit the and the Renewable Energy Credit Assignment Agreement. In addition to your signature, the rebate application must also be signed by the installer. The rebate application must be accompanied by the manufacturer’s rating and warranty information.
Step 4
BTU will review all Solar Water Heater Applications. After approval, applicant will be notified to begin the solar water heater system installation.
Step 5
Contractor will obtain all necessary City permits and completes equipment installation.
Step 6
Contact BTU 979-821-5700 to schedule a system verification of your installation.
Step 7
A Cycle Saver water heater timer will be installed by a licensed electrician contracted by BTU.
Step 8
BTU will process your rebate. Please allow 4 to 6 weeks from the date of the final inspection before you receive your rebate check.
Rebate Option
| Existing Homes | $1,500 per System |
| New Homes | $1,000 per System |
Loan Option
Up to $5,000
Loan Approval Process
Step 1
Call 979-821-5700
Step 2
Complete the steps in the “Participation Process”
Step 3
Your bid must be reviewed by BTU.
Step 4
You may then fax your loan application to solar hot water program manager @ 979-821-5775. The company doing your work may be able to help speed up the approval process and can help you fill out your loan application, if needed. Your contractor will receive your loan documents and deliver them to you, or you may request to receive the documents by mail.
Participating Customer Responsibilities
- Customer agrees to maintain the installed solar water heating system in proper working condition for a minimum period of five (5) years. Failure to do so may constitute a repayment of a prorated portion of the rebate that shall become due and payable to BTU.
- Customer agrees to allow BTU to perform equipment inspection(s).
Renewable Energy Credits
A Renewable Energy Credit (REC) represents one megawatt hour (MWh) of renewable energy that is physically metered and verified in Texas. A REC is the commodity used by electric providers in Texas to account for their participation the State’s renewal energy goals program. Customers requesting available rebates for solar water heating system installations must sign BTU’s REC Assignment Agreement form; by doing so they are agreeing to assign the RECs generated by their solar water heating system to BTU in consideration for receipt of a rebate.
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