SoCalGas Solar Thermal Water Heater Rebate
Rebate amounts: $5,000 for ENERGY STAR solar thermal + ENERGY STAR tankless gas backup (.95 UEF); $4,000 for ENERGY STAR storage gas backup; $3,500 for non-ENERGY STAR tankless gas backup (.82 UEF); $2,500 for non-ENERGY STAR storage gas backup. Customers impacted by Jan 2025 wildfires may receive an additional 50% bonus (up to $7,500 total). Rebate amount cannot exceed the purchase price.
SoCalGas offers rebates for ENERGY STAR Solar Thermal Water Heating Systems, providing up to $4,500 for qualifying installations.
Guidance
SoCalGas offers rebates ranging from $2,500 to $4,500 for the installation of an ENERGY STAR Solar Thermal Water Heating System alongside a qualifying gas backup water heater. The property must be an existing residential dwelling with an active SoCalGas residential account.
Homeowner Tasks
- Provide a recent SoCalGas utility bill
Must be for the subject property where the installation occurred.
- Sign and date the rebate application
Ensure the application form is fully completed, signed, and dated. Only the Account Holder, authorized Spouse, or Property Owner can sign.
- Provide proof of purchase
Provide a Home Improvement Contract (HIC) or itemized paid invoice/receipt. If providing an HIC, it must be signed and dated by both you and your licensed contractor.
Contractor Tasks
- Install qualifying solar and backup water heating equipment
Must install an Indirect Solar Thermal Water Heating System (SUEF >= 1.8) paired with a qualifying backup gas water heater. System must be oriented 180 degrees south (or < 40 degrees SW/SE) with a slope of 10-50 degrees.
- Obtain and provide proof of final permit closure
Provide a copy of the finalized permit closure from the local jurisdiction for the solar system and backup water heater installation.
- Sign the application and provide permit details
Sign, date, and provide the applicable permit number on the contractor section of the rebate application.
- Provide an itemized invoice
Invoice must include equipment-only cost, SUEF, install date, and system details including the ENERGY STAR SHW system ID, ICC/OG-100 collector number, and ICC/OG-300 system certification number.
- Provide NABCEP certification details
Provide your North American Board of Certified Energy Professionals (NABCEP) training certification number on the application.
Qualification
- Energy Star certified equipment
- Permit required
Not required: ahri matched pair · income-qualified · has income-qualified portion · pre-approval required · contractor enrollment required · fuel switching required
Important Dates
- Program runs:
- January 1, 2026December 31, 2026
- Claim deadline:
- December 31, 2026
How to Submit
Install a qualifying Solar Thermal Water Heating System (SUEF >= 1.8) alongside an ENERGY STAR certified tankless or storage gas backup water heater (>=0.95 UEF) in an existing residential property. Applications must be postmarked by Dec 31, 2026.