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For Residential Customers

Oncor is offering cash incentives for the purchase and installation of solar water heating (SWH) systems. Interested homeowners, renters, developers, and builders can participate by working with a SWH installer (Service Provider).
 
What is a solar water heating (SWH) system and why should I install one?

A SWH system uses the sun's energy to heat water for dishwashing, laundry, showers, and other applications that require a hot water supply. While a SWH system cannot replace a home's electric water heater, it can drastically reduce the electricity you consume for your hot water needs, typically by 50 to 80 percent. The sun's energy is free and can reduce a home's electricity consumption in an environmentally friendly way.

How much does a system cost?

New, professionally installed SWH systems typically cost between $4,000 and $8,000. Prices vary based on the type of system installed.
How much is the incentive?

Oncor’s incentive reduces an installed system’s costs by roughly $1,400 to $2,700, depending on the system’s predicted energy performance. There is no cap on the incentive level.

 

Oncor is also offering a limited number of low-income incentives covering 95 percent of system costs up to $3,800. See below for more information.

 

A SWH system becomes an even more affordable investment when you combine Oncor’s incentive with the federal investment tax credit that may be available to you. This tax credit covers 30 percent of the installed system’s costs. Learn more about the federal tax credit here.

 

How will I receive the incentive?

 

Incentives are paid to Service Providers; your bill from the Service Provider will show the incentive as a deduction from the installation cost.

 
How can I participate?
 
You can apply through your Service Provider. View the list of participating Service Providers or ask your Service Provider to e-mail texassolarwaterheating@icfi.com. Please note, solar pool heaters do not qualify.

 

Is my home eligible?

 

Your home is eligible if it meets the following criteria:
  • Homes must receive electric service from Oncor
  • Homes may be single-family or individually metered multifamily properties (master-metered multifamily properties may qualify for the commercial solar water heating incentive)
  • Homes may be new construction or existing properties
  • Existing homes must currently use electric water heating systems; homes with gas water heating are ineligible
  • Single-family new construction must be built without gas service to be eligible
  • Do-It-Yourself installations are not eligible; a participating Service Provider must complete theinstallation
  • Homes may be new construction or existing properties
  • Existing homes must currently use electric water heating systems; homes with gas water heating are ineligible
  • Single-family new construction must be built without gas service to be eligible
  • Do-It-Yourself installations are not eligible; a participating Service Provider must complete theinstallation

How does solar water heating work?

 
SWH systems typically include one or more solar panels, also known as collectors, and one or two well-insulated storage tanks. The solar collector(s) absorbs the sun’s energy to preheat water before it is further heated by the electric water heater, thus cutting down on the amount of electricity needed to heat a home’s supply of hot water.

 

To install an effective solar water heating system, you will need sufficient roof or other area on which to place the solar collector(s).

 

An ideal location to install a SWH system is an area on your roof with southern sun exposure and no shading from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

 

For more information about solar water heating technology, see the U.S. Department of Energy Consumer’s Guide to Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
 
 
Qualifying solar water heater systems

Qualifying solar water heating systems must conform to the SRCC OG-300 standard and must be installed by a participating Service Provider.  Solar pool heaters do not qualify for the Program.

Low-Income incentive

As of April 7, 2010 no more low-income incentives are available for the remainder of the calendar year.
Oncor is providing enhanced cash incentives for solar water heating systems installed at a limited number of qualifying low-income homes. The low-income incentive covers 95 percent of system purchase and installation costs, with a maximum incentive of $3,800. Eligible costs include equipment costs and labor costs for on-site preparation, assembly, installation, and interconnection to piping and wiring.

In addition to the eligibility requirements for the regular incentive, residential properties applying for the low-income incentive must meet the following requirements:

  • Single-family home: The customer must have an annual household income at or below the levels in Table A, below.  

Table A. 200% of the 2009 Federal Poverty Guidelines

    Size of Family

    Annual Income

    Monthly Income

    Weekly Income

    1

    $21,660.00

    $1,805.00

    $416.54

    2

    $29,140.00

    $2,428.33

    $560.38

    3

    $36,620.00

    $3,051.67

    $704.23

    4

    $44,100.00

    $3,675.00

    $848.08

    5

    $51,580.00

    $4,298.33

    $991.92

    6

    $59,060.00

    $4,921.67

    $1,135.77

    7

    $66,540.00

    $5,545.00

    $1,279.62

    8

    $74,020.00

    $6,168.33

    $1,423.46

    For each additional
    person, add:

    $7,480.00

    $623.33

    $143.85

     
    • Multifamily residential property: At least 75 percent of the units must be rented by customers with an annual household income at or below the levels in the table above; OR the property must participate in one or more of the programs listed below:
      • Public Housing Authority
      • Housing Trust Fund
      • Multifamily Bond Program, with less than 25% of the units at market rate
      • Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program, with less than 25% of the units at market rate
      • Project-Based Section 8
      • Affordable Housing Disposition Program
      • HOME Rental Housing Development
      • Rural Rental Section 515 (FMHA)

    Learn More about Solar Water Heating Technology

    Take A Load Off, Texas® is provided by Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC as part of the company’s commitment to reduce energy consumption and demand.  ICF Resources, LLC implements the Take A Load Off, Texas Solar Water Heating Program as an independent contractor.  For more information, visit www.takealoadofftexas.com.