New Solar Hot Water Rebates for Colorado Announced (Updated)

The Colorado Governor's Energy Office (GEO) and the Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association (CoSEIA) just announced that new rebates are being offered for solar hot water systems installed after Feb. 2, 2009 (i.e. ... now.) Interestingly, the statewide program is being jointly administered by the Center for Resource Conservation (CRC), the City of Boulder and Boulder County. Details can be found on the CRC site or by clicking here.

(UPDATE: commenter Jennifer has clarified that the program is adminstered by various organizations all over the state by local cities, counties, non-profits and utilities. Click the following link to find out who administers the program in your area if you live outside of Boulder County:
http://coseia.org/newsite/index.php?id=96 )

Here's the summary:

Tier 1: $1,500 Rebate
Minimum eligibility requirements: 60,000 BTU/day, based on SRCC ratings at clear day/C interval, with nominal 80 gallon minimum solar tank size.

Tier 2: $750 Rebate
Minimum eligibility requirements: 30,000 – 59,999 BTU/day, with a nominal 50 gallon minimum solar tank size.

The bad news? Well... The "Orphan Hot Water System Repair (Orphan Solar)" rebate (which was intended to fund repairs to 1970's and 1980's solar systems get homeowners to re-commission these older systems) won't be offered anymore due to budget cuts.

Who's eligible?

• Colorado Residents
• Solar thermal systems installed after February 2, 2009
• Homeowner-installed systems do not qualify for a rebate through this program (so you DIY-ers need not apply.)
  

As is usual with this sort of thing, before diving in it's wise to read the fine print and make sure what you have in mind meets the rules and regulations. If it does, Inhabit can point you to several competent and enthusiastic solar installers who will be happy to oblige your solar urge.