Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Technology, Energy & Communications Committee

HB 2185

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Summary of Bill

Allows electric or gas utilities to offer a rebate to customers for up to 75 percent of the cost of installing a solar water heating system.

Background:

Solar hot water heaters use the sun to heat either water or a heat-transfer fluid in collectors. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that a typical solar hot water system will reduce the need for conventional water heating by about two-thirds.

Summary of Bill:

Starting on August 1, 2009 an electric or gas utility may provide a rebate to its retail customers for the costs of installing solar water heating systems in their homes or businesses. The amount of the rebate cannot be greater than 75 percent of the total cost for the solar water heating system. Participating utilities must determine a tiered rebate amount based on the efficiency of the solar water heating system. At a minimum, a solar water heating system must have a solar rating and certification corporation (SRCC) certification as of July 1, 2009.

Rebates are limited to $5,000 per calendar year for each customer.

An electric or gas utility may establish a grant program to assist its retail customers in installing solar water heating systems in their homes or businesses, provided that state or federal funds are appropriated for this purpose.