Oncor to Help Pay for Solar Water Heating for Homes
On March 9, Oncor expanded its solar energy initiatives to include the Take A Load Off, Texas Solar Water Heating Incentive Program.
Oncor’s Solar Water Heating Incentive Program offers cash incentives for the purchase and installation of qualifying residential solar water heating systems. Oncor expects to install about 1,100 new solar systems over the next four years through this $2-million program. Only homes served by Oncor and using electric water heating systems are eligible.
"Oncor is committed to bring creative ways to support development of solar power, save energy, and protect the environment," said Michael Stockard, director of Oncor Energy Efficiency Programs. "Water heating consumes the most energy in a home after space heating and cooling. Installing a solar water heating system means consumers can use solar power to replace electricity. In Texas, harnessing the sun to do simple tasks like heating water just makes so much sense."
By preheating water with the sun’s free and environmentally friendly energy, systems typically reduce the electricity required for hot water needs by 40 to 85 percent. Oncor will pay an incentive of $600 to $1,500 per installed system, based on the system’s predicted performance.