Hawaii Energy Offers Solar Water Heating Tune-Up Rebate

Caroline Carl with Hawaii Energy. Hawaii Energy photo.

Hawaii Energy offers a limited-time Solar Water Heating Tune-Up rebate of $150 for the third year in a row. Since 2014, over 2,500 residents have taken advantage of the rebate.

The Tune-Up rebate is available through May 31, 2016, or while funding lasts.

Residential electric ratepayers on Hawai‘i Island, Lāna‘i, Maui, Moloka‘i and O‘ahu are eligible (those who received a Tune-Up rebate in the last two years (2014 or 2015) are not eligible).

To find a participating contractor and schedule a tune-up, go online or call Hawaii Energy at 537-5577 or (877) 231-8222 toll-free.

To qualify for the rebate, systems must be at least three years old and the tune-up must be performed by a Hawaii Energy participating contractor. The cost of a tune-up typically ranges between $300 and $500. Hawaii Energy helps reduce this cost by providing a $150 Tune-Up rebate.

To make it easy for residents, participating contractors instantly deduct the rebate from the invoice so that residents do not have to mail in any applications or wait for rebate checks.

“Hawaii Energy encourages you to take advantage of the rebate now, especially if your solar water heater has never been maintained,” said Deputy Program Manager Caroline Carl. “Ask your contractor about the condition of your system before and after the tune-up. You’ll be better informed about maintenance to extend the life of your system.”

Solar water heaters require maintenance every three to five years to check and repair normal wear-and-tear that may include leaks, corrosion or pump failure. A properly maintained solar water heater can last 15 years or more.

For those without solar water heating, Hawaii Energy is offering a $750 instant rebate when a system is installed by a participating contractor. Learn more at www.hawaiienergy.com/solarwater.

Households that replace their electric resistance water heater with a solar water heater can save between 25 and 40 percent on their electric bill. However, without regular maintenance these savings can gradually diminish.

Hawaii Energy is the ratepayer-funded energy conservation and efficiency program administered by Leidos Engineering, LLC under contract with the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission, serving Hawai‘i Island, Lāna‘i, Maui, Moloka‘i and O‘ahu. The program is independent of the electric utilities. Hawaii Energy offers cash rebates and other incentives to residents and businesses to help offset the cost of installing energy-efficient equipment.

In addition to rebates, the program offers education and training for residents, businesses, and trade allies to encourage the adoption of energy conservation behaviors and efficiency measures.

For more information, visit www.hawaiienergy.com.