Solar Water Heating Contractor and Self Installer Training

California Solar Initiative
Thermal Program
Contractor & Self-Installer Workshop

Housekeeping:

• Turn off your cell phones
• Refreshments
• Recycle
• Restrooms down the hall
• Sign-in- Contractor’s License #

3

CSI Thermal Program Workshop Agenda

• Workshop & CSI Thermal Program Introduction
• Program Eligibility Requirements & Incentive
Calculator
• Program Incentives
• Lunch
• Application Process
• Technical Requirements & Inspection Checklist
• Hand out Proof of Attendance Certificates & Keys

4

Purpose of Workshop Training

• Provides details of CSI Thermal program
• Eligibility Requirements
• Incentive Structure
• Application process

• Training required for contractors and self-
installer participation in CSI-Thermal Program

• Not a “how to” install/design/sell SWH systems.

5

Installation Course at CCSE

• April 23-26, 2012
• Two courses:
1. Two day – focuses on business practices,
marketing, sales - $50
2. Four day – two-day course plus two days
of hands-on installation and design - $100
• Normal cost of this workshop is
$1500 - $2500
Sign up at
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www.energycenter.org/calendar

INTRODUCTION TO
CSI-THERMAL PROGRAM

7

Program Administrators (PA)
California Center for Sustainable Southern California Gas Company:
Energy (SDG&E territory): Phone: (800) Gas-2000
Phone: (877) 333-SWHP
Email: swh@socalgas.com
Email: swh@energycenter.org
Website:
Website:
www.energycenter.org/swh www.socalgas.com/rebates/solar

Pacific Gas and Electric: Southern California Edison:
Phone: (877) 743-4112 Phone: (866) 584-7436
Email: solar@pge.com Email: CSIGroup@sce.com
Website: www.pge.com/csithermal Website: www.sce.com/csithermal

www.gosolarcalifornia.org/solarwater
8

Incentive Budget
CSI-Thermal total program incentive budget is $280,800,000:
• $180,000,000 for natural gas displacing SWH systems

• Up to $100,800,000 for electric and propane displacing SWH systems

• 40% of the total incentive budget is reserved for single-family
residential customer SWH systems

• 60% of the total incentive budget is reserved for commercial or
multifamily SWH systems.

9

Incentive Budget Per Program Administrator

Program Natural Gas Budget Electric/Propane Displacing
Administrator (& millions) Budget ($ millions)
PG&E $70.2 $44.0
CCSE $18.0 $10.4
SCE -- $46.4
SoCalGas $91.8 --
Total $180.0 $100.8

10

Low Income Program

• The Low Income Program is set to launch in March 2012
• Only applies to qualifying natural gas-displacing SWH systems
• Total budget of the Low Income Program is $25 million

Total Incentive
Program Budget
Budget
Administrator Allocation
(in millions)

PG&E 39% $9.75
CCSE 10% $2.50
SCG 51% $12.75
Total 100% $25.00

11

Low Income Program

For more information on the
Low-Income Program go to
www.energycenter.org/swh

• Click on “CSI-Thermal Documents”

• Click on “Handbooks”

• Click to download Handbook

12

CSI THERMAL PROGRAM
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

13

Eligibility Criteria & Requirements

• Participants • Warranty
• Equipment • Energy Efficiency
• Shade Factor • Metering
• Surface • Field Inspections
Orientation Factor

14

Participants Eligibility, continued

Customer Class and Incentive Rate determined by
Utility Rate Schedule

• Residential Rate = Single-family residential
• Commercial Rate = Commercial
• Master Meter Rate = Multifamily Residential

15

Participants Eligibility
Host Customer: The utility customer of record
at the location where the solar water heating
(SWH) system will be located.

• Natural Gas Customers of PG&E, SDG&E, SCG
• Electric Customers of PG&E, SDG&E, SCE
• Propane customers are eligible for a CSI-
Thermal incentive if they are electric
customers of PG&E, SDG&E, SCE*
• *Starting January 2012 for projects signed off after
16 June 14, 2011

Participants Eligibility
Host Customer (continued):

Natural Gas Displacing SWH Electric/Propane Displacing SWH

Existing Home/ Business Existing Home/ Business

New Home/ Business New Home/ Business

17

System Owner:

• Owner of SWH system at time incentive is paid

• Host Customer or Third Party

18

Applicant:

• Entity that completes/submits CSI-Thermal
application
• Serves as main contact throughout process
• Eligible solar contractor or self installer will be
the applicant for CSI-Thermal applications

19

Solar Contractor:
• Contractors must have one of the following active
licenses: A, B, C-4, C-36, or C-46 License
• Must attend CSI-Thermal workshop (today)
• Solar Contractor is the Applicant- will receive a “key”
at the end of the workshop to register at:
www.csithermal.com

20


Self-Installer: Homeowners or building owners who
choose to install a SWH system on their property. Must
meet definition of Host Customer. Self-Installer is also the
Applicant.

Equipment Sellers: Refers to retail sellers such as
manufacturers, distributors, retail businesses, and
contractors. An Equipment Seller is not an in-home sales
representative. These participants are NOT eligible to be
an applicant (unless they are the contractor).

21

Technology Eligibility
Solar Water
Heater Types

Open Loop Closed Loop
(Direct) (Indirect)

Active Passive Active Passive

1 2 4 5
Direct Forced Indirect Forced
Thermosiphon Thermosiphon
Circulation Circulation

3
Integral Storage
Not eligible systems Collector (ICS)
for incentives

22

End-Use Eligibility

Single Family SWH systems
• Domestic Hot Water (DHW) end uses are eligible:
• Water used for domestic purposes (but not including space
heating, space cooling, or swimming pool heating):
• drinking, food preparation, sanitation and personal hygiene

Multifamily/Commercial SWH systems
• SWH applications must directly consume the solar heated
potable water, as opposed to using the solar heated water as a
medium to carry heat for some other end use.

23

Eligible Equipment

All SWH Components must be new and unused, except
for the following components:

• De-scaled copper piping

• Collector racking (design stamped by an Engineer
to ensure the existing racks are appropriate for
expected wind loading)

24

Eligible Equipment
• Single family residential projects must have
SRCC OG-300 or IAPMO System Certification
• SRCC – www.solar-rating.org
• IAPMO – www.iapmo.org

• Installation must match OG-300 system configuration exactly:
collector area, solar storage capacity, number of tanks, type of back
up fuel source, type of back up water heater (tank vs tankless)
• Exceptions:
• Substitution of Solar Storage Tank of equal or greater performance than
the solar tank specified in the OG-300 certification
• Substitution of Auxiliary Tank with Tankless even when the OG-300
system is not certified with a tankless auxiliary water heater

• Multi-Family & Commercial projects must have
SRCC OG-100 or IAPMO Collector Certification
25

Ineligible Systems (not eligible for incentives)
• Pools, spas, space heating, space cooling
• Direct Forced Circulation, Open Loop Thermosiphon systems, Closed Loop
Recirculation Systems that re-circulate water in the collector loop
• Combination systems will only receive an incentive for domestic hot water (DHW)
energy savings (must clearly isolate DHW energy savings)
• End uses that do not directly consume the solar heated water, but rather use the
water as a medium to carry heat for some other end use
• A SWH system that replaces a SWH system which previously received an incentive
through the CSI-Thermal Program
• Portable systems or systems that are not permanently installed.
• A SWH system that received incentives from a utility Energy Efficiency program.

26

Permit Requirements

• All SWH projects must receive an inspection permit
from local jurisdiction

• Eligibility is valid up to 24 months after date on final
permit sign-off

• Contractors should be familiar with local code
requirements as they relate to SWH installations

27

Warranty Requirements

• Collector Manufacturer:
• 10-year minimum

• Contractor:
• 1- year minimum on installation labor and
workmanship
• 10-year minimum to protect the purchaser
against more than a 15% degradation of
system performance that may occur as a
result of faulty installation

28

Energy Efficiency Requirements

• Energy Efficiency Survey/Audit: required for all
existing residential and commercial buildings or
proof of Title 24 energy efficiency compliance

• Must have been performed during the past three years

• Acceptable surveys include online, telephone, or onsite
audit provided by the utilities, Program Administrators,
or a qualified independent vendor or consultant

http://www.sdge.com/residential/tools.shtml

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Insulation Requirements

• All accessible hot water piping must be insulated
with a minimum of R2.6

• If there is a recirculation loop, all accessible piping
must be insulated with a minimum of R2.6

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Metering Requirements
Purposes of Metering
1) Customer Performance Metering (CPM)
• Provides performance data to system owner
• Required for systems larger than 30kWth

2) True-up Payment (70/30)
• Required for systems>250kWth
• Requires CPM

*Metering is encouraged for all projects regardless of requirements

31

Commercial/Multi-family: 30kWth - 250kWth

• Customer Performance Metering (CPM) is Required

• One-time/lump sum incentive payment
• Incentive based on estimated therm or kWh
savings provided by the OG-100 Calculator
• Paid after project is completed, approved, and
inspected (if applicable)

32

Commercial/Multi-family > 250kWth

70/30 True-Up Payment
• Customer Performance Metering (CPM) is required
• Payment made in two parts:
1) OG-100 calculator estimates therm or kWh savings. PA
pays 70 percent of that incentive after Incentive Claim and
Inspection (if applicable) are approved
2) System is then metered/monitored for 12 consecutive
months. PA pays the true-up incentive amount by
subtracting the initial 70 percent incentive payment from
the final metered incentive amount.
*Program will pay no more than 110% of estimated incentive
33

70/30 True-up Example
Actual energy savings less than expected
1. OG-100 Calculator Estimation: 12,000 therms displaced annually
(12,000 therms x $12.82/therm) = $153,840 incentive

2. 70% Payment: Once the project is completed, approved, and inspected
(if applicable), PA pays 70 percent of estimated incentive
($153,840 x .70) = $107,688

3. Meter for 12 months: ex: based on 12 months of performance metering
actual savings equals 10,500 therms saved (not 12,000 estimated)

4. Calculate Maximum Incentive (based on metered data): 10,500 therms
(10,500 therms x $12.82/therm) = $134,610 incentive

5. Calculate Final 30% Payment: Maximum Incentive minus 70% payment:
$134,610- $107,688 = $26,922

34

Metering Communication Requirements
70/30 True-up Metering requires a Program
Performance Data (PPD) provider
• PPD provider is a service provider that monitors and
reports energy delivery data from SWH systems to PA
• PPD provider must be approved by PAs
• Application found in Handbook and
www.GoSolarCalifornia.com website
• PPD provider must monitor, trend, archive and report
fields as required in Handbook Table 10
• See CSI Thermal Handbook Section for more
information
35

Metering, Monitoring, and Communication
Requirements
Metering
Table 11 Who
System Metering Incentive CPM PPD
Summary of Performance Metering and Communication Requirements
Equipment Bears
Size Process Structure Required Required
Location Cost

Single
< 30 kWth None Lump-sum N/A N/A N/A N/A
Rebate

Collector loop
Customer Single Paid for by
or potable
30 - 250 kWth Performance Lump-sum Yes No System
water side
Monitoring Rebate Owner

Paid for by
70/30 True- 70/30 True- Potable water
> 250kWth Yes Yes System
up payment up side
Owner

Contractor
Opt-in
Single Required less
to M&E Potable water
≤ 250 kWth Lump-sum for systems Yes $500 offset
(not side
Rebate >30 kWth from PA
mandatory)

36

CSI THERMAL PROGRAM INCENTIVES
& APPLICATION PROCESS

37

CSI-Thermal Incentive Structure

• Four-Step declining incentive structure

• Steps decline as we receive more projects and step budget
allocations are used for each customer class

• Steps move independently by Customer Class and Program
Administrator

• Electric/Propane incentive steps change when natural gas
steps change

• Step Change Tracker: www.csithermal.com/tracker/

38

Incentive Steps – Natural Gas

Natural Gas Incentives
$/therm Incentive
Step Customer Class
Displaced Cap
Residential $1,875
1 $12.82
Commercial/Multifamily $500,000
Residential $1,500
2 $10.26
Residential $1,125
3 $7.69
Residential $687.50
4 $4.70

39

Incentive Steps – Electric/Propane

Electric/Propane Incentives
$/kWh Incentive
Step Customer Class
Displaced Cap
Residential $1,263
1 $0.37
Commercial /Multifamily $250,000
Residential $1,025
2 $0.30
Residential $750
3 $0.22
Residential $475
4 $0.14

40

Low Income Program Incentives

• Offers higher rebates for qualifying low-income properties
• Single-family rebates are 200% of regular CSI-T rebates
• Maximum rebate is $3750
• Multifamily rebates are 150% of regular CSI-T rebates
• Maximum rebate is $500,000
• Only natural gas-displacing systems are eligible
Single Family Incentives Multifamily Incentives
$/therm Incentive $/therm Incentive
Step Step
displaced Cap displaced Cap
1 $25.64 $3,750 1 $19.23 $500,000
2 $20.52 $3,000 2 $15.39 $500,000
3 $15.38 $2,250 3 $11.53 $500,000
4 $9.40 $1,376 4 $7.05 $500,000
41

Single Family Residential Incentives

• Lump sum/one-time payment

• Maximum Single Family Incentives:
• Electric/Propane - $1263
• Natural Gas - $1875

• Paid after project is completed, approved, and
inspected (if applicable)

42

Single Family Residential Incentives

• Incentive is based on the following factors:
1. Estimated energy savings
(Based on SRCC OG-300 rating in CEC climate
zones)
2. Incentive Level

3. Shade Factor

4. Surface Orientation Factor (SOF)
*The calculator on www.csithermal.com will automatically
calculate your incentive.
43

Incentive Calculation Factors:
1. SRCC OG-300 Rating
www.solar-rating.org

44

1. Climate Zones

• Different climate
zones will have
different sun exposure
• Check the CEC’s
website for climate
zones by zip code:
http://www.energy.ca.gov/maps/renewable/building_climate_zones.html

45

SRCC System Schematic

Conversion Factor To Convert:
1 therm = 29.3 kWh 2241kWh = .03413 therms x 2241
1 kWh = 0.03413 therms = 76.48 therms
46

2. Incentive Level

• Based on the current step level of either
electric/propane or natural gas

47

3. Shade Factor
• For each percentage of average annual availability below 100% on
the collector(s) between 10am and 3pm, there will be an equal
percentage reduction in the system incentive payment down to
85%.

• Example: 95% solar availability between 10am and 3pm =
5% incentive reduction

48

Shade Factor Tools: Solar Pathfinder

49

Shade Factor Tools: Solmetric SunEye

50

Calculate Shade Factor

• Add total hours of shading between 10am and
3pm, based on shade analysis results

• Divide by total hours in the year between 10am
and 3pm (5 hrs. x 365 days = 1825 hours of shading/ yr.)

• Example: 135 hours of shading/1825 hours= 7%

• Shade Factor = 93%

51

SOF value is determined by Tilt and Azimuth
• The ideal SOF = 1.0; Minimum SOF required = .75

• SOF less than 1.0 receives a lesser incentive

• SOF less than .75 is not eligible for an incentive

52

Collector Tilt
• Tilt - Angle at which the collectors are
mounted relative to 0º (flat horizontal surface)

Ex. 30º tilt angleº

53

Azimuth
Magnetic North is measured using a compass, which does not represent
the true north point because of the Earth’s magnetic fields

True Azimuth is the angle between Magnetic North Point and the
direction the direction panels are facing
Magnetic
Declination
True North on a
If you are in San Diego, Magnetic
North on a
Compass

add the magnetic declination Compass

of 12° to get the true azimuth
To find magnetic declination for
different locations, go to:
http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/geomag
models/Declination.jsp

54

Incentive Calculation:

SOF Chart found in CSI-Thermal Handbook
55

SRCC OG-300 Incentive Calculator:
Single Family Residential
Calculator at www.csithermal.com

4 Factors to determine incentive:
1) SRCC estimated annual energy savings, based on the CEC climate zone
2) Incentive Step Level at the time the Incentive Claim Form is approved
3) Surface Orientation Factor (SOF)
4) Shade Factor

Incentive Calculation Formula:
(SRCC OG-300 estimated annual energy savings) X
(Current Incentive Step Level) X (SOF) X (Shade Factor)=
$ Incentive Amount
56

Example: OG-300 Incentive Formula
Single Family Residential : Natural Gas

Annual Energy Savings 120 Therms

x Price/Therm (Step 1) x $12.82

x Surface Orientation Factor x 1.0

x Shade factor x .98

= $ Savings = $1508

57

Example: OG-300 Incentive Formula
Single Family Residential: Electric

Annual Energy Savings 2800 kWh
x Price/kWh (Step 1) x $0.37

x Surface Orientation Factor x 1.0
x Shade factor x .98
= $ Savings = $1015

58

Single Family Residential Incentives:
OG-300 Incentive Calculator
www.csithermal.com

Fill in one of these

59

Multi-Family/Commercial: Incentive Cap
• A maximum of one multifamily or commercial incentive will be
allowed per SWH system
• Maximum natural gas incentive: $500,000
• Maximum electric/propane incentive: $250,000
• In addition, the total incentives for multiple systems on one site
cannot exceed the incentive maximums

• Gas-displacing commercial projects and Multifamily Residential
projects are still eligible for rebates.

60

MF/C Site Definition Example #1
For Illustration Purposes Only

Site #1 Site #2

186 Temple
2125 Walnut Ave.

Street
2123 Walnut Ave.
2131 Walnut Ave.

2121 Walnut Ave.
2127 Walnut Ave. 2129 Walnut Ave.

Walnut Avenue Walnut Avenue

Temple Street
(public street) (public street)

Site #3
(public street)
178 Temple
Street

= Walnut Gardens Apartment Complex

The Host Customer’s premises, consisting of all the real property and
apparatus employed in a single enterprise on an integral parcel of
land undivided.
61


Site #1

Building F
Building D

Building E
Building A

Building G
Building B
Building C

Temple Street
Walnut Avenue Walnut Avenue

(public street)
(public street) (public street)

= University of Hastings
Building H

In the case of industrial, agricultural, oil field, resort enterprises, and
public or quasi-public institutions divided by a dedicated street, highway
or other public thoroughfare or railway, these are considered to be
one site.
62


Site #1

Separate business enterprises or homes on a single parcel of
land undivided by a highway, public road, and thoroughfare or
railroad would be considered as separate sites.

63

Multi-Family/Commercial Incentives:
• Not a design tool
• It is strictly a tool to estimate the incentive
• May take 15 plus minutes to obtain results
• Available at

64

Demonstration

65

OG-100 Incentive Calculator Results

Incentive Details

Project Details

66

CSI THERMAL APPLICATION
PROCESS

67

Application Process
• What: Fully automated online application processing
database

• Where:

• How: Register as a Contractor or Self-Installer using your
unique “key” provided at the end of this workshop

• Who: Once registered, Contractors and Self-Installers may
create additional accounts to accommodate multiple users

68

Application Process
• Application must be completed using the CSI-Thermal online
database: www.csithermal.com

• Eligible Contractor completes the application for the customer

• Documents may be submitted online or by mail

• Online documents must be in pdf format

• Database demonstration will be provided today

69

Application Process Summary

70

Application Process-
Single Family Applications

• One-Step Process

• Incentive Claim Form and supporting
documentation are submitted the final
signed-off building permit obtained

71

Application Process- Single-Family Residential
REQUIRED Documentation:
• Incentive Claim Form (ICF): Complete with signatures (originals not required)

• Energy Efficiency Audit or Title 24 documentation:
Must be within the past 3 years

• Executed Agreement to purchase and install an eligible SWH System:
Agreements must be legally binding and clearly spell out the scope of work,
terms, price, and SWH system components to be installed.

• Final Signed-off Building Permit: Valid for 24 months

• Authorization to Receive Customer Information or Act on a Customer’s
Behalf: Only required for SDG&E applicants

• Executed Alternative System Ownership Agreement: If System Owner is
Different from Host Customer (Conditional)

72

Application Process:
Commercial/Multi-family ≤ 30kWth
• Two-Step Process
1. Reservation Request Form and supporting
documentation submitted prior to installation
• Incentive rate locked in upon approval of
Reservation Request Form and supporting
documentation (Confirmed Reservation)
• Confirmed Reservation valid for 18 months

2. Incentive Claim Form and supporting
documentation are submitted the final
signed-off building permit obtained

73

Two-Step Process Documentation
• Step 1: Reservation Request
• Reservation Request Form (RRF): Complete with signatures (originals not
required)
• Energy Efficiency Audit or Title 24 documentation: Must be within the past 3
years
• GPD justification: signed by P.E. if customer’s building type is not on the
Maximum GPD Guideline Table, see Appendix D (Conditional)

• Step 2: Incentive Claim
• Final Signed-off Building Permit: Must be after July 15, 2009

74

Application Process:
Commercial/Multi-family ≥ 30kWth
•Three-Step Process
1. Reservation Request Form and supporting documentation
submitted prior to installation
• Incentive rate locked in upon approval of Reservation Request Form
and supporting documentation submitted (Confirmed Reservation)
• Application Fee required
• Conditional Reservation

2. Proof of Project Milestone submitted which contains the
executed contract.
• Must be submitted within 60 days (90 days for gov’t/non-profit) of
the Conditional Reservation
• Confirmed Reservation given upon approval

3. Incentive Claim Form and supporting documentation are
submitted after the final signed-off building permit obtained
• Must be submitted within 180 days of the Conditional Reservation
75

Three-Step Process Documentation
• Step 1: Reservation Request
• Reservation Request Form (RRF): Complete with signatures (originals not
required)
• Energy Efficiency Audit or Title 24 documentation: Must be within the past 3
years
• Application Fee
• GPD justification: signed by P.E. if customer’s building type is not on the
Maximum GPD Guideline Table, see Appendix D (Conditional)

• Step 2: Proof of Project Milestone

• Step 3: Incentive Claim
76 • Final Signed-off Building Permit: Must be after July 15, 2009

Application Fee Process
• Must be submitted within 30 days of Reservation Request receipt
• Wait Listed projects do not need to submit application fee until notified that
incentive funds are available
• If funds are available to waitlisted projects, notified customers have 14 days to
submit application fee

• May be mailed at the same time Reservation Request documentation is submitted

• Payment must reference:
• Host Customer Name
• Project ID. e.g. SDG-000045

• Invoice will be issued as part of the Reservation Request submittal

• Failure to submit payment within 30 days will result in cancellation of application

77

Refund of Application Fee
Application fees will be refunded in the following cases:

• Once systems are complete, the application fee will be
refunded. No interest will be paid on refunded application
fees.

• If upon eligibility screening the project does not qualify for the
CSI-Thermal Program. No interest will be paid on refunded
application fees.

• If the application fee was invoiced and a refund is due, PAs will
pay the invoiced party.

• If the application fee was not invoiced and a refund is due, PAs
will pay the party that submitted the application fee.
79

Forfeit of Application Fee
Application fees will be forfeited in the following cases:

• Once a conditional reservation is granted and the project expires or subsequently
fails due to inadequate documentation.

• Once a confirmed reservation is granted and the project is cancelled or withdrawn by
the Applicant and/or Host Customer.

• If a project reservation is allowed to lapse and the project is later built under a new
reservation, the application fee for the previous reservation will be forfeited.

• If a project is submitted for reservation and the incentive declines due to a step
change, the applicant will be notified and have 20 days to cancel the application
without forfeiting the application fee.

All forfeited application fees will be allocated to the CSI-Thermal Program budget

80

Complete Reservation Request Form

PA receives new Reservation Request
for review:

• Documentation complete =
• Application Approved
• Incentive amount locked in
• Contractor and System Owner notified

81

Incomplete Reservation Request Form

• PA receives new Reservation Request for review :
• Documentation incomplete =
• Application Suspended
• Contractor notified of incomplete documentation
• 20 days to submit corrections
• Corrections not submitted within 20 days=Cancelled
project; Contractor must re‐submit application

Incentive amount NOT locked in until all
documentation is complete
82

Complete Incentive Claim Form

PA receives new Incentive Claim for review:
• Documentation complete
• Application Approved
• Incentive amount locked in (Single‐family
residential)
• Project is
• a) processed for payment or
• b) selected for inspection
• Contractor and System Owner notified

83

Incomplete Incentive Claim Form

PA receives new Incentive Claim for review:
• Documentation incomplete
• Application Suspended
• Contractor notified of incomplete documentation
• 20 days to submit corrections
• Corrections not submitted in 20 days = cancelled
project and contractor must resubmit

84

Payment Process

• Upon final approval of the Incentive Claim
Form and passed onsite field inspection (if
applicable), the PA will disburse the CSI-
Thermal Program incentive payment.

• Payment will be made to the Host Customer or
a third party as indicated on the Incentive
Claim Form, and will be mailed to the address
provided.

85

Application Database Demonstration

86

CSI Thermal Database Support Information

CSI Thermal Support Email:
support@csithermal.com

CSI Thermal Support Hotline:
(888) 323-3133

87

CSI THERMAL FIELD INSPECTION
PROCESS

88

Onsite Field Inspection Process

• Required:
• First 3 ICFs for projects that displace 30kWth or less (462 sq
ft of collector area or less)
• First 3 ICF for projects that displace more than 30kWth
(more than 462 sq ft of collector area)
• PAs will inspect a random sample of projects
thereafter
• Contractors are encouraged to attend inspections

89

Onsite Field Inspection Results

• Infractions: Items that do not require corrections, but are
identified as educational items for improvements on future
projects

• Failure items: Items that do require corrections and will
delay the incentive payment. Failure Sanctions will be
imposed.

(These items will be discussed in detail in the technical
Section of this presentation)

90

Onsite Field Inspection Results

• PAs notify System Owner and Contractor of
Inspection Results
• Inspection may uncover incorrect SOF or shading,
resulting in a change in the estimated incentive
amount
• Results:
• Pass = Process Payment
• Fail = Failure Sanctions

91

Failure Sanction Process: Notification

Applicant will either accept or dispute the results:

Accepted results:
• 30 days to correct the failure item(s)
• Re-inspection may be onsite or via photos of
corrections
• Failure to correct items may be grounds for removal
from the program
Disputed results:
• Appeal in writing to the PA within 30 calendar days
of notification
• Panel will review and notify of the decision within
60 days
92

Failure Sanction Process

Three failures* in a rolling 12-month period=
• Probation for 6 months
• Re-attend Contractor/Self Installer training workshop
• Additional program applications will not be processed until
completion of the workshop

Five failures* in a rolling 12-month period=
• Disqualification from the program for a minimum of 6
months.

*Failures are tracked across all PA territories

93

CSI THERMAL PROGRAM
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS &
INSPECTION CHECKLIST

94

Inspection Checklist

• Condensed from SRCC OG-300
• Shows OG-300 Section reference
• MF/Commercial system designers must follow
SRCC OG-300 Standards
• Extracts exact language relevant to installers
and commercial designers
• Explains CSI-Thermal Program interpretations
• Identifies 18 Failure Items & 18 Infractions

95

SRCC System Schematic Example
Indirect Forced Circulation - Closed Loop Glycol

96

Technical Requirements

• System Sizing
• Inspection Checklist
• Failure Items
• Infraction Items

97

System Sizing: Single Family Residential

• Single Family Projects – size according to
Gallons of hot water used per day (GPD)
• Number of occupants
• 1st person= 20 GPD; 2nd person= 15 GPD; Each
person thereafter=10 GPD
• Number of bedrooms (if occupants unknown)
• 1st bedroom= 20 GPD; 2nd bedroom= 15 GPD; Each
bedroom thereafter=10 GPD
• Rules of thumb:
• 1 ft2 of collector area per GPD
• 1.5 gallons of storage per ft2 of collector area
98

System Sizing: Single Family Residential

Single Family project example:
• 3 occupants
• 45 gallons of hot water per day
• Collector Area: approximately 45 ft2 of
collector space is needed
• Storage Capacity: at least 68 gallons of
storage capacity is needed
• Appropriate OG-300 system would likely
include one 4X10 collector (40 square feet)
and 80 gallons of storage capacity
99

System Sizing: MF/Commercial
• Multi-family (MF)/Commercial Projects – Annual average GPD is estimated based on
the Maximum GPD Guideline Table (Appendix D).
• SWH systems for the building types listed in Maximum GPD Guideline Table must be
sized using the GPD value in this table for the appropriate building type. The GPD
values in the table are maximum values. Systems may be sized using a lesser GPD
assumption.
• Building types not listed in the Maximum GPD Guideline Table must do one of the
following:
 Meter actual hot water consumption using an in-line water flow meter with accumulator for a
minimum of 60 calendar days and adjust for seasonal variability. Hot water consumption calculation
must be stamped by a P.E.
 Meter natural gas or electric consumption at the water heater for a minimum of 60 days and adjust for
seasonal variability. Water heater gas or electric meter consumption calculation must be stamped by a
P.E.

• Fluid collector square footage cannot exceed 1.25 times the GPD, or 1.85 times for
air collectors.
• Systems with two or more tanks must have a minimum of one gallon of storage per
square foot of collector. One-tank systems must have a minimum of 1.25 gallons of
100 storage per square foot of collector.

• Building types not listed in the Maximum GPD Guideline
Table must do one of the following:
• Meter actual hot water consumption using an in-line water flow meter with
accumulator for a minimum of 60 calendar days and adjust for seasonal
variability. Hot water consumption calculation must be stamped by a P.E.
• Meter natural gas or electric consumption at the water heater for a
minimum of 60 days and adjust for seasonal variability. Water heater gas or
electric meter consumption calculation must be stamped by a P.E.
• Metered Data must be provided upon submittal of
Reservation Request

**All Low-Income projects can meter actual hot water
consumption if the contractor desires.
101

Appendix D
Maximum Gallon per Day (GPD) Guideline Table
for Multi-Family/Commercial Projects*

Type of Building GPD

Apartments/Condos: Number of Units

2 to 20 42
21 to 50 40
51 to 100 38
101 to 200 37
201 plus 35

Student Housing 15 GPD per unit

Hotels/Motels 15 GPD per unit

Retirement/Nursing Homes 18 GPD per room

Office Building without showers 1.0 GPD per person

Restaurants

Meal Service Restaurants 2.4 GPD per full meal served
Quick Service Restaurants 0.7 gallons per meal served

Elementary schools 0.6 gal/student/day of operation

Junior and senior high schools 1.8 gal/student/day of operation

Laundries 20 GPD per 10 lbs per washing machine

*Small multi-family/commercial systems are those that displace 30 kWth or less.
102

Multi-Family/Commercial Incentive Calculator

Scenario:
Multi-family Building
• 10 units
• Max 42 GPD/Unit

42 x 10 = 420 GPD (maximum)

103

Inspection Checklists

• 2 Inspection Checklists:
o Single Family Projects
o Multifamily & Commercial Projects

• Both Inspection Checklists:
o Are based on SRCC OG-300 principles and
guidelines
o Explain CSI-Thermal Program interpretations

105

Inspection Checklists

• Single Family:
o Identifies 18 Failure Items

• Multifamily & Commercial:
o Identifies 18 Failure Items

• The 18 failure items are the same; however,
some of the pass/failure criteria differs
between the two checklists

106

Summary of Failure Categories

System:
• Operational
• Operating Limits (stagnation protection) and freeze
protection
• Control lines and sensors
• UV radiation protection
• Back thermosiphon protection
• Leak and water damage protection
Collector
• OG-100 or consistent with OG-300 certification
• SOF and Shade Factor
• Flow balance
107

Summary of Failure Categories

Tanks:
• Consistent with OG-300 configuration (single family)
• Consistent within sizing guidelines (multifamily/commercial)
• Waterproofed
Plumbing and Piping:
• Insulation
• Mixing Valve
• Owner’s Manual
• Meters (Multifamily/Commercial only):
• Approved for metering purpose & installed correctly

108

Failure Item: System Operation

• Is the system operational?
• Are there any significant health and
safety violations?

109

Failure Item 6.1.1.1: Operating Limits
(Stagnation/Overheat Protection)

• High collector fluid temperatures (over 200˚F)
can be generated during long (especially
summer) vacations where the fluid is left in
the collector un-cooled.

• This heat may damage glycol and/or critical
system components, and may pose a serious
risk of scald injury to humans

110

• Means shall be provided to protect the SWH system within the design
limits of temperature and pressure. Limit tank temperatures to a value
not to exceed the tank supplier's specified high temperature limit (unless
using emergency stagnation prevention cycling.)
• The pressure/temperature relief valve shall not be used for this purpose
under normal operating circumstances.
• “Emergency stagnation prevention cycling is when the controller cycles the
solar loop pump on and off during the day to allow the tank temperature
to rise above the high temperature limit in order to prevent stagnation in
the collector.”
• The system shall be able to withstand prolonged periods of stagnation(high
solar flux, no hot water demand) without significant system deterioration
and with no maintenance. This includes conditions during loss of electrical
power to the system.

111


Acceptable Stagnation Protection Mechanisms:
• Controller with vacation mode
• Controller with stagnation prevention cycling
mode
• Steam Back
• Heat dump radiator or convector
• Pressure Stagnation Protection
• Integral Stagnation Temperature Control
• Hartstat Thermosiphon Protection

112

Failure Item 6.1.1.1: Operating Limits,
High Limit Setting

113

Failure Item: 6.2.5 Freeze Protection

• Collectors may freeze at ambient temperatures of 42˚F or
higher
• Since every California climate zone has experienced recorded
temperatures below 41°F, freeze protection is required.
• For solar systems where the collector fluid is water, a
minimum of two freeze protection mechanisms shall be
provided on each system. Manual intervention (draining,
changing valve positions, etc.) is suitable as one mechanism.

(Note. Direct Forced Circulation and Open Loop
Thermosiphon Systems are not eligible for a rebate, whether
freeze protection valves or recirculation is utilized.)
114

Failure Item: 6.2.5 Freeze Protection

• A system in which components and/or piping are subject to damage by
freezing shall have the proper fitting to allow for pipe slope and collector
design to allow for manual gravity draining and air filling of the affected
components and piping.
• Pipe slope for gravity draining shall have a minimum 1/4 inch per foot
vertical drop. This also applies to any header pipes or absorber plate
riser tubes internal to the collector.
• At the time of installation, a conspicuously placed label how the system
is protected from freezing and what actions the homeowner should take
shall be attached to the system.
• For systems which rely on manual intervention for freeze protection, this
label shall indicate the minimum ambient temperature conditions
(Freeze Tolerance Limit) below which owner action is recommended and
the procedure to be followed.
115

Failure Item: 6.2.5 Freeze Protection:
ICS Systems
• ICS systems may not be installed in
climate zones where historical
temperatures drop below the rated FTL:
Freeze Tolerance Level of the ICS System

116
Source: SunEarth CPAU

CEC Climate Zone Historical Low
Temperatures

117 Appendix F of the Handbook

Where to find the FTL of ICS Systems

118

Thermosiphon Systems
Must be Indirect with Glycol (closed loop)

Direct (open loop) thermosiphon systems are not
eligible for an incentive
Source: SunEarth CleanTech

119

Indirect Forced Circulation Systems
Indirect Forced Circulation (closed loop) Systems
must be protected by one of the following:
• Anti-freeze/heat transfer fluid (Propylene
Glycol, Mineral Oil, etc): must have a pressure
gauge showing minimum acceptable collector
loop pressure
• Drain back: must have 1/4 inch per foot
vertical drop in the pipe slope to ensure fluid
drains from collectors; must have a water level
gauge or transparent in-line flow meter

120

Direct Forced Circulation (Open-Loop)

Direct Forced Circulation, open loop systems are not
eligible for an incentive. These systems have what
is known as recirculation freeze protection. This
type of freeze protection is not considered
adequate for any of the 16 CEC Climate Zones.

121

Failure Items: 6.1.5.5 & 6.5.18:
Control Line and Sensors

• Shall be sufficiently protected from degradation or
from introducing false signals

• Weather-exposed wiring must be rated sunlight and
moisture resistant and comply with NEC Articles 340
and 690. Sensor wiring shall be separated from hot
collector piping and shall be protected from UV

122

Wire nuts not
weather protected

123

Poor Sensor Placement

126

Sensor is not attached to the
collector absorber or return pipe.

127

Must use stainless steel hose
clamp or immersion well.

128

Fiberglass
insulation is
not adequate
Note the spring to hold the
clip holding the tank sensor to
sensor to the tank the tank wall
wall

131

Believe it or not, this
sensor was attached
to the outer wall of
the solar tank!

132

Failure Item 6.1.2.2:
Protection from UV Radiation

Components or materials shall not be affected by
exposure to sunlight to an extent that will signifi-
cantly deteriorate their function during their design
life. Insulation must be protected from UV by
jacketing or at least two coats of the insulation
manufacturer's recommended UV coating, or at least
two coats of exterior grade latex paint.

133

Example of good jacketing to protect
insulation

Source: Sunlight and Power

134

Insulation Protection

Unprotected Protected

135

Was plastic and not protected

137

Rain gutter

Clever use of
reversed rain gutter
for jacketing
139

Back Thermosiphon Prevention

Means shall be provided to prevent undesired
escape from storage through thermosiphoning
action. Acceptable means are check valves,
solenoid valves, and/or 18" heat traps.

140

Wrong check valve

CV mounted wrong

141

Back Thermosiphon Prevention

• Acceptable Back Thermosiphon
Prevention Mechanisms:
• Check Valve
• Solenoid Valve
• Heat Trap (at least 18”)

142

Failure Item 6.2.6:
Protection from Leaks

All potable water sections of a solar water
heating system shall not leak when tested in
accordance with the codes in force at the
installation site. All non-potable sections of a solar
water heating system shall be tested for leaks in
accordance with the supplier's instructions.

143

Failure Item 6.5.6:
Water Damage
Collectors and support shall be installed in such a
manner that water flowing off the collector
surface or pressure relief valve shall not damage
the building or cause premature erosion of the
roof. Water tanks located in or above the living
space shall be installed on a drip pan with a drain
line to a waste or outside or have other means to
safely remove any excess liquid.

144

Failure Item: Collector

• Collectors:
• Must be consistent with Incentive Claim Form
• Manufacturer, Make and Model
• # of collectors and square footage
• In accordance with program sizing requirements
• Must be SRCC certified and labeled
• Single Family: Must be the collector identified in the
OG-300 certification
• Multi-family/Commercial: Must be OG-100 certified

146

Non-certified collectors

Collectors must be labeled with SRCC
certification- this would constitute a failure
147

Failure Item: Surface Orientation Factor

• Collectors must have an SOF value of between
0.75 and 1.0.
• Tilt must be within ± 3° of tilt reported on ICF
• Azimuth must be within ± 5° of azimuth reported
on ICF
• If SOF is within allowable parameters, but differs
from ICF, incentive amount will be adjusted

148

Failure Item: Collector Flow Balance

Ensure proper flow balancing in and among collector
banks by using reverse return plumbing, flow
balancing valves and adhering to manufacturer's
maximum collectors allowed in banks.

149

Collector Flow Balance

150

Collector Circulation Control

The collector subsystem control shall be
designed to be compatible with control
requirements of the system.

152

Wrong check
valve for hard
water

153

Failure Item:
Solar Tank and Auxiliary Water Heater
Single Family:
• Must be consistent with ICF and OG-300 Certification:
• Number of tanks
• Solar Storage Capacity
• Auxiliary water heater fuel source
• Auxiliary water heater type: Tank or Tankless

• Auxiliary water heater capacity does not have to be the
exact capacity as the OG-300 certification; however, a
tankless water heater may not be substituted for a tank
type water heater unless it is OG-300 certified as such
154

Failure Item: Solar Tank

Multifamily/Commercial:
• Must be in compliance with sizing requirements:
• Two tank systems: minimum of 1 gallon/ ft2
• One tank systems: minimum of 1.25 gallons/ft2

• If capacity or number of tanks (both solar and
auxiliary) differs from ICF but is in compliance with
sizing requirements, this is an infraction and the
incentive will be adjusted accordingly

155

Failure Item 3.1.3.3: Waterproofing

Underground and above ground unsheltered
storage tanks shall be waterproofed to
prevent water seepage. Storage tanks used
outdoors shall be rated for outdoor use.

156

Failure Item 6.1.6.3: Insulation

All accessible hot water piping and the final 5 feet of
metallic cold water supply pipe leading to the system
shall be insulated with R-2.6 °F-ft2-hr/Btu or greater
insulation.

This includes recirculation loop piping.

157

Insulate over fittings

158

Poor Insulation Technique

159

Temperature Control/Mixing Valve
• The system must be equipped with a means to limit the
temperature of the hot water at the fixtures

• Approved valves (must be installed according to
manufacturer’s specification):

•Mixing valve

•ASSE rated anti-scald valves with a setpoint option
appropriate for the use

•Other ASSE rated valves such as point-of-use anti-
scald valves
161

Watts Mixing Valve Warning

162

No mixing valve
No solar bypass

Sloppy insulation

163

ASSE 1017 Anti-Scald Valve

165

Failure Item 6.6.1: Owner's Manual

An owner's manual or manuals shall be provided with
each SWH system and should contain the following:
• The name, phone number and address of the system
supplier
• The system model name or number
• A description the operation of the system and its
components
• The procedures for operation and maintenance

166

Meters: Multifamily/Commercial Projects Only

• Installed meters must be approved for
the identified metering purpose
• Customer Performance Monitoring
• 70/30 True up Payment
• Meters must be installed properly and in
the correct locations per the CSI-
Thermal Metering Installation Guide

167

Summary of Infraction Categories

• Missing details in owner’s manual
• Bypass valves, air traps, and pressure relief valves
• Operating indicators
• Fluid / safety labeling
• Rain / snow build-up
• Expansion tank sizing
• Appropriate pumps and controllers
• Main shut-off valve
• Maintenance accessories
• Protection of buried components
• Pipe hangers and supports, pipe sloping
• Thermal expansion protection
• Appropriate building penetrations

168

ENERGY UPGRADE CALIFORNIA™
in SDG&E® Territory
• New program that offers cash incentives to single-family
homeowners who complete energy-saving home
improvements through approved contractors

• Goal: Improve comfort, health, safety and energy
performance of San Diego’s existing homes

• Up to $4,000 available for home energy upgrades

• Open to CSLB licensed B-General, C20-HVAC and C2-Insulation
Contractors

• Contractor listings on statewide web-portal
www.EnergyUpgradeCA.org

• Contact Jesse Fulton at CCSE with any questions
• jesse.fulton@energycenter.org

171

Upcoming Workshops
Solar Water Heating Installation Training
April 23-26
Two-Day or Four-Day Training
$50 or $100 cost

Skip’s Tips
February 29 – 6pm to 8pm

Solar Water Heating Basics for Homeowners
March 14 – 6pm to 8pm

Sign up online at

172

Solar Water Heating Program Contact

• Jordan DiGiorgio – Program Manager
• jordan.digiorgio@energycenter.org
• 858.634.4730

• Skip Fralick- Energy Engineer
• skip.fralick@energycenter.org
• 858.244.4868

• Jeff Wheeland– Associate Program Manager
• jeff.wheeland@energycenter.org
• 858.244.1179

• www.swh.energycenter.org
173

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