Solar Water Heating in California
The Leading Solar Thermal Manufacturer in California
For over 45 years, SunEarth has been a trusted leader in solar thermal manufacturing and innovation in California. Since our incorporation in 1978, we have helped homeowners, businesses, and industries across the state transition to sustainable, energy-efficient solar water heating solutions.
Our products not only reduce energy costs but also help meet and exceed California’s Title 24 energy efficiency standards, making them an excellent choice for developers, commercial property owners, and homeowners.
Title 24
The 2025 California Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6) features new requirements for the sizing and heating systems used in pools. This new edition is slated to go into effect on January 1, 2026. It will now require that when pool heaters are installed on both residential and commercial pools, they use an onsite source of energy equal to at least 60% of the annual energy demand to heat the pool. Like the rest of Title 24, it provides both prescriptive and performance compliance methods. And solar pool heaters are a key option under both.
Under the new regulations, technologies like solar pool heaters can be configured to meet the entire heating load, or work with another heater powered by electricity or natural gas. And because the solar pool heater meets at least 60% of the heating load, the backup heater can be much smaller than one sized to meet the entire load. Plus, if designed with a separate pump, solar pool heating systems can avoid the limitations imposed by California’s Title 20, FDAS (Flexible Demand Appliance Standards).
Solar pool heaters are a proven technology used across North America for decades to dramatically reduce (or even eliminate) the high energy bills that often come with pool heating. If fact, they are the most common application for solar water heating in the U.S. And they are scalable – suitable for small residential pools, but also larger public pools, hotel/motel pools, Olympic competition pools, water parks and splash pads. And for indoor pools, they can be designed to function year-round.
SunEarth provides economical polymer collectors in our Oasis Series - commonly used for residential applications. For larger commercial or public pools, SunEarth’s proven ThermoRay flat plate glazed collectors provide high energy output in a smaller roof area. And they can function year-round. They can be designed to work with SunEarth’s hot water storage tanks, to provide thermal energy storage and buffering. SunEarth has a wide range of resources to help designers incorporate solar thermal technology into their pool heating systems and show compliance with the new Title 24 requirements.
Solar Water Heating Rebates, Credits, & Incentives in California
California is one of the most progressive states when it comes to solar energy incentives. Here’s how homeowners and businesses can save money on installation and reduce energy costs:
ENERGY STAR® Solar Thermal Water Heating Rebate
- Receive a $3,500 – $4,500 rebate on an ENERGY STAR® Certified Solar Thermal System with a gas water heater backup.
- System must have a Solar Uniform Energy Factor (SUEF) of 1.8 or greater.
- New installation of an ENERGY STAR® Certified Water Heater is required in conjunction with the solar installation.
More details on the rebate program: ENERGY STAR Website
IRA Residential Efficiency & Electrification Rebates
- Part of the Federal Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), offering rebates for home energy upgrades.
- Eligible homeowners can receive financial assistance for installing solar thermal water heating systems.
- Designed to reduce fossil fuel reliance and increase energy efficiency in California homes.
More details on IRA rebates: California IRA Rebate Information
Federal Residential Clean Energy Credit
- Homeowners can claim a 30% federal tax credit on the cost of installing a solar water heating system.
- Applies to installations between 2022 and 2032, decreasing to 26% in 2033 and 22% in 2034.
- Must be SRCC-certified and used for domestic hot water (not pools or spas).
More details on tax credits: IRS Solar Energy Tax Credit
Tip: Many local utilities in California offer additional rebates & financing programs. Check with your local energy provider for regional incentives!
Find a Solar Water Heating Installer in California
Whether you’re a homeowner, business, or industrial facility, SunEarth’s trusted network of certified installers ensures that you have access to high-quality solar water heating solutions anywhere in California.
Get connected with a local solar expert today!
Contact us to find the nearest SunEarth distributor or installer in California.
Why Solar Water Heating is a Smart Choice in California
- Ideal Climate for Solar Thermal – With over 3,300 hours of sunshine annually, California is one of the best locations for solar water heating.
- Significant Energy Savings – Solar water heating can reduce water heating costs by up to 70%, lowering your utility bills year after year.
- State & Local Incentives – California offers rebates, tax credits, and incentive programs to make solar thermal systems even more affordable.
- Title 24 Compliance – Developers can meet and exceed California’s energy efficiency regulations with SunEarth’s certified solar thermal systems.
- Sustainability & Environmental Impact – Reduce your carbon footprint and help California transition to clean energy solutions.
SunEarth’s Solar Thermal Products & Services in California
- Residential & Commercial Solar Water Heating Systems – High-performance flat plate collectors, storage tanks, and circulation systems.
- Solar Pool Heating – Extend your swimming season without expensive gas heating.
- Radiant Floor Heating Solutions – Use solar-heated water for efficient home heating.
- Custom Solar Water Heating Designs – Engineered solutions for industrial, agricultural, and government applications.
- Local Installer Network – Access professional installation & service through our trusted California partners.
SunEarth is committed to providing eco-friendly solutions with industry-leading technology, world-class engineering, and certified equipment.
Common Areas Served in California
SunEarth’s vast network of installers and distributors ensures statewide availability, including:
- Los Angeles
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- Sacramento
- San Jose
- Fresno
- Oakland
- Long Beach
- Bakersfield
- Anaheim
- And many more
No matter where you are in California, our trusted solar installers can help you make the switch to solar water heating today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Homeowners
- Reduce monthly energy costs with solar-heated water for showers, dishwashing, and laundry.
- Solar pool heating lets you swim longer while cutting energy bills.
- Radiant floor heating provides year-round home comfort.
Businesses & Commercial Properties
- Hotels & Resorts – Meet high hot water demand while lowering operational costs.
- Apartments & Multi-Family Housing – Offer solar-heated water to tenants and reduce property energy expenses.
- Restaurants & Breweries – Use solar-heated water for cooking, cleaning, and brewing processes.
- Hospitals & Healthcare Facilities – Ensure a steady hot water supply for sanitation and patient care.
Industrial & Agricultural Applications
- Dairy Farms & Food Processing Centers – Cut energy costs for sanitation & production.
- Greenhouses & Nurseries – Utilize solar-heated water for irrigation and temperature control.
- Manufacturing & Government Facilities – Reduce operating expenses & carbon footprint.