Information for residential solar water heater contractors

The following information will help you better serve your residential customers with their solar water heater project. The major steps that you need to take to qualify your customers for a solar water heater incentive are outlined below.

Step 1 - Review program requirements

Before starting the application process, please review the program requirements to ensure that your customer's home meets the criteria for a solar water heater. You may also want to review the Residential Solar Water Heater Process Checklist and the application checklist.

Step 2 - Application submittal

Contractors must submit a complete application package to SRP on behalf of their customer prior to system installation in order to secure an incentive reservation from SRP. The application package must include:

• Completed Residential Solar Water Heater Incentive Application, including all necessary signatures.
• Residential Solar Water Heater Agreement and Bill of Sale for Environmental Attributes and Environmental Attribute Reporting Rights.
• A site plan diagram that includes:
  1. Customer name;
  2. Installation address;
  3. Location of solar collectors; and
  4. A compass showing which direction is north.
• A quote from the listed dealer or installer that includes:
  1. Customer name;
  2. Installation address;
  3. System manufacturer and OG-300 model number; and
  4. Unbundled cost from other home improvement projects.
• A copy of the warranty information as outlined in the program requirements.
• A completed Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification (Form W-9) for the SRP customer of record.
• A copy of the customer's most recent SRP electric bill (optional).

Application packages can be submitted to SRP in several ways:

• Email SolarSWH@srpnet.com
• Fax to (602) 629-7979
• Mail to:
  • SRP EarthWise™ Residential Solar Water Heater Program
    PAB 355
    P.O. Box 52025
    Phoenix, AZ 85072

SRP will review the application package for completeness. If additional information is needed, SRP will notify the applicant prior to reserving the incentive. If everything is in order, SRP will reserve the incentive within seven to ten business days following receipt of the application. An email will be sent notifying the applicant and contractor that the incentive has been reserved.

If changes to any portion of the application package are made after the incentive is reserved, the customer or their contractor must submit a Residential Solar Water Heating Application Addendum, along with copies of all applicable documents described above that must be revised as a result of the changes. Please note that the application may move back in the process depending on the changes, resulting in a lengthier application processing time.

Step 3 - Installation

Upon receiving an incentive reservation from SRP, the contractor must obtain all applicable building permits as required by the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ). Once all building permits are obtained, the contractor can then install the equipment according to the specifications approved by SRP and the AHJ.

Step 4 - AHJ inspection

After installation, the contractor will need to request an inspection from the AHJ. If the applicable AHJ does not require building permits or inspections, the contractor must submit an SRP Certificate In-Lieu of Plumbing Clearance for Solar Thermal Projects (CILC) to SRP. The customer must sign the CILC and the installer's signature must be notarized.

Step 5 - Complete necessary paperwork

SRP requires the following documents be submitted before the application can continue through the process:

• A copy of the building permit that includes:
  1. Customer name;
  2. Installation address;
  3. Permit number;
  4. Description of work; and
  5. Fees paid.
• A copy of the AHJ clearance that matches the information on the building permit or a CILC if the AHJ does not require inspection.
• A final invoice from the listed dealer or installer that includes:
  1. Customer name;
  2. Installation address;
  3. System manufacturer and OG-300 model number;
  4. Actual installation date; and
  5. Unbundled cost from other home improvement projects.

Step 6 - SRP performance audit

SRP, or a designated representative of SRP, will conduct an on-site performance audit of the solar water heater to verify that it was installed in conformance with SRP's program requirements and OG-300 standards. Items that will be verified during the audit are outlined in the SRP Residential Solar Water Heater Performance Audit Checklist.

Step 7 - Incentive payment

SRP will process the solar water heater incentive payment after successful completion of a performance audit and verification of all paperwork. The incentive check will be issued to the customer, unless they have assigned it to a third party. Please allow six to eight weeks for processing of the payment.

Contact us

If you have questions about SRP's Residential Solar Water Heater Program, please contact a solar representative at (602) 236-4448.