Rebate Offered on Solar Water Heater Maintenance

Caroline Carl, Hawai’i Energy Deputy Program Manager. Hawai’i Energy courtesy photo.

For the third year is a row, Hawai’i Energy is offering Big Island, Maui, and Honolulu residents a “Solar Water Heating Tune-Up” rebate of up to $150.

Beginning Monday and running through May 31, or as funding is available, residential electric ratepayers in the qualifying areas can find a participating contractor by visiting the Hawai’i Energy website or by calling Hawai’i Energy at (808) 537-5577 and scheduling a “tune-up.”

Those who qualified for a rebate in the past two years are not eligible. In order to qualify, systems must be at least three years old and the tune-up is required to be completed by a participating contractor.

These tune-ups generally cost between $300 and $500. Participating contractors will subtract the $150 from the bill, so residents don’t have to mail in or wait for their rebate check.

“Hawai’i 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.”

Maintenance on solar water heaters is necessary every three to five years. The maintenance is needed to check and repair normal wear and tear that might include leaks, corrosion, or pump failure.

Those who do not currently have a solar water heater but are interested can receive a $750 instant rebate when a system is installed by a participating contractor.

Hawai’i Energy officials say a solar water heater can save between 25 and 40 percent on electric bills. Over 2,500 residents have been given the rebate since 2014.

Hawai’i Energy is the ratepayer-funded energy conservation and efficiency program for the Big Island, along with Honolulu and Maui counties.