Doctor Piper, Inc. is Solar licensed contractor. We hold a C-46 licence from the State of California and we are certified to participate in the CSI-Thermal Program 

Doctor Piper Inc. is trained and certified to install Heliodyne and SunEarth solar water heating systems.

Solar water heating systems qualify for a 30% Federal Tax Credit of the total cost of a solar water heating system (equipment and installation) and for up to $4,500.00 Mail-in Rebate from SoCalGas. The solar panels are certified by the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC).

The Benefits of Switching to Solar Energy

1. Preserve the environment by reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions
2. Lower your gas bill by heating water with the sun’s power instead of natural gas
3. Get financial incentives for installing a solar water heating system in your home or business

After wind power, solar thermal systems are the renewable energy source that makes the greatest contribution to meeting worldwide energy needs. They emit no CO2 during operation. The hot water requirements of a four-person household can be met with only one solar collector, with a surface area of around 40 square feet.

Solar water heating systems usually cost more to purchase and install than conventional water heating systems. However, a solar water heater will save you money in the long run. On average, if you install a solar water heater, your water heating bills should drop 70% – 80%. Also, because the Sun energy is free, you’re protected from future fuel shortages and price hikes. The average life expectancy of a solar water heating systems is around 30 years, much longer than standard gas or electric storage water heater can last.

Federal Tax Credit

Solar Water Heaters can qualify for a Federal Tax Credit – 30% of the cost (including installation/labor costs), with no upper limit. Qualification requirements:

1. The Solar System must be installed in a home before 2032.
2. At least half of the energy generated by the solar water heater (“qualifying property”) must come from the sun.
3. Homeowners may only claim spending on the solar water heating system property, not the entire water heating system of the household.
4. The system must be certified by the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC).
5. The water must be used in the dwelling.
6. The credit is not available for expenses for swimming pools or hot tubs.

California Solar Thermal Incentives

Now you can save on money and energy when you install a solar water heating system in your home or business.

Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) introduces the new California Solar Initiative-Thermal program, which offers up-front incentives for customers who install solar water heating systems.

Residential Solar Incentive!

Take advantage of cash rebates of up to $4,500 for qualifying residential solar water heating systems. Contact us today to learn more and start saving! Rebates are available to homeowners who install solar water heating systems in the service territories of SoCalGas only.

Rebates for commercial

Rebates for commercial / multifamily announced in the second quarter of 2024 by SoCalGas.

OVERVIEW OF A SOLAR WATER HEATING SYSTEM

A relatively constant demand for hot water all year round is a good match for solar energy. Almost 100% of the energy demand for DHW (Domestic Hot Water) heating during the summer can be covered by a solar system. Nevertheless, a conventional backup system must still be able to cover the DHW demand independently of solar heating. Long periods of bad weather may occur during which the convenience of hot water still has to be assured.

The solar system consists of several components that were designed and selected to work together.

SOLAR SYSTEM COMPONENTS

1. Collectors
2. Line sets
3. Pump station
4. Storage tank
5. Controller
6. Backup heater

✅ Collectors: Solar collectors feature an absorber that heats up when exposed to sunlight. Inside the absorber, pipes filled with a fluid transport the solar heat to a storage tank for later use.

✅ Line Sets: These insulated supply and return pipes connect the collectors, pump station, and storage tank to minimize heat loss during fluid transport.

✅ Pump Station: When the fluid in the collectors is warmer than the bottom of the storage tank, the controller activates the pump, moving the hot fluid from the collectors to the tank while returning cooler fluid back to the collectors.

✅ Storage Tank: This tank stores the heated water for use when needed, ensuring a steady supply of hot water.

✅ Controller: The controller manages the system’s operations, ensuring that hot fluid is transferred to the storage tank efficiently.

✅ Backup Heater: In cases where the solar system cannot meet the hot water demand—such as during cloudy days or increased usage from guests—the backup heater provides additional support, ensuring comfort is never compromised.

The system is equipped with safety devices that monitor temperature and pressure, preventing unsafe operating conditions. These mechanical safety features remain operational even during power outages. Additionally, an expansion vessel accommodates the fluid’s expansion and contraction as the system heats and cools.

When the storage tank reaches its heat capacity, the system goes into stagnation. The temperature in the collectors may rise quickly, turning the fluid into steam, which is then expelled from the collectors. The expansion tank absorbs this added volume of steam. Once conditions are safe and the tank can accept heat again, the steam will condense back into liquid, allowing the system to resume collecting solar energy.

SOLAR DHW SYSTEM WITH GAS TANKLESS BACK-UP