Businesses, nonprofit organizations, schools and public agencies in the Reno-Sparks area with swimming pools can reduce their natural gas costs significantly with solar-powered pool heating. Rebates to offset installation costs are available now from NV Energy’s RenewableGenerations program. This is the first year of the new program.

Small businesses, such as motels and health clubs with fewer than 500 employees, can receive rebates up to $7,500 while schools and other nonprofit organizations can receive up to $30,000 per installed system. Incentives for the program are based on the amount of annual natural gas consumption the solar system is designed to offset.

Solar pool heaters use solar collectors similar to those attached to rooftops to heat water for domestic uses. Cold water from the pool is diverted through a series of solar collectors that are usually constructed of plastic. As it passes through the collectors the water is warmed by the sun. Solar heating systems are compatible with conventional pool heaters, which can take over the heating process at night or on overcast days.

“Commercial pool heating is one of the most cost-effective applications of solar heating technology available,” said John Hargrove, manager of renewable energy programs for NV Energy. “It’s also an economical way to extend the swimming season for seasonal pools and to cut costs for pools that are heated year round.”

Hargrove said solar pool heating systems are relatively inexpensive and cost competitive with natural gas pool heaters. They also require little maintenance if the pool’s chemical balance and filtering systems are well maintained.

Anyone interested in the Solar Pool Heating program, including how to apply and to find an eligible contractor, should visit NV Energy’s website at www.nvenergy.com/solarheating or call (866) 786-3823. The program is open only to small businesses, schools, nonprofit organizations and public agencies with public use swimming pools in the Reno-Sparks area that are NV Energy natural gas customers.