Heat pump water heaters deliver big impacts to the market—they produce less pollution, are easy to install, and provide dehumidification in addition to heating water.
CalNEXT is looking for community-based organizations and skilled contractors to promote the benefits of heat pump water heater technology in commercial settings and to help enroll 50 commercial sites in our FREE light duty heat pump water heater demonstration by September 30, 2025.
Light duty heat pump water heaters are listed by ENERGY STAR® as residential water heaters. These units are typically used in homes but are also installed commercially when large volumes of hot water are not needed. A list of approved heat pump water heaters can be found on energystar.gov.
This is a great opportunity for community organizations to save on new equipment and energy use!
We are looking for California-based commercial locations served by investor-owned utilities that will benefit from this pilot:
Contractors are eligible to install three heat pump water heaters throughout the pilot period. Heat pump water heaters are provided on a first come, first served basis. Limited to the first 50 who apply. The pilot will provide the heat pump water heater but will not cover the installation costs.
Heat pump water heaters are being broadly adopted in the residential markets, but commercial adoption of the technology has not accelerated at a similar rate. This initiative addresses some barriers of commercial heat pump water heater adoption in the commercial market sector.
Through this pilot, contractors will have the opportunity to install up to three heat pump water heaters and gain experience with these units in a commercial setting. An engineering and market characterization study is simultaneously being conducted to provide contractors information on the best commercial buildings for light duty heat pump water heater installations.
Contact [email protected] for more information.