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Utility Solar Water Heating Initiative (USH2O) Home Page About USH2O Members Publications Workshops

About USH2O

USH2O partners include solar thermal program managers from investor-owned utilities, municipal and other publicly owned utilities, as well as manufacturers, distributors, and installers of solar water heating systems.

The U.S. Department of Energy and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory provide funding and technical guidance.

Other stakeholders include the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation and the Solar Energy Industries Association.

USH2O's mission is to facilitate the successful implementation of utility solar water heating programs and to educate stakeholders about the potential of solar thermal technologies.

Below, you will find information about USH2O services and contacts. You can also learn more about solar heating (including solar hot water).

Services

Preliminary Financial Analysis Service

An initial overview of the profitability of solar water heating business opportunities is available. Contact Chip Bircher, the USH2O Facilitator, at 920-433-5518 for more information.

One-on-One Consulting with Program Managers

USH2O utility partners manage the largest and most successful solar water heating programs in the United States. Contact USH2O utility members to answer questions and obtain more information.

More Information

The Solar Heating area of the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Solar Program site offers in-depth information on solar water heating. The site describes basic operation, common uses, helpful links, and consumer information concerning solar heating.

The Solar Program site also offers a Solar FAQ section to address general questions about solar power.

Contacts

Chip Bircher
USH2O Facilitator
(920) 433-5518

Russ Hewett
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
(303) 384-7463

Les Nelson
Western Renewables Group
(949) 713-3500