Jan 21 (Reuters) - California is trying to boost the market for solar water heaters and heating systems - make that mostly work with natural gas or electricity - green.

 

The California public utilities Commission, said on Thursday that has created an incentive to promote the installation of solar water heating systems in new and existing homes and businesses.

 

Incentives van as high as $1,500, depending on the system, and the program is configured to operate for eight years or until program funds are exhausted.

 

"The spread of solar heating systems can play an important role in our efforts to achieve the goal of net energy zero in residential and commercial buildings in 2020 and 2030 respectively," said the Commissioner Dian CPUC Grueneich in a statement.

 

The Commission said that 40 per cent of the budget of $350 million incentive reserve for single-family residential systems, and 60 percent for commercial and multifamily systems.

 

The program is available for those who are served by PG & E Corp (PCG).(N) Pacific Gas and Electric Co, (EIX).(N) Edison International Southern California Edison, and (SRE).(N) Sempra Energy's San Diego Gas & Electric Co. and Southern California Gas Co utilities.

 

(Report of Poornima Gupta, edited by Phil Berlowitz)