MT Planning

Commercial Rooftop Units: Market Characterization Report

August 21, 2025

This Market Characterization report is an output of the Phase II research for the Efficient Rooftop Unit (ERTU) Advancement Plan, finalized in February 2024. The Advancement Plan described the research needed to support the development of the Commercial Rooftop Unit (CRTU) Market Transformation Initiative (MTI) Plan. Please note the Market Transformation Idea name change from ERTU to CRTU.

This report examines the California market for Commercial RTUs, characteristics of recent sales, supply chain dynamics, regulations and other factors influencing buying decisions, as well as the light commercial heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) workforce.

A rooftop unit (RTU) is a type of HVAC system where all the components are packaged into a single unit that sits on a roof. Although RTUs may be installed in residences, this report focuses on commercial RTUs serving a single-zone.

The Market Characterization Report represents Appendix D of the MTI Plan.

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The California Market Transformation Administrator (CalMTA) develops and manages market transformation initiatives in the state to reduce energy use and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

CalMTA seeks to help meet California’s energy efficiency and decarbonization goals by accelerating adoption of energy-efficient products and practices through market transformation. Market transformation is a proven strategic process of intervening in a market to create lasting change.
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CalMTA follows a rigorous process for reviewing, scoring, and then developing relevant, timely market transformation initiatives. The process supports market transformation initiative creation from concept to program development to market deployment, as well as the eventual exiting of the market.

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Commercial Rooftop Units Market Characterization Report

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