Hawaii to require solar water heaters in new homes

Late last month, Hawaii became the first state in the nation to require solar water heaters in new homes. With few exceptions, solar water heaters will be required in all newly built single-family homes beginning January 1, 2010.

"This solar power legislation is another important step in our long-term plan for energy independence in Hawaii," said Governor Linda Lingle. "In addition to solar, it is critical that we continue to develop innovative energy solutions that capitalize on our natural renewable resource advantages in order to achieve our goal of having 70 percent clean energy in Hawaii by 2030."

The Hawaii law allows builders to install gas-powered water heaters if the home includes another gas appliance. Hawaii's Public Utilities Commission will set standards for solar water heaters, and counties in the state will create implementation procedures. (The illustration above, courtesy of the U.S. Department of Energy, shows an active closed-loop solar water heater.)

Water heating accounts for 15 to 30 percent of a typical household's energy use, according to the DOE. Solar water heaters, while significantly more expensive than their conventional counterparts, can reduce water-heating bills by at least 15 to 25 percent, depending on the efficiency of the system and local climate conditions, the DOE estimates.

A typical two-collector solar water heater costs $5,000 to $7,000, installation included. But after incentives like rebates and tax credits, that cost could drop to $1,400 to $2,100, according to Hawaii's Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. (Download the PDF here for more details.)

For Hawaiians, who largely rely on imported fuel and pay among the nation's highest energy prices but enjoy abundant sunshine year-round, solar water heaters could bring long-term financial benefits.—Kristi Wiedemann, Science and Policy Analyst, GreenerChoices.org

Essential information: Read "Save hundreds on energy costs" for more expert advice on slashing your utility bills. Don't miss our reports on thermostats and windows for more information on products that can help you reduce energy consumption.

Comments

[dkush21]

When the government requires you to purchase a certain product, they should be giving you a bigger rebate than posted or not allow suppliers to charge so much. $5000.00 to $7000.00 is not cheap!

[Erik]

Hawaii is a great place for this mandate. Fossil energy is expensive and it does not freeze in Hawaii! The graphic shows a closed loop system with antifreeze. It is much simpler, more efficient and cheaper to install a system that directly heats water rather than antifreeze. Is the panel, pump, controls and piping still $5K to $7K without the heat exchanger and antifreeze components? There is an open loop schematic (from some random Google search) here - http://www.solarexpert.com/dhwpic.html

[Solar]

Yes! Keeping in mind the drastic environmental changes and rising fuel prices going Solar is one option open to all at minimal investments. The Solar Water heating systems are so easy to install and most of them come in a Do-it Yourself kit, With the technological advancement the once heavy, bulky hard to move panels are now available widely in light weight easy to carry by one personal only packages. The advancement in technology is not only limited to light weight, but for those concern about the asthetics of the panels, the good news is that the panels are now available with a variety of teim colors to choose from and can be easily matched to your roof. Saving about $25.oo on ones electricity bill on a residence of 4. We all use hot water, as one of our basic needs and what can be a better way, than helping our environment, saving our resources and ourself's some money other than by investing in a Solar Water Heating System.
There are a couple useful websites I'm aware off, that I would like to share with you
1. www.dsireusa.org - is a comprehensive source of information on state, local
, utility ans federal incentives that promote renewable engery ans energy efficieny.
2. www.powerpartnerssolar.com - one of the many manufacturers of certified Solar Water Heating Systems available. One place I saw the light weight panels and trim color options I was mentioning earlier.
Lastly, the local utilites in some areas also provide additional rebates and incentives for adding a Solar Water Heating Sytem to your exisitng water tank.
Keep the look out on. Feel Good and save- money for you, environment for us.

[Solar Power Business]

Thank you very much for given this great article!

[Nick]

We are meufactory of solar water heater.our products include integrate solar water heater ,integrate pressure solar water heater and split pressure solar water heater.
our website:http://www.cnsolarwaterheater.com

[Nick]

http://www.cnsolarwaterheater.com

[Nolan]

That is horrible. What makes Hawaii the expert in effecient water heaters? Hawaii is nothing but volcanoes. Why not geothermal hot water heaters? Did the geothermal industry not pay the right people?