Solar water heater
New residential construction in Hawaii soon will have to meet another standard to get building official sign-off. Starting next year, Hawaii is the first state in the nation to require solar water heaters in new homes. Considering the state’s heavy reliance on fossil fuels, the state government hopes to make a new change and work towards energy independence in Hawaii.
Mandating the change is significant. Estimates are that 20% of all homes on the islands already have solar water heating systems. By requiring solar hot water to come standard with new homes, homeowners can slash 25-50% of the power used on a monthly basis. Traditional water heaters are the largest electricity consumer in a home.
Consider the fact that many homes in Hawaii have swimming pools, and there is a tremendous amount of energy that can be saved with solar hot water.
Solar hot water in Hawaii will soon come standard
While many people are applauding the new law, some are worried that it will add unnecessary cost to the already high price of housing in Hawaii. Yet, when you consider that homes start around $500,000, and the cost of a solar water heater is about $6,000 and can save more than $50 a month in electricity costs, some would say that the opponents are making much ado about nothing (as far as cost, at least).
But opponents contend that the law is unfair and will drive up home prices in Hawaii, where a modest home can start at $600,000. However, when you consider that a solar water heater costs less than $6,000, you are only talking about 1% of the purchase price. And then, when you can save $50 per month on electricity costs in one of the most expensive utility markets in the nation, why wouldn’t this be a great idea. In fact, consider that solar panels increase the value of your home and you can break even with a new solar hot water heater before you know it!
State Sen. Gary Hooser, stated:
“I’m hoping this will start a trend nationwide,”
and he plans to help introduce other measures in states such as California.
One of the other reasons why the solar hot water heater requirement is so critical in Hawaii is that the state imports more fossil fuels than any other in the nation. Fully 90% of its energy comes from foreign countries. That statistic is bound to improve under the new law – and under the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative partnership which aims to have 70% or more of Hawaii’s energy to come from renewable sources by 2030.
Tags: hawaii clean energy initiative, hawaii solar, hawaii solar requirement, hawaii solar water heater, solar hot water heater, solar water
December 5th, 2009 at 5:04 am
wow Its wonderful that we have homegrown technology for solar panels.
it is now possible for everyone to make solar panels on their own without much hassles and with a very small and affordable investment
September 19th, 2010 at 11:17 pm
Hi
Not just friendly and beneficial for one’s economy, Solar Water Heating systems are also very environment friendly and use energy generated from the Sun’s light in order to heat up the water. With efficient storage facilities being a part of the complete system, water remains hot throughout the day and night, providing you with a source of hot water at all times. So while you are making an investment that will save you on the power bills, you are simultaneously making a conscientious effort in helping preserve nature and the environment.
September 28th, 2010 at 2:20 am
Solar hot water heaters are environmental friendly. Though the initial cost of installing solar systems are high but if you are living in the sustainable area where sunshine is enough,at there prices are going down. If some one asked what’s the reason behind installing a solar hot water heater then he/she can find thousands of reasons behind it. In united States more than 1.5 million homes and businesses have invested in solar hot water heater and surveys indicate that 94% of them are satisfied with this investment.
May 5th, 2011 at 7:11 am
Great initiative by Hawaii administration to make solar power technology more popular.
July 26th, 2011 at 3:42 pm
Electric tank or tankless, solar home heating i am not certain which one in all honesty, have you any idea that has the very best expense to overall performance ratio generally?