Solar Water Heaters Mandatory in Hawaii

Jan 06, 2010

Solar water heaters are now required on all new single-family homes constructed in Hawaii.

Starting January 1, 2010, building permits on all single-family new home construction in Hawaii may not be issued if the home does not include a solar water heating system. This legislation, SB644, was enacted in June of 2009; however, the state energy resources coordinator may be able to provide a variance for this requirement if:

• Installation is impracticable due to poor solar resource;
• Installation is cost-prohibitive based upon a life cycle cost-benefit analysis that incorporates the average residential utility bill and the cost of the new solar water heating system with a life cycle that does not exceed 15 years;
• A renewable energy technology system is substituted for use as the primary energy source for heating water; or
• A demand water heater device approved by UL is installed; provided that at least one other gas appliance is installed in the dwelling. (A "demand water heater" means a gas-tankless instantaneous water heater that provides hot water only as it is needed.)

While the legislation is already in effect, the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission must still adopt specifications for the required performance, materials, components, durability, longevity, proper sizing ...   read more »

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• New Solar Legislation Introduced in Senate

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• Solar Panels Installed at CU Bolder

  Feb 03, 2010

  Solar panels were installed at the University of Colorado at Bolder and they will produce 140,000 kilowatt-hours of energy per year, enough to power 20 houses.  The solar energy generated will ...   read more »

• Connecticut Homeowners Get Solar Hot Water Rebates

  Feb 02, 2010

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  According to the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund web site, homeowners could receive up to a $4,800 ...   read more »

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