Hawaii 1st State to Require Solar Home Hot Water Heaters
A new law effective Jan.1, 2010 mandates that new housing in Hawaii have solar water heaters. With a solar water heater, the typical homeowner will pay 30 percent to 40 percent less on their electric bills, or about $750 a year, depending on the number of people in the household and how much water they use. For a new house, a system would cost roughly $5,000 to $6,000, so it should pay for itself within 10 years.
Enacted in 2008 but mandated to begin the 1st of the year, the law says a building permit cannot be issued for a new single-family structure that does not include a solar water heater system meeting certain standards.
A homebuilder may, however, apply for a variance through the state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs' energy resources coordinator, under some circumstances. The law says exemptions can be allowed if a homebuilder can demonstrate a home is being built in a "poor solar resource" area, or that a solar water heater is cost-prohibitive based on a 15-year life cycle cost-benefit analysis.
A related major concern, which is shared by environmental interests, is language in the law that allows homebuilders to receive a variance if they choose to install a tankless gas water heater, in combination with another gas appliance.
Carilyn Shon, the state's energy conservation program manager, points out that petroleum experts are estimating that oil prices will more than double in the coming two years, providing additional incentive for people to go to solar water heating. The law will reduce greenhouse gas emissions statewide by 8,000 tons annually from avoided electricity use, according to the Blue Planet Foundation, which aims to make Hawai'i energy independent.
If you are considering purchasing new construction, check with the builder or ask me to determine what energy savings they offer in their homes. Give me a call or email before you look at any new homes, so we can qualify the builder together.
Barbara Abe, Realtor
808-226-2537
barbara@barbarashawaii.com