The first state in our nation to require solar water heating systems to be installed all new construction homes is… Hawaii! Starting January 1, 2010 home builders are required to design homes with solar water heating as a main source of energy.
Most solar professionals and environmentalists love this idea. For Hawaii, an energy restricted state it makes a lot of sense also. Being and island state has its benefits, but not when it comes to energy. The cost of energy is pretty substantial in comparison to many places in the continental United States since most of the fuel has to be imported and there are no major grid lines to connect the islands to the mainland.
The use of a solar water heater vs. a conventional electric water heating system will save a home owner in most cases nearly $1,000 annually based on current electric rates. With electricity rates constantly on the move (typically upward), the lower overall cost of ownership of the home is reduced by hundreds of thousands of dollars over, providing a significant lifetime value for the solar water heater.
New homes are not the only ones who are able to benefit from solar water heating. Making the switch can be just as easy and as cost effective as replacing your existing energy-hog hot water heater. Typically solar has been branded as significantly more expensive, but solar energy tax credits and rebates as well as other creative financing vehicles have made the up front costs competitive to conventional. Long term, the solar water heater will pay for itself and then some.
Do you think home builders should be required to use solar energy in all states? You can make a comment below, just by clicking “add comment”.
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