Hawaii has become the first state to require solar water heaters in new homes. The bill was signed into law by Governor Linda Lingle, a Republican. It requires the energy-saving systems in homes starting in 2010. It prohibits issuing building permits for single-family homes that do not have solar water heaters. Hawaii relies on imported fossil fuels more than any other state, with about 90 percent of its energy sources coming from foreign countries, according to state data.
The new law prohibits issuing building permits for single-family homes that do not have solar water heaters. Some exceptions will be allowed, such as forested areas where there are low amounts of sunshine.
State Sen. Gary Hooser, vice chairman of the Energy and Environment Committee, first introduced the measure five years ago when he said a barrel of oil cost just $40. Since then, the cost of oil has more than tripled.
“It’s abundantly clear that we need to take some serious action to protect Hawaii because we’re so dependent on oil,” Hooser said. “I’m very pleased the governor is recognizing the importance of this bill and the huge public benefits that come out of it.”
8 responses so far ↓
1 Bryan // Jun 30, 2008 at 8:27 am
I’m not sure how I feel about making something like this mandatory. I certainly think that there is probably a positive gain for solar hot water heaters (especially in a tropical area like hawaii). However, it most certainly adds to the cost of a new construction. As with all mandates, there will be people that this hurts. Poor use of the free market.
2 Ellen // Jun 30, 2008 at 4:17 pm
On the other hand, I think we’re all happy to have fire and safety codes. If we’re serious about mitigating climate change, at some point we just need to do what we know works. I appreciate your concerns, however……this would be a good use for Energy Efficient Mortgages….they’ve been around for years but lenders haven’t had much use for them.
3 Bryan // Jul 1, 2008 at 9:01 am
Yeah, I totally agree with the energy efficient mortgage. When I look to build a home in the next few years (I’m 24) I will totally look to reduce my utility costs in whatever way I can. The economics on solar hot water heaters make sense, but so do other alternatives. When the government makes legislation like this we lose our freedom of choice, and it really limits the emergence of other (and possibly better) alternatives. For example, what if a homeowner wants to use a mix of wind energy with an on-demand hot-water heater? Or geothermal?
4 Bryan // Jul 1, 2008 at 11:17 am
Yes, but when you have the government passing unfunded mandates you are forcing one specific technology as opposed to letting a free market find the best solution. For example, how can the hawaii legislature be counted on to weigh all the data between solar hot water heaters and a wind/on-demand hot water heater? Or maybe a geothermal soluation for a state rich in volcanic activity? I love the idea of solar hot water, but I do not think the end (alternative sustainable energy) justifies the means (loss of a freedom of choice).
5 Philip // Jul 1, 2008 at 10:12 pm
Come on, with the energy savings and the fact that the house will probably be paid off in 360 monthly payments, I’m pretty sure the new owners come out on top. Can’t get a better deal than solar thermal at this time.
6 jesse // Jul 2, 2008 at 4:29 am
I grew up in Hawaii and am planning on moving back and solar water is a total no-brainer. Electricity and gas both cost 2-3 times the national average, so that payback time is much quicker. The real problem is that not many people own their homes, since land is so expensive. Since landlords aren’t paying the electricity bills they don’t care, and tenants don’t want to invest in a home they don’t own. Likewise, if you are building a home to sell. It is so much easier, cheaper to put these in when you build the home, rather than trying to retrofit. So this is really beneficial to everyone, except maybe developers and people who own rental properties, but I think they have the extra money.
7 Duxem // Jul 3, 2008 at 1:19 am
I think that there is probably a positive gain for solar hot water heaters. However, it most certainly adds to the cost of a new construction. Thank you for giving this useful information.
8 Richard // Jul 3, 2008 at 4:56 pm
Yes, fire codes, safety codes, etc. sometimes annoying, but mandatory in the so-called “free market” economy where big business will do whatever is necessary to increase shareholder and corporate profit.
If it were truly (somehow) a “free market”, that would be lovely, but big oil gives the lie to all of it. If we don’t go sustainably into the future, we’re screwed. I applaud the Republican Governor of Hawaii for taking this step.
Won’t be long before the price will be more than competitive with “heating as usual”.
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