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I recently
noted that Hawaii has enacted a law that requires all new homes to install
solar water heaters. Eventually, Hawaii may have as many water heaters as
Israel, where 90% of homes have solar water heaters installed. When viewed from
above, the Jerusalem often glitters with the shine of the thousands of solar
heaters that adorn rooftops.
These heaters were first installed when the country experienced a fuel supply
crisis in the early 1950s. The government responded by severely restricting the
times when water could be heated. Israelis in turn responded by purchasing huge
quantities of solar water heaters. By 1983, 60% of the population heated their
water with the sun. A law was eventually passed requiring the installation of
solar water heaters.
In 2005, Spain became the second country (after Israel) to require solar
water heaters. It also became the first country to require the installation of
solar cells for electricity generation in new buildings.
In many climates, a solar heating system can provide a very high percentage
(50% to 75%) of domestic hot water energy.
In many northern European countries, solar power is used not only to heat
water, but also to provide 15 to 25% of home heating energy.
Origin:
http://www.metaefficient.com/hot-water-systems/90-of-israel-homes-have-solar-water-heaters.html
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