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Hawaii has become the first state
to require solar water heaters in new homes. Hawaii homes
will soon be required to install solar powered water heaters.
A bill signed into law by Governor Linda Lingle will utilize Hawaii’s renewable
resources, while saving money and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Royal Kunia resident Glenn Skedeleski is fed up with rising costs.
“It’s getting ridiculous with all the fuel charges and everything,” Royal Kunia
resident Glenn Skedeleski said.
When his old water heater kicked the bucket Glenn thought it was time to
purchase a solar water heater.
“Save money. Yeah close to $300 and now it’s about $60 bucks less a month,”
Skedeleski said.
According to a bill signed into law Thursday by Governor Linda Lingle
homebuilders will be required to install solar water heaters in all new homes
after January 1, 2010.
“This is a big step forward,” Sen. Russell Kokubun said.
Senator Russell Kokubun, who helped introduce the bill alongside its author
Senator Gary Hooser, says this law brings Hawaii one step closer to sustainable
living.
“We are the first state in the nation to actually have this kind of mandate with
respect to solar energy,” Sen. Kokubun said.
Energy experts say it will help save you money in the long run.
“For a family of 3 - 6 the long term savings can be anywhere in the range of
$40,000 to $75,000 dollars over the course of 30 years,” Pacific Energy
Strategies President Steve Olsen said.
Solar energy professionals say the installation also reduces CO2 emissions from
the atmosphere.
“Another way to look at solar hot water is it’s an equivalent to taking a car
off the road,” Olsen said.
The new law has prompted some opposition causing some local installers to worry
about their business being taken away and given to large developers.
“It may, or may not, help my company it depends on who gets linked up with these
big developers, but I am a member of the sierra club and I have totally
supported this bill from the get go,” Olsen said.
Current tax credits take a $5,000 solar water heater and reduces the cost down
to $2,000...but buyers beware homes built without a solar water heater after the
start date of January 2010 will not qualify for any tax credits, because by law
the homes should have already have solar water heaters in them.
Tax credits still apply for Homeowners wanting to install water heaters in homes
built before 2010.
Origin:
http://www.khon2.com/news/government/21948034.html |
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