Solar Water Heating

Water heating accounts for up to 40% of a household's energy use. Solar water heating is more efficient than solar (photovoltaic) panels because it uses the sun's energy directly for heating water. Water heated this way directly reduces electrical demand at the source, postponing grid upgrade requirements.

The technology is proven, relatively inexpensive and best of all, the skill-base required (plumbers, builders) is readily available as the housing market slows.

Adding solar hot water systems to the building code as a requirement for all new buildings would be a great start and retro-fitting existing buildings is a great way for the government to spend some useful dollars to stimulate the economy.

Issues it addresses

0 popular issues and 1 other issue are addressed

Sort Out Auckland's Power

2 people are facing this, with 3 possible solutions

The lights are out in Auckland yet again. Part of the solution is to simply use less power. Any bright ideas? see details

What people have to say

Danielle Boven

08:47 PM, Monday 07 December 2009

"support retrofitting, sure, but just requiring it for new builds will get you there, too, at less cost to the household"

Carl Pavletich

09:28 PM, Monday 13 July 2009

"NZ Government should phase in a ban on electric hot water systems in new houses - similar to Australia. The NZ power grid is at peak capacity - solar hot water is just a no brainer."

Pete Clouston from Bringing Clarity

11:58 AM, Tuesday 23 June 2009

"Government subsidies need to increase, and the spin offs are considerable - true clean, green image plus the cumulative effect of many small impacts. Not to mention the absorption of sunlight to create hot water and not just warming, thus acting against global warming in a tiny but positive way."

Keith from Builderscrack.co.nz

12:19 AM, Wednesday 13 May 2009

"Encouraging using feed-in tariffs, so people can get paid for power generated should help. However, in Wellington, portable wind generators may be more effective. NZ should be leading the way to ensure the clean green image we enjoy today, continues to drive tourism for decades to come. State Governments in Oz offer incentives, NZ should do the same"

Tony Eyles

11:19 AM, Wednesday 25 March 2009

"looking forward to seeing the new solar tech products hit the market (less obtrusive panels etc). There's been a ton of R&D in this space over the last few years"

Craig

01:01 PM, Tuesday 24 February 2009

"forcing solar on consumers offers no incentive to anyone besides its just not an idea that would work... however making electricity wholesalers purchase excess home generation at a slight discount to retail prices might "

Jack Chan

04:11 PM, Tuesday 17 February 2009

"I reckon its a good idea especially when there is a power cut in winter time too..."

Fiona

07:00 AM, Tuesday 17 February 2009

"It's about time we started thinking of sustainability. It would be great for NZ to lead the way and show the world we're serious. Slynkey.com"

George Darroch

06:16 PM, Monday 16 February 2009

"Houses use a huge proportion of the country's electricity, and water heating a large proportion of that. Something that's been around for decades, and is as necessary as ever."

John Hart

06:51 PM, Thursday 12 February 2009

"The wider issue of distributed generation needs to be addressed too. Net metering or ideally feed-in tariffs are needed to really encourage home-grown electricity generation. Unfortunately the market is fragmented with each retailer bringing a different approach to market."

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