2009-02-05T12:04:30+13:00 11394 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. 11 Solar Water Heating solar-water-heating 1 21 2009-02-18T11:00:18+13:00