AltEnToday

Hawaii is an ideal candidate for alternative energy solutions. It’s an island, meaning any outside fuels must be shipped directly to the state (and each various island). Furthermore, it has an abundance of natural energy gifts - active geothermal energy, powerful wind cycles, easy access to tidal, and a whole lotta’ sun.

It’s no surprise then, that Hawaii has now created a new mandate for new homes built in the state - solar hot water heaters must now be included in any new home construction. According to an op-ed piece from the Hawaii Star-Bulletin, the new law, signed in by Governor Linda Lingle, requires new homes to include solar water heaters in construction and design. Ideally, this will prompt architects to integrate the devices in to new home designs without simply preferring the standard method of retrofitting an existing roof. Many solar advocates, including Prometheus Institute founder Travis Bradford, have argued that costs for solar can come down considerably if architects, engineers, and contractors work together to implement solar into the home’s design, rather than an after-the-fact retrofit. This could bring the cost of the system down dramatically, as well as improve overall performance.

In Hawaii it seems to make sense that new homes could benefit by solar water heaters, and the op-ed piece points out that these systems can reduce energy expenditure by 30% (about $40-60 per month). Over the 30 year lifetime of the average mortgage, these energy savings should add up to a tremendous benefit - and reduce the state’s overall increasing demand for outside energy sources.