Solar Power For The Home Is Made Law In Hawaii

Beginning in 2010, this new legislation will require all new single-family homes to include the use of a solar powered water heater.

However, there are exceptions to the Law in Hawaii.

For example, Hawaiian residents who live in areas such as dense forest that won't receive much sunshine, are exempt from the law.

But on the whole, most people support the idea. And not just from an environmental point of view. Also, from a economic point of view as well.

This is because Hawaii is an island. Therefore it must import vast amounts of oil for its energy needs. With the price of oil skyrocketing, the need for alternative energy sources is becoming all too clear. And solar power for the home is one of the more obvious routes to go down.

According to the Department of Energy, a conventional water heater accounts for 15-30% of a household’s energy consumption. It is estimated that a solar powered water heater can reduce energy bills by as much as 25%. This would equate to an average family making savings of $450 per year.

Hawaii’s visionary outlook is intended to reduce the state’s dependency on fossil fuels for energy, lessen fuel bills for its residents and make the environment cleaner.

I think that's something we can all agree is a step in the right direction.

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