$500 Grants for solar water heating launched
17 May 2007Government Spokesperson on Energy Efficiency and Conservation, Jeanette Fitzsimons, today launched a cash grants scheme and a new website to help householders reduce their greenhouse gas emissions through the installation of solar hot water heating systems.
The $500 grant is being offered through solar water heating suppliers who meet certain energy performance, price and installation standards.
“I am delighted to announce that Energy Conscious Design, Azzuro Solar New Zealand Limited and New Zealand Solar Limited are the first suppliers to join the Government’s solar water heating programme.
These companies have demonstrated they can meet the quality and energy performance standards for installed systems, and are aiming for a price that will encourage more homeowners to choose solar.
“There are also a number of other companies in the process of joining the programme, as well as interest from potential new entrants to the industry” Jeanette Fitzsimons said.
The grants scheme has been specifically designed to support cost-effective systems for householders and promote high standards being met within the industry.
In addition, the associated website www.solarsmarter.org.nz now features an online calculator that enables homeowners to estimate the potential savings from different systems and decide if solar water heating is right for them.
"Hot water typically accounts for around $800 of the domestic energy bill. A well designed and installed solar water heating system can cut this by about 50% - 75%.
“Today's announcement is good news for householders, their power bills and climate change," Jeanette Fitzsimons said.
The solar water heating programme is part of the Government commitment to sustainability. It results from the post-election agreement with the Green Party. The programme also includes:
- Working with the building industry to encourage solar water heating on new housing, particularly volume-build developments.
- Motivating demand through independent consumer information on solar water heating.
- Improving information and capacity issues by working with industry.
- Assisting with the costs of training solar water heater installers.
- Encouraging solar water heating systems on publicly owned buildings.
- Providing guidelines for local authorities to reduce the cost of building consents.
