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 Solar Water Heaters soon to be a Washington mandate?

Electric and gas water heaters will become a thing of the past some day in the future, and It seems like the futuer is in the horizon.  Some states in the US are moving to mandate the installation of solar water heaters, for hot water systems in all new homes.

Hawaii and California now have legislation that requires solar water heaters to be installed in new construction by specific dates. Now the State of Washington is also looking into enacting such legislation, with the introduction on House Bill 1187 (2009-10) on January 14th, and is currently scheduled for a public hearing on January 22nd. It's my understanding other states have (or will have) legislation for this system as well.


I personally don't want lawmakers on any level telling me what or what I can't I put in my own home. However most of us understand the intent of making things better for all, and solar hot water is a positive step toward a better future.

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Both American federal government & state governments are offering incentives such as rebates and tax credits. Which together absorb half the the cost, making it practical for anyone buying new or finacning a  home.

The US Department of Energy has an Consumer Guide for solar hot water that addresses many of these issues and may be a great resource for anyone thinking of converting their conventional system. http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/consumer/your_home/water_heating/index.cfm/mytopic=12850

Anyone interested in reading Washington States House Bill 1187 can find more information here; http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=1187&year=2009

 Have a warm, but not to warm day-

J. Sullivan-

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