Solar Water Heating Industry Newsletter
A newsletter for building professionals and others interested in developments within the New Zealand solar water heating
industry. The newsletter is prepared when we feel that we have something to say but probably on a quarterly basis. You
have been sent a copy as you have indicated a professional interest in solar water heating, or your name has come to our
attention through industry activities. Please advise us if you do not wish to receive future editions.
Notes from the Chair of the Solar Industries Association The solar water heating industry is experiencing significant
growth at present and as such life has become very busy for us all so I will try to keep this brief.
The increase in interest in solar water heating can be attributed to many things however there are a few which stand
out: The publicity surrounding the electricity shortage and the threat of hot water cuts has heightened public interest
with many people less interested in arguing the economics and more interested in ensuring they get enough hot water. The
increased level of awareness due to promotional activities being undertaken by some SWH suppliers including, the
availability of low interest loans, the appearances of more companies at shows, and the promotion of the SIA road shows.
The general widening in understanding by the public of the direct financial benefits and the security of hot water
supply gained from the installation of solar water heating. The publicity is good for the industry and most suppliers
are very busy keeping up with orders. This growth will however put stress on some suppliers who are already having
difficulty locating suitable installers. The road shows are a good opportunity for the suppliers to meet the plumbers
who make up our best option to solve this problem.
The association is now registered as a non profit organisation and the logo is trade marked. The Code of Practice is in
use and the accreditation procedure is in place, so it is all forward from here
Cheers Nick Williamson Chairman Solar Industries Association
New EECA Renewable Energy Information Sheet EECA has produced a new Information Sheet on Solar Water Heating. Copies of
the sheet are available for distribution at home shows, in your display room, or to your customers. If you wish to
obtain copies of the information sheet contact EECA directly.
Media Briefing Document SIA has been receiving a number of enquiries from newspaper journalists. In an effort to brief
them efficiently a briefing document has been prepared and is included on the Solar Industries Association website. If
you are being asked questions about solar water heating that are not addressed in this document, or in one of the
documents on the website, then we are keen to know. We will be preparing an accompanying Question and Answer document.
Solar Water Heating Training Discussions are still underway with Technical Institutes on the establishment of a
training course leading to a Certificate for SWH Installation. In the meantime the most appropriate course available is
provided by distance learning from the Brisbane Institute of TAFE. This course can be done from New Zealand by simply
purchasing the learning material.
The learning material (Solar Water Heating Systems Resource Book and Solar Water Heating Systems Learning Guide) is
available by purchase from the QLD Textbook Warehouse, PO Box 3220, Bracken Ridge 4017, Queensland AUSTRALIA
Enquiries including price lists and order forms for the SWH books can be made through their website- http://www.qldtextbook.com.au
Use of Accredited Solar Water Heating Supplier Logo SIA is moving to promote SWH supply from accredited suppliers. You
will start to see this logo on accredited supplier’s promotion material.
SIA Website a Hit The EECA Winter Task Force website is the 34th most popular government website and many of those
making contact went on to visit the SIA website. The SIA website is one of the industry’s primary means of communicating
the facts about solar water heating and we are constantly adding additional information. .
Increased Membership of Solar Industries Association SIA has recently received five applications for associate
membership. This takes the membership up to: 11 accredited suppliers 1 associate member who has applied for
accreditation 12 associate members
For further information on the activities of the solar water heating industry see the website http://www.solarindustries.org.nz