Bright future for efficient hot water technologies
Government Spokesperson on Energy Efficiency and Conservation, Jeanette Fitzsimons, today announced that 22 projects
have been offered a total of $800,000 in the first round of an Innovation Fund to encourage smart innovations in solar
and heat-pump water-heating technologies. Funded projects range from solar installations on commercial and
multi-resident premises through to research on heat-pump and solar-water heating.
"One year on from the Government's announcement of a three and a half year solar water-heating programme, I'm delighted
to report that there has never been a better time for homeowners and businesses to choose solar water-heating," Ms
Fitzsimons says. Highlights of the first year of the solar water heating programme include:
All 30 franchises of Jennian Homes, as part of EECA's Volume Build Scheme, will make solar water heating a standard
offer in all new homes, over the next year. Other participants in the Volume Build Scheme include franchises of
Stonewood Homes, Golden Homes and Primesite Homes.
14 feasibility study grants and five installation grants have been made for public sector organisations under the Grants
for Public Buildings scheme.
Independent consumer information is now available on EECA's solar water heating website www.energywise.govt.nz/solar
including energy performance data on 66 solar water heating systems.
12 Solar Industries Association accredited suppliers are participating in EECA's financial assistance scheme for
homeowners.
165 plumbers have completed a training course on solar heating.
Three councils, Westland District Council, Waitakere City Council and Hamilton City Council, have waived consent fees
for solar water heating.
Improved industry information is available on solar water heating including the recently published Acceptable Solution
under the Building Code (G12/AS2) and updated Australian New Zealand Standards. The Innovation Fund is allocated through
contestable rounds. A further round of applications will be held in March/April - dates will be posted on the website http://www.energywise.govt.nz/solar
ENDS