2009 House Bill 1187 (Installation of solar hot water heaters in single family residential units)

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Introduced by Rep. Maralyn Chase, (D-Shoreline) (D) on January 14, 2009, to require all single family dwelling units built after January 1, 2012 to install a solar hot water heating system. Local governments will be may permit alternative using a variance or waiver process. This bill also provides direction to the state building code council to implement standards for solar systems.
- Referred to the House Local Government & Housing Committee on January 14, 2009.

Most Recent Comments

1) Re: 2009 House Bill 1187 (Installation of solar hot water heaters in single family residential units) [by Dan in Olympia on January 23, 2009]

Wow! I am amazed that people still believe these myths. You have been given flawed technical information. I am currently installing a commercial system that will pay for itself in 7 months and earn over $350,000 in avoided propane costs over 10 years. Those numbers are actually quite conservative. Call WSU Energy Extension Service to get accurate solar energy information (360) 956-2076.

Your idea for a tax deduction is a very good one. Make the deduction larger for those who attract other installations much like the cable companies referral system.

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2) Re: 2009 House Bill 1187 (Installation of solar hot water heaters in single family residential units) [by Twestby on January 23, 2009]

I have looked into this and in Washington State we are at too low of a sun angle to make this a viable option. Easter Washinton may be able to do it in the summer but this will add to the cost of an already high priced home forcing some peoplt out of the home market.

I think the wiser way to address this would be to allow people who want to install these systems to take a property tax deduction for the installation costs. This will be open to all home owners not just new construction.

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3) Re: 2009 House Bill 1187 (Installation of solar hot water heaters in single family residential units) [by hmiller on January 18, 2009]

While I agree that we need to integrate "green" technology in our lives, I don't like the idea of government mandating it. If governement wants to make incentives for people to make a choice, then great. We should have choices, not mandates.

Requiring solar hot water is like saying you can only drive a Hybrid car. No one would stand for that.

With an average solar hot water system you will spend between 10K and 15K for all the components that comprise such a system. Remember that you are not only paying for a similar hot water heating system as is installed in homes already, but on top of that comes the solar equipment, and a larger tank.

Some one mentioned that tanks last 20 years. This is so far from the truth. I inspect resale homes as a profession, and while every once in a while I might see a 20 year old tank, this is an exception. A reasonable expection would be closer to 10 years for the average water heater. There is a reason the manufacturer only warranties the unit for 6 years.

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