Washington Votes Forum

 NO!  we do not have enough days of sun in Western Washington to mandate the use of any solar technology.  The tecnology requires more direct sun than we receive on 50% of days.  Besides the fact that the cost of installing this equipment would make building a new home more expensive.  Perhapse the representative should requst that the affordable housing commission study this requirment for the next ten years and spend more of the tax payers money. 

Unless the Representatives  can persuade my neighbor to the South to cut down his trees, a solar panel will be of little use. This bill will only provide year round cold showers for most of us..   

I don't know if madating SDHW (solar domestic hot water) is a good idea but let's be clear about a few things.

If you read the bill you will see that if you have a poor solar site you would be granted a variance.  In any event, the solar is in addition to conventional heating so you won't have to take cold showers.

As for the comment about solar not working in the Pacific NW, this is incorrect.  Most SDHW systems pay for themselves in about 7 years right here in Olympia. It is doubtful if many folks have investments of any kind with such a rapid rate of return.

 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.

 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.

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.