Solar Water Heating Helps to Sell New Homes

As energy efficiency standards for new homes are increased, solar water heaters are expected to play an important role in the sale of new, energy-efficient homes. In the Netherlands, housing associations and housing developers are actively involved with solar water heating. Customers are left with the impression that these are carefully prepared and consistent ecological house, well insulated, good windows, healthy materials etc. (It is a positive sign for the possible buyer that the manufacturer actually cares about the environment - as does the buyer - so the solar heating system can be the small difference that decides the bargain in favour of a "green" house.

Solar Water Heating as a Cost-effective Tool to Meet Energy Efficiency Targets on New Home Construction

Energy efficiency targets for new and renovated housing constructions have been established by many countries; solar water heaters are viewed as a cost-effective solution to meeting these efficiency targets.

In the Netherlands, the 'Energy Performance Standard' sets benchmarks for energy efficiency improvements in new homes. While solar water heaters are already used to increase home energy efficiency, they will lay a more significant role as the energy efficiency standards are tightened in 1998 and 2000 to reduce energy use.

In Canada, to receive the 'R-2000' certification, new homes must be constructed to meet energy efficiency standards. The R-2000 rating is recognized as one of the standards for quality homes in Canada. Installing solar water heating systems are one of the most cost-effective means for meeting the required efficiency standards for the R-2000 certification.

In the United Kingdom, the 'Home Energy Conservation Act' requires local authorities to draw up plans to meet energy efficiency improvements of 30% in new and existing housing. Solar water heaters are included as a means of contributing to this target.
 

References:

5. Jan-Olof Dalenback, Dept. of Building Services Enginerring, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden "Swedish Property Developer Pioneers Renewable Energy" CADDET Renewable Energy Newsletter, Issue 2.97, June 1997, published by IEA CADDET Centre for Renewable Energy.