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Just a reminder that all permits submitted after Dec 31, 2009 will need to have solar water heater shown in elevation drawings or have an exemption letter. (This means if you have submitted plans but they have not yet received a "yellow" bldg permit application, then you will have to add the solar requirement. If they are in the permitting process with the "yellow" app page, you will (so far) not be sent backwards.
If you go with an "on-demand" system which exempts you from the state's new requirement, you will need to have your approved SOH exemption paperwork to submit with your Building permit application.
So far, we believe this is only applying to new construction of a single family residence. There was some discussion if this requirement is going to be applied to remodels or additions. But so far no word.
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Well......look for the cost of solar w.h. to go up ......
That said, I'm a strong believer in solar and we will have it on our house, I just hate it when the government legislates something instead of letting the free market determine choice.
Puna: Our roosters crow first
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Eight, one could also argue that the mandate for solar water heaters will make the price come down - suppliers had long lead time before the mandate so they knew to stock up. More demand for the product will increase competition, builder familiarity with installation, etc... and therefore drive down the cost. Having said that, I do realize that in Hawaii many laws of economics do not apply
As for gov't mandates, I'm Ok with them when they are clearly are in the public interest (aren't you glad everyone has to have car insurance, for example...). The water heater change is just like any other building code requirement, and if it reduces pollution and energy consumption, that's a good thing in my opinion.
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I don't think there is any economic theory that "more demand" will "drive down the cost".
As far as gov't mandates, it's like requiring us to separate recyclables, only to dump them into the landfill more than half the time as there is no end user. Surely whoever pushed for the solar requirement has a financial stake in it, and we all get screwed again.
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kapohocat: please clarify for me. if you have a building permit already, and a plumbing permit "in the works" for a propane water heater (not on-demand) but dont have your electrical permit are you ok to NOT do solar water? i was confused. thanks....
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Well, I really, really, REALLY solar H/W when we started building 4 years ago. The estimate started at $6K plus. Justification: You get $!K from HELCO (nope, we are off grid) and don't forget your Fed and State income tax credits. Basically, the suppliers and installers had made sure any potential of savings was factored into their price. I continue to hope that someday, it will indeed become an affordable alternative.
David
Ninole Resident
Ninole Resident
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Solar water heating as a truly cost effective system will not occur here until some laws in Hawaii change and allow homeowners to do their own plumbing work. This is something that is possible if people would slow down the grumbling on the sidelines and start up getting organized and voting and campaigning and complaining.
It could even be easier than electing candidates that are not under the control of local unions...
A class action lawsuit based on violations of civil rights could reverse the stupid laws in Hawaii that restrict a homeowner from doing many things. It is simply wrong that the law assumes we are each competent to defend ourselves in court but then assumes we are incompetent to glue together two pieces of ABS or solder a copper fitting.
People should get organized and raise some money instead of just complaining....
Assume the best and ask questions.
Punaweb moderator
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"....until some laws in Hawaii change and allow homeowners to do their own plumbing work. ..."
Include electrical and you'll get a hallelujia from me!
Puna: Our roosters crow first
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quote:
Originally posted by lquade
kapohocat: please clarify for me. if you have a building permit already, and a plumbing permit "in the works" for a propane water heater (not on-demand) but dont have your electrical permit are you ok to NOT do solar water? i was confused. thanks....
If you already have your Bldg permit (i.e the orange placard), this is not affecting your open already approved Bldg permit permit, or any permits you are getting with that open permit. This affects people going in to get permits for new construction of single family residences.
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oh thank you
] of course we will do solar hot water "later" since we can do it ourselves for a fraction of the cost.... that is good news indeed to finish up our project on a tight budget...
