Solar Water Heating To Offset Electricity Increase

Solar Water Heating To Offset Electricity Increases

"Solar water heating is a smart choice for families and businesses to fight back increased electricity costs and ensure personal and family comfort" said the Chairman of the Solar Industries Association in response to the announcement that Meridian is stopping Project Aqua.

The Minister of Energy has predicted that stopping of work on Project Aqua may add at least half a cent per kilowatt hour to the price of electricity.

The Chairman of the Association, Mr Roy Netzer said that " Families who install solar water heating systems will be putting in place an opportunity to cap a major component of their electricity costs. Hot water costs are around 42% of household electricity expenditure so installation of a solar water heating system is a smart way to reduce their energy consumption."

"A solar hot water system can save around 70% of hot water costs. "

Mr Netzer said that " Already with recent increases in electricity costs solar water heating is now very cost effective - imagine what it will be once the electricity supply companies increase the cost of electricity when going ahead with new and more expensive power stations. Using energy from the sun's rays costs us nothing, except for those days when the weather is a little murky, in which case the system can be boosted by gas or an electric element at minimal cost. Not only do you benefit from reduced energy bills, there is also the luxury of more hot water available for you and your family when the sun is out."

Mr Netzer said that "The Government is fully supporting the growth of the solar water heating industry. There has been an increased uptake of solar water heating systems by around 55% last year. The industry is now in a position where the accredited solar suppliers are able to install a lot more systems quickly and more professionally than ever before. The electricity supply companies should be getting behind the promotion of solar energy now. The benefits of introducing a solar water heater to a house or business must be recognised as having a significant and a measurable influence on the sustainability of New Zealand's energy resources in the long term. The reduced effects from using solar water heaters in homes are also a contributor to overall energy supply. "

Mr Netzer says solar energy is the smart complement to electricity or gas, not the alternative. "People have wood burners and electric heaters - you don't have to choose one or the other. You can enjoy the best of both worlds. The smart choice is to reduce our reliance on gas or electricity. Less use of fossil fuels means you're helping the environment too."

"According to the Ministry of Economic Development, the electricity prices forecast is a continuation of a steep rise - (see attached chart), so now is the time to install a solar water heater."

"Solar water heating is the natural choice. The sun is naturally hot, so why not use it to heat water? Best of all, you won't get a solar energy bill!"

Further information is available on http://www.solarsmarter.org.nz or by phoning 0800 SMARTER (0800 762 7837).

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