Bright future for efficient hot water technologies

Government Spokesperson on Energy Efficiency and Conservation, Jeanette Fitzsimons, today announced that 22 projects have been offered a total of $800,000 in the first round of an Innovation Fund to encourage smart innovations in solar and heat-pump water-heating technologies. Funded projects range from solar installations on commercial and multi-resident premises through to research on heat-pump and solar-water heating.

"One year on from the Government's announcement of a three and a half year solar water-heating programme, I'm delighted to report that there has never been a better time for homeowners and businesses to choose solar water-heating," Ms Fitzsimons says. Highlights of the first year of the solar water heating programme include:

• All 30 franchises of Jennian Homes, as part of EECA's Volume Build Scheme, will make solar water heating a standard offer in all new homes, over the next year. Other participants in the Volume Build Scheme include franchises of Stonewood Homes, Golden Homes and Primesite Homes.

• 14 feasibility study grants and five installation grants have been made for public sector organisations under the Grants for Public Buildings scheme.

• Independent consumer information is now available on EECA's solar water heating website www.energywise.govt.nz/solar including energy performance data on 66 solar water heating systems.

• 12 Solar Industries Association accredited suppliers are participating in EECA's financial assistance scheme for homeowners.
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• 165 plumbers have completed a training course on solar heating.

• Three councils, Westland District Council, Waitakere City Council and Hamilton City Council, have waived consent fees for solar water heating.

• Improved industry information is available on solar water heating including the recently published Acceptable Solution under the Building Code (G12/AS2) and updated Australian New Zealand Standards. The Innovation Fund is allocated through contestable rounds. A further round of applications will be held in March/April - dates will be posted on the website http://www.energywise.govt.nz/solar

ENDS

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