The state of Hawaii has set some new rules for homebuilders. By 2010, all new homes built in the state are required to have solar hot water heaters, rather than the electric and natural gas heaters that are the norm.

Solar water heaters reduce the average home’s electricity bill by at least 30 percent. And Hawaii is well positioned for solar energy. The bill passed with only two dissenting votes in the Hawaiian Senate and unanimous support in the Hawaiian House. Considering that the cost of electricity in the state is the highest in the U.S., the changeover will not only help homeowners with sustainability but also with expenses.

Governor Linda Lingle has set a statewide goal of at least 70 percent renewable energy use in the state of Hawaii by 2030. Solar water heaters are a good start. Hawaiian legislators, though, need to think about moving beyond this law. They’ve rejected a number of related bills — lighting efficiency standards, compact fluorescent recycling programs, etc. — that will be necessary to hit that 70 percent goal.

In a post on the Hawaii Sierra Club’s blog, the organization’s director, Jeff Mikulina, said, "Passing the solar roofs bill was the single biggest step the legislature took this year to increase Hawaii's energy security." And it was a great step.

Photo — RJL20