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.
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