Hawaii SB748 amends building permit requirements for new single-family homes to include solar or heat pump water heaters unless a variance is.

Hawaii SB748 modifies building permit requirements for new single-family homes to mandate the inclusion of either a solar water heater system or a heat pump water heater, unless a variance is approved by the Hawaii state energy office. A variance can only be granted if a licensed architect or mechanical engineer attests that installation is impracticable due to poor solar resources or space constraints. The bill also specifies that a life cycle cost-benefit analysis must justify the variance. This change aims to promote the use of renewable energy technologies in residential construction.

Hawaii SB748 amends building permit requirements for new single-family homes to include solar or heat pump water heaters unless a variance is.

Hawaii SB748 modifies building permit requirements for new single-family homes to mandate the inclusion of either a solar water heater system or a heat pump water heater, unless a variance is approved by the Hawaii state energy office. A variance can only be granted if a licensed architect or mechanical engineer attests that installation is impracticable due to poor solar resources or space constraints. The bill also specifies that a life cycle cost-benefit analysis must justify the variance. This change aims to promote the use of renewable energy technologies in residential construction.