THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2235
TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE, 2010
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to photovoltaic ready new residential homes.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  As the cost of photovoltaic systems continues to fall, the installation of residential photovoltaic systems will become increasingly cost effective.  However, installation of these systems on existing homes can be hindered by design features that were incorporated at the time of initial construction that limit the physical space available for photovoltaic systems and related equipment.  A policy requiring all new single-family residential construction to incorporate design elements and minimal equipment installation to make the structure photovoltaic-ready at the time of initial construction will facilitate widespread adoption of photovoltaic systems in the future.

     This policy will optimize future gains from solar technology adoption.  Photovoltaic-ready requirements will ensure that new residential construction is designed to reap the maximum benefits of future solar technology installations, thus reducing potential cost-recoupment periods after solar technologies are installed.  Widespread adoption of solar technologies on residential buildings will result in reduced energy demand on the grid and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.  Individuals who choose to install solar technologies will benefit from reduced electricity costs; that savings can be substantial depending on fossil fuel prices.  This policy also helps to develop a market for solar technology construction and design and increases awareness of solar technologies in the construction industry for homeowners in general.  These are crucial factors in addressing barriers to solar adoption.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 196, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§196‑   Photovoltaic-ready new residential construction.  (a)  Effective January 1, 2012, no building permit shall be issued for a single-family dwelling that does not include:

(1) Provisions for future photovoltaic accommodation, including:

(A) Conduit from the ridge cap to the subpanel for the residential dwelling electrical distribution system; and

(B) Adequate sizing of the subpanel to accommodate the residential load plus any future photovoltaic system that may be installed; and

(2) Blueprints and labeling that detail photovoltaic system accommodations and connections.

(b)  Nothing in this section shall preclude any county from establishing procedures and standards required to implement this section. 

(c)  Nothing in this section shall preclude any person from participating in any utility demand-side management program or energy efficiency program under the public benefits fund pursuant to part VII of chapter 269."

     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Photovoltaic Ready New Residential Homes

Description:

Requires that new single-family residential construction incorporate design elements and minimum equipment installation at the time of construction to facilitate the future adoption of a photovoltaic system.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.