Another boost for solar water heating
November 8, 2007: The launch today of a new technical document will smooth Building Code compliance for solar water heaters.
The Department of Building and Housing has published a new compliance document which clarifies what homeowners need to do to have a solar water heating system approved by their local council.
From December 1, the compliance document will be effective for most solar water heating system installations.
Mike Stannard, the Department’s Manager of Building Standards, says the document provides quality assurance for homeowners on solar water heating systems and their installation.
“Until now, councils have been providing their own interpretations of what is required to install solar water heating systems, with variable levels of compliance and associated costs.
“This new compliance document will cover the installation of most solar water heating systems. Now you will be able to work to the same requirements in the Bay of Islands as on Stewart Island.”
Mike Stannard said the new document will simplify consent processes and allow them to be processed more quickly.
“It spells out just what a solar water heating installer has to do to get a system signed off by the local council. It means everyone in the industry will be able to follow a specified standard.”
Mike Underhill, Chief Executive of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority said “The publication of a compliance document for solar water heating installations is a significant step forward in the Government’s programme to encourage more New Zealanders to install solar water heating systems.”
As well as the benefits for homeowners, the compliance document will provide certainty to the building, plumbing and solar water heating industries which are all involved in putting solar water heating systems in buildings.
The Department of Building and Housing is running seminars across the country in late November and early December to outline the new solar water heating Compliance Document and other energy efficiency initiatives. See the BRANZ website (www.branz.co.nz) for details.
Copies of the new compliance document (G12/AS2) are available on the Department’s website.
Contact: Serge Sablyak, Senior Advisor, Building Standards027 687 6208
Helen Wood, Senior Advisor Communication, EECA, 027 2783637
Solar water heating questions and answers
What is a Compliance Document?
All new building work in New Zealand must comply with the Building Code, which sets general health, safety and quality requirements (for example, the Code says buildings must not leak or collapse).
To provide more detail on how to comply with each Code requirement, the Department publishes Building Code Compliance Documents, of which Acceptable Solutions are part. An Acceptable Solution is a ready-made solution, often with drawings, that shows how to comply with one or more Building Code clauses.
It is not compulsory to follow Compliance Documents and Acceptable Solutions. However, councils must accept building work which meets them. Councils may also accept other solutions as long as they satisfy Code requirements.
What is the purpose of the new Compliance Document for solar water heaters?
The new Compliance Document will provide a clear, uniform example of how to install the most common solar water heater. Councils will be legally obliged to accept installations based on the Compliance Document, leading to simpler and sometimes cheaper consents. This will remove an important obstacle to adopting this technology with all the benefits it provides in reducing energy costs and demand.
Which solar water heaters are covered?
All the most common solar water heaters are covered as long as the tank is below the roof and the collector area is less than 4m2. The full scope of application is further explained in the document.
What will be the benefit to the homeowner?
Consents for solar water heaters will be easier and in some cases cheaper to get. Special care has been taken in the new Acceptable Solution to provide high quality installation detail. Advice is provided on how to avoid common installation mistakes, such as similar metals coming into contact and causing corrosion. This should lead to better quality installations and systems that are more durable.
What will be the benefit to installers and councils?
Installation and inspection of systems built according to the Compliance Document will be easier. This will lead to better quality installations and easier consent processing.
Are there any extra costs?
Following the Compliance Document is voluntary. However, it is likely to become the de facto standard for the industry, leading to some installers having to improve installation practices. This will ultimately result in better-installed systems.
When does the new Compliance Document become effective?
The Compliance Document has been published. It will become effective on 1 December 2007.
What provision has been made for protecting people from Legionella bacteria that can grow in hot water systems?
Legionella bacteria, which causes the potentially fatal Legionnaires Disease, can grow in hot water storage tanks, including those attached to solar water heating systems. The Building Code requires hot water systems to protect adequately against Legionella growth. In storage systems, this is normally done by heating the water to a certain temperature for a certain time.
The New Compliance Document provides three options for Legionella control in solar water systems that are technically achievable and consistent with the requirements for electric water heaters. The purpose of such requirements is to protect people from Legionnaires Disease.
What else is the government doing to promote the uptake of solar water heaters?
The Government is encouraging solar water heating as part of its broad approach to promoting energy efficiency and renewable sources of energy:
The programme includes:
- Motivating demand through independent information and promotion;
- Providing financial assistance to homeowners – for details see www.solar.energywise.govt.nz 
- Working with the building industry to encourage solar water heating on new housing, particularly volume-build developments;
- Working with the solar industry to improve information and capacity issues;
- Encouraging solar water heating systems on publicly owned buildings
- Encouraging new ideas through an Innovation Fund.
More information can be found on www.dbh.govt.nz and www.energywise.govt.nz