By ANNE-MARIE EMERSON
THE WANGANUI District Council should "actively encourage" homeowners to install solar water heating.
That's the view of the council's infrastructure committee, after the subject was brought up by Cr Don McGregor at yesterday's committee meeting.
After some discussion by committee members it was decided to recommend that the council publish
information about solar water heating on its website and other council media.
Solar water heating installation for a residential property cost between $3500 and $8000 with installation for new buildings being cheaper than for existing buildings.
Council policy analyst Clive Aim told the meeting homeowners were often put off installing solar water heating panels because of the cost in particular the payback period, which ranges from eight to 11 years.
"But with the cost of electricity and gas rising all the time, the payback period will probably reduce."
Mr Aim said solar water heating had "considerable potential for commercial/industrial systems, where the gains may be greater and the subsequent payback periods shorter".
The Government is offering $500 grants towards the cost of installing residential solar water heating systems.
But Cr Rangi Wills pointed out that $290 of that money was taken up in council consent fees.
"This could be a disincentive for some people."
The council will decide whether to adopt the committee's recommendation at the next full council meeting on August 27.
