Grant to help homeowners install solar water heating increased

The Government is increasing the grant to help homeowners install solar water heating from $500 to $1000.

The Government spokeswoman on energy efficiency and conservation, Green co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons, said changes would be made to the grants scheme from June 3.

These were:

* An increase in the solar water heating grants for homeowners from $500 to $1000 for the purchase of packaged systems that met requirements for energy performance, cost-effectiveness and installation;

* the threshold for finance assistance would be simplified and adjusted to reflect electricity price forecasts;

* grants would be paid direct to the homeowner who had purchased solar water heating systems rather than via suppliers as was the case currently.

Hot water typically accounted for around 30 per cent of homeowners' energy costs. A well designed and installed solar water heating system could provide up to 75 per cent of annual hot water needs.

- NZPA