Hawai'i has become the first state in the country to require the installation of solar water heaters on new single-family homes.

Gov. Linda Lingle today signed into law a bill requiring home builders to include solar water heaters in new single-family dwellings beginning in 2010. Variances would be allowed if an engineer or architect finds that solar would be impractical because of insufficient sunshine or if it would cost more than would be saved by lower utility bills, or if an alternative renewable energy system or gas-demand water heater is used.

"This solar power legislation is another important step in our long-term plan for energy independence in Hawai'i," Lingle said. "In addition to solar, it is critical that we continue to develop innovative energy solutions that capitalize on our natural renewable resource advantages in order to achieve our goal of having 70 percent clean energy in Hawai'i by 2030."

The governor's office did express some concerns with the bill, including the elimination of the existing 35 percent tax credit for solar water installations for residential home developers in 2009.