Bill Text: HI SB181 | 2011 | Regular Session | Amended

Hawaii Senate Bill 181 (Prior Session Legislation)

Bill Title: Photovoltaic; New Construction; Residential; Feasibility Study

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 6-0)

Status: (Passed) 2011-07-11 - (S) Act 198, 7/8/2011 (Gov. Msg. No. 1302). [SB181 Detail]

Download: Hawaii-2011-SB181-Amended.html

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	181
TWENTY-SIXTH LEGISLATURE, 2011		S.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII		H.D. 1
		C.D. 1

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. The legislature finds, however, that installation of these systems on existing structures can be hindered by initial construction design features that limit the physical space available for installation of 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 would facilitate the widespread adoption of photovoltaic systems.

Photovoltaic-ready requirements would 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 would result in reduced energy demand and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

The purpose of this Act is to establish a working group to study the feasibility of 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.

SECTION 2. (a) There is established a working group to study the feasibility of requiring all new single-family residential construction to be photovoltaic-ready at the time of initial construction, to be placed within the department of business, economic development, and tourism for administrative purposes.

(b) The working group shall consider strategies for facilitating the widespread adoption of photovoltaic systems including:

(1) The incorporation of specific design elements in new residential structures to make the structures photovoltaic-ready;

(2) Minimal retrofitting and equipment installation for future photovoltaic accommodation; and

(3) Blueprints and labeling that detail photovoltaic system accommodations and connections;

(4) Identifying areas in the State where the use of photovoltaic systems would be impractical or where other renewable energy resources are more readily available; and

(5) Any other issues the working group considers appropriate.

(1) The director of business, economic development, and tourism, or the director's designee;

(2) The executive director of the state building code council, or the executive director's designee;

(3) One county building official from each of the counties, to be appointed by the respective mayor;

(4) A representative from the photovoltaic industry, who shall be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives;

(5) A contractor-builder, who shall be appointed by the president of the senate;

(6) A representative from the Hawaii Association of Realtors;

(7) A member of the state house of representatives appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives, or the representative's designee;

(8) A member of the state senate appointed by the president of the senate, or the senator's designee; and

(9) Any additional members the chairperson of the working group determines to be necessary.

(d) The members of the working group shall designate a chairperson from among its members and shall serve without compensation, but shall be reimbursed for expenses, including travel expenses, incurred in performance of official duties.

(e) The working group shall report to the legislature its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, no later than twenty days prior to the regular session of 2012.

(f) The working group shall cease to exist on June 30, 2012.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Report Title:

Photovoltaic; New Construction; Residential; Feasibility Study

Description:

Establishes a working group to study the feasibility of requiring all new single-family residential construction to incorporate design elements and minimum equipment installation at the time of construction to facilitate the future adoption of a photovoltaic system. (CD1)

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