New solar thermal requirements

I will be introducing legislation that will require all new construction to have at least solar thermal power for hot water use.

We need to get across a sense of urgency that we have to utilize existing technology to wean ourselves off of foreign fossil fuels. Our economy and environment depend on it. 

Based upon studies, there is a four- to seven-year payback on new solar thermal heating, which means after that time period consumers will be saving precious dollars from their energy bills.

It’s interesting to note that Germany is the world leader in terms of utilizing solar power per capita and they have less sunlight than we do in Wisconsin! Part of the reason Germany is the leader is that their government provides attractive incentives. In similar fashion, Congress has recently passed a bill that allows for 30 percent tax credit for solar power and Focus on Energy has a 25 percent rebate for solar power.

Regarding my solar thermal power legislation, however, there may be exceptions made for new housing if any of the following mitigating circumstances exist:

Installation is impracticable due to poor solar resource;

Installation is cost-prohibitive based upon a life cycle cost-benefit analysis that incorporates the average residential utility bill and the cost of the new SWH system with a life cycle that does not exceed 15 years;

A substantive renewable energy technology system is used as the primary energy source for heating water; or

A demand water heater device approved by UL is installed, provided that at least one other gas appliance is installed in the dwelling. (A “demand water heater” means a gas-tank less instantaneous water heater that provides hot water only as it is needed.)

In closing, not only will solar power help create jobs, reduce our imbalance of trade, and help the environment, but also consumers in the long run will be much better served by reducing their energy costs and demands. Years down the road, Milwaukee will fare much better vis-à-vis the parts of the country that do not have the vision to properly plan for the future.

Tony Zielinski is the city of Milwaukee’s alderman for the 14th District, which includes Bay View. He can be reached at tzieli@milwaukee.gov or (414) 286-3769.

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