Environmental Benefits

Solar water heaters do not pollute. By investing in one, you will be avoiding carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and the other air pollution and wastes created when your utility generates power or you burn fuel to to heat your household water. When a solar water heater replaces an electric water heater, the electricity displaced over 20 years represents more than 50 tons of avoided carbon dioxide emissions alone. Carbon dioxide traps heat in the upper atmosphere, thus contributing to the "greenhouse effect."

A Bright Future

A solar water heater is a long-term investment that will save you money and energy for many years. Like other renewable energy systems, solar water heaters minimize the environmental effects of enjoying a comfortable, modern lifestyle. In addition, they provide insurance against energy price increases, help reduce our dependence on foreign oil, are investments in everyone's future, and will help increase your property's value.

Hawaii State Tax Credits

This tax credit applies to solar water heaters and photovoltaic systems, as well as to other devices which convert solar radiation to electricity or to thermal energy, installed and placed in service before 1/1/2008.
35% or $1,750 for single family homes, whichever is less.
35% or $350, whichever is less, for each unit in multi-unit residential buildings.
35% or $250,000, whichever is less, for hotels, commercial, and industrial facilities. (The $250,000 limit does not apply to systems installed prior to 6/30/03).
To find out more information on these and other taxt credits within the State of Hawaii, visit their website at http://www.hawaii.gov/dbedt/info/energy/renewable/solar

Federal Tax Credits

The various tax credits designed to improve America’s energy efficiency went into effect on January 1, 2006 and are available for the purchase and installation of energy efficient appliances and products, as well as the purchase of fuel efficient vehicles such as hybrids.
The energy efficiency tax credits will allow consumers to reduce their 2006 tax bills on a dollar-for-dollar basis up to the amount allowed under the law.
Specific tax benefits for the home include:
$50 for purchasing an advanced main air circulating fan;
$150 for installing a highly efficient furnace or boiler;
$200 for installing energy efficient windows;
$300 for purchasing a highly efficient central air conditioner, heat pump or water heater;
30 percent, or up to $2000, for the purchase of solar water-heating equipment (this does not  apply to equipment used to heat swimming pools or hot tubs).
To find out more information on these and other taxt credits, visit their website at www.energy.gov/news/2852.htm