Solar hot water heaters could cut Michigan’s global warming pollution by as much as 265,000 cars off the road

Environment Michigan

Ann Arbor, MI – Michigan could reduce pollution and dependence on fossil fuels through the deployment of off the shelf, cost-effective solar hot water technology, according to a new report by Environment Michigan. 
 
By taking advantage of this cost effective technology to harness solar energy to produce hot water for homes and businesses, Michigan could reduce global warming pollution by the equivalent of taking 265,000 cars off the road.
 
 “By tapping the heat of the sun we can reduce the fossil fuels we use for our heating and hot water needs while putting people to work in our communities.  We have long had the technology and the know-how to harness the free heat of the sun to get hot water, and more than ever we have a workforce that is ready to install these affordable solar panels on roofs across the state,” said Environment Michigan State Associate Nicole Lowen.
 
Solar water heating has the potential to reduce America’s dependence on fossil fuels and curb pollution that causes global warming and respiratory problems. Solar water heating delivers a variety of benefits to the economy as well:
 
* Solar water heating could reduce energy bills by $9.9 billion annually, saving residential customers 3.2 percent and businesses 1.6 percent of their current energy expenditures.
 
* Solar water heating could reduce Americans energy bills by $9.9 billion annually.  By eliminating the barriers to solar hot water, policy makers can help provide homeowners and businesses long-term savings and protect them from risks of wild swings in energy prices.  Solar water heating increases America’s energy security, reduces the environmental and public health costs of fossil fuel-related pollution, and creates jobs. Europe’s solar thermal industry, for example, employs 40,000 people and brings in $4.1 billion in annual sales.
 
The report, Smart, Clean, and Ready to Go: How Solar Hot Water Can Reduce Pollution and Dependence on Fossil Fuels, based primarily on a study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, provides a conservative estimate of America’s potential to use residential and commercial solar water heating, and the savings in fossil fuel, electricity, and global warming pollution if that potential is fully realized.
 
The results of the report would come from only the smallest investments in solar hot water heating, but Environment Michigan called on state and federal officials to commit to aggressive steps to encourage the installation of solar water heaters on homes and businesses and to promote other solar water heating technologies that can make an even bigger dent in pollution and our consumption of fossil fuels. Solar hot water is particularly cost effective for large institutions that use a lot of hot water, such as hotels and large laundry operations. 
 
“With an established and growing manufacturing base and supply chain, Michigan is well prepared for realizing the potential of solar water heaters,” continued Lowen. “There are already thousands of homes and businesses saving energy and money by harnessing the sun for hot water. These panels last for decades, so investing in them now builds a strong foundation for the future of our environment and our economy.”
 
“That’s the best part about using the sun to heat your water,” concluded Lowen. “With a small investment up-front, you can reduce your global warming pollution and enjoy lower energy bills year after year.”