Beacon

Nelson City Council is taking an innovative approach to encouraging greater uptake of solar water heating in their area through the Nelson Solar Saver Scheme. 

The Council pays the upfront cost for the installation of solar hot water systems and residents pay for the system over the next ten years as a targeted rate on their property.  The money saved on their energy bills helps to pay the system off quickly.

In preparation for the increase in uptake of solar water heating, Nelson City Council has streamlined its building consent process, and waived the building consent fees, which helps to reduce the processing time considerably.  This speedy simple process also enhances the Council’s relationship with property owners and solar water heating installers.

The scheme successfully overcomes a range of barriers for consumers including red tape, capital cost and uncertainty regarding the wide variety of different systems available.   It is a good example of innovative local authority policy and action bringing about a more sustainable future.  More examples can be found in Beacon’s Resource Manual for Local Government, which pulls together real-life examples of what councils are doing to encourage sustainable building and renovation in their areas.  Read more at:

• Resource Manual for Local Government.

To find out more about the Nelson Solar Saver Scheme, watch this short video:

• You will need Adobe Flashplayer to watch this - download from http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/