By Andrew Pollard
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1 August 2008, Build 107, Feature article
As electricity shortages and increasing energy costs hit home, interest is growing in renewable energy sources, like the sun. A recent 3-year study identified some issues around solar water heating and found the key is getting the installation right.
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By Albrecht Stoecklein, Roman Jaques
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1 December 2016, Build 157
A BRANZ study has some answers to improve understanding of barriers and enablers for installing photovoltaics in new and existing housing.
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By Greg Burn
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1 June 2020, Build 178
Significant performance improvements can be achieved affordably in houses by designing above the New Zealand Building Code minimum requirements. So, where is a good place to start to improve the liveability of a house?
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By David Hindley
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1 February 2023, Build 194, Feature article
While the installation of rooftop photovoltaic systems is booming, the basic technology remains much the same as it was over two decades ago. In the coming decade, that’s set to change, in part thanks to research under way in this country.
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By Alide Elkink
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1 December 2009, Build 115
Correct positioning and good installation of solar collector panels are essential for an effective and efficient solar water heating system.
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By Bruce Sedcole
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1 June 2020, Build 178
Developers subdividing land and owners commissioning new homes have one chance to get the basic solar design principles right. Siting and designing new dwellings can be done cost-effectively and will substantially increase performance over a dwelling’s lifetime.
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By Andrew Pollard
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1 December 2009, Build 115, Feature article
Despite people’s reluctance to install solar water heaters, a well installed system can now achieve reliable performance levels with savings of around 75% on water heating.
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By Jonas Bengtsson
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1 April 2007, Build 99, Feature article
In Australia’s sunny climate, solar water heating is an excellent alternative that can significantly reduce the environmental impact from households.
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By Andrew Pollard
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1 October 2010, Build 120
A $1,000 grant is currently available to install selected solar water heating systems, but they need to be well designed and installed to perform efficiently.
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By Andrew Pollard
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1 October 2010, Build 120, Feature article
Heat pump water heating systems are a relatively new option when looking for an energy-efficient hot water system. Efficiency varies, so it’s worthwhile doing your homework to find out if this would work well in a particular situation.
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