In and Out of Hot Water: The Arizona Experience in SHW Barriers & Implementation

Thursday, April 18th: 8:30-10:00 AM

In and Out of Hot Water: The Arizona Experience in SHW Barriers & Implementation

Authors: Daniel Aiello, Joel Dickenson, Geoff Sutton
Presenter: Daniel Aiello, M. Arch and Solar Technology, Architecture, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ
Affiliations: Az. Solar Center, Inc., Phoenix, AZ; Salt River Project Utility, Phoenix, AZ

Abstract:  Forum - lessons, experiences and actions in addressing the challenges of SHW implementation in Arizona, based not only in the evolving technology but in the oversight mechanisms that provide for acceptance of the technology in todays society. Over The past 2+ years Arizona utilities, Arizona public service (APS) and salt river project (SRP), with cooperative interaction of the AZ. Solar Center, Inc., (AZSC) have been dealing with evaluation of SHW installations throughout the state. Initial Findings showed a very alarming failure rate in meeting nationally accepted standards and guidelines. Subsequently, due to aggressive AZ. utility oversight and audits by the AZSC as a 3rd party neutral, the success rate has reached an 80%+ success rate. There remain significant conditions and issues that pose challenges to the successful implementation of SHW, residential and commercial.The Forum’s 3 speakers –  Daniel Peter Aiello and Geoff Sutton of the AZSC, and Joel Dickinson, SRP energy engineer, will cover a variety of elements affecting successful SHW implementation – including workforce competency and management inconsistencies; marginal marketing and business practices; inconsistant  consumer protections – industry, utilities, registrar of contractor, jurisdiction code compliance; construction arena ignorance; parallel issues with other elements (PV), code requirements re: safety and property protection; and even the role of state and local government. This Interactive forum will cover  3 contexts – lessons and successes from the field; AZ. utility role, experience, and projections; and the roles and tools required of various oversight elements in successful SHW implementation in Arizona.