NSW Government BASIX legislation comes into force today, requiring every new home built in Sydney from now onwards, to use 25% less power and 40% less water than an average home of the same type.
Similar legislation in Victoria requires the fitting of either a rain water tank or solar hot water system to all new homes, while in Queensland draft legislation is likely to outlaw electric hot water systems for new homes paving the way for substantial growth in solar hot water.
CEO of Perth-based Solar Energy Systems Duncan Stone said more than 90 per cent of all Australian solar hot water systems were made in Western Australia
“There are concerns about the ability of the WA plants to meet the increased demand, not to mention the freight cost of shipping extremely bulky units across the continent," he added.
SES is looking to establish its own manufacturing plant for rainwater tanks and solar hot water systems in New South Wales, Victoria and possibly Queensland.
SES reached an agreement to acquire the Solartech Genius solar hot water manufacturing business late last month. One of the benefits of the system is its ability to establish manufacturing plants quickly, and at low cost.
“Thirteen Solartech Genius plants have been built around the world so far,” M<r Stone said.
"We are currently seeking joint venture partners to establish plants in NSW and Victoria, and already have a deal on the table for one in Queensland," Mr Stone said.
The SES manufacturing system can produce both rain water tanks and solar hot water systems.
SES is also looking to establish relationships with project builders in all States, as solar hot water systems change from a refit product to a new home component.
“In Western Australia, we currently supply the largest project home builder in the State, who fits around 800 units a year to new homes. We see a lot of merit in a New South Wales manufacturing facility supplying that State's project home builders directly with both solar systems and water tanks," Mr Stone said.
"If it works in one State it should work in all."