HomeMy WebLinkAboutBLG-BLD-ADM-015R2_Solar_Water_Heaters.pdfCounty of Hawai‘i
C. Kimo Alameda, Ph.D. Mayor
Willia m V. Brilhante,Jr.Managing Director
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
Wesley R. Segawa, P.E. Director
Neil A. Azevedo Deputy Director
Aupuni Center 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 7 · Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720-4224 (808) 961-8321 · Fax (808) 961-8630 public_works@hawaiicounty.gov
December 15, 2025
MEMORANDUM BLD-ADM-015R2
Solar Water Heaters
HRS 196-6.5 requires a Solar Water Heating System for all new residential construction built
on or after January 1, 2010. A variance may be submitted to Hawai‘i State Energy Office via
their website by only an Architect or Mechanical Engineer licensed to do business in the State
of Hawai‘i and is required to be approved for installation.
For clarity when inspecting a solar water heating system, the following applies.
1. Solar water heating panels with tank in the residence changed to solar panels with tank
on roof (or vice versa), a Revision Letter is required from the design professional of
record. If this is an alteration to an existing residence solar water heating system
without roof sheathing, then the required building installation detail is required also.
2. Change in location of solar water heating panels, a Revision Letter is required from the
design professional of record.
3. Change from solar water heating system to on-demand (gas or electric), an Approved
DBEDT Variance is required with a Revision Letter from the design professional of
record. If the on-demand system is electric, then Electrical Contractor Project
Declaration with phase of work is required also.
4. Change from solar water heating system to hybrid system in same location, an Approved
DBEDT Variance is required with a Revision Letter from the design professional of
record. Refer to the attached Table to determine how to manage changes to permits
issued for Solar Water Heaters.
For reference:
Refer to the attached Table to determine how to manage changes to permits issued for Solar
Water Heater.
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County of Hawai‘i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
MEMORANDUM BLD-ADM-015R2
Solar Water Heaters
Type of Change Revision
Workflow
Architect
Letter
Water Heater
Variance Field Verify Supplementary Project
Declaration
Solar Water Heater Type Roof Panels
with Ground Tank changes to Roof
Panels with Roof Tank
No Yes No Yes
Yes, if electric and plumbing
contractors are different from
original Permit
Solar Roof Panel Location No Yes No Yes No
Solar Water Tank Location No No No Yes No
Solar Water Heater to Electric/Gas Water
Heater Yes Yes Yes Yes
Yes, if electric and plumbing
contractors are different from
original Permit
Change from traditional solar water
heater system to hybrid system in same
location
Yes Yes Yes Yes
Yes, if electric and plumbing
contractors are different from
original Permit
Change from traditional solar water
heater system to hybrid system in
different location
Yes Yes Yes Yes
Yes, if electric and plumbing
contractors are different from
original Permit
Solar water heater system, both roof
panels with ground tank and roof panels
with roof tank, changes to all ground
mounted
New Permit Required Yes No Yes
Yes, if electric and plumbing
contractors are different from
original Permit
Previously approved Hybrid Water Tank
(Electric Water Heater with Heat Pump) to
an Electric/Gas On-Demand Water
System, or vice versa
Yes Yes Yes Yes
Yes, if electric and plumbing
contractors are different from
original Permit
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County of Hawai‘i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer