2008 ACEEE Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Industry

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Informal Sessions Description

Additional Informal Sessions may be organized on-site during the Summer Study.

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Solar Water Heating Programs and New Showerhead Performance Standards

Robert Mowris, Andrew McAllister, Owen Howlett and Ean Jones

Monday, August 18
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

This informal session will discuss California's solar water heating programs, and new showerhead performance standards that make solar water heating more viable. The California Center for Sustainable Energy (CCSE) is implementing a Solar Water Heating Pilot Program with $1.5 million. The California Solar Water Heating Efficiency Act (AB1470) authorizes $250 million to provide incentives for 200,000 solar water heating systems starting in 2010. Showering uses 15 to 20% of total US residential indoor water use or 3.7 billion gallons/day. The current US showerhead testing method and standard of 2.5 gpm at 80 psig flowing pressure (ANSI/ASME A112.18.1) has been in effect since 1977. Showerhead flow rates are tested and reported at 80 psig flowing pressure, but most showerheads operate at lower pressures. The flow rates for some showerheads are relatively constant over a range of pressures, but flow rates for other showerheads vary drastically with pressure. Purchasers are unable to make informed decisions regarding showerhead performance, and many purchasers especially hotel chains are switching to multiple showerheads due to poor performance. This session will include the following discussion topics.

• How do cost effectiveness issues, lack of ratepayer incentives, permitting issues and lack of uniform quality installation standards impact the market for solar water heating?
• What level of verification is required to ensure solar water heating systems are properly installed?
• What factors have encouraged/discouraged policymakers, program administrators, and implementers to pursue solar water heating programs?
• What additional changes are recommended to remove barriers and encourage widespread implementation of solar water heating programs?
• Should energy efficiency professionals be concerned about the rise of multiple showerheads, and can building energy efficiency standards (e.g. Title 24) preclude multiple showerheads in residential and commercial new construction?
• What role do utilities and public regulatory agencies have in providing funding to identify water- and energy- efficient showerheads that meet consumer performance expectations?
• Which of the following showerhead test parameters are most important to consumers: minimum acceptable flow rate, heat loss from showerhead to user, spray pattern, distribution, and performance-based indicators?
• What are the technical hurdles in developing new showerhead performance standards (i.e., thermal shock due to pressure or temperature compensating valves designed for 2.5 gpm at 80 psig flowing pressure)?
• Which organizations might be affected by, or object to new requirements for lower-flow shower heads, or the preclusion of multiple showerheads?

For more information, contact:

Robert Mowris
Verified, Inc.
e-mail:robert.mowris@verified-rca.com

Andrew McAllister
California Center for Sustainable Energy
e-mail:andrew.mcallister@energycenter.org

Owen Howlett
HMG
e-mail:owen.howlett@h-m-g.com

Ean Jones
Verified, Inc.
e-mail:ean.jones@verified-rca.com

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