Abstract
In response to the impact of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, developing and using renewable energy sources and technologies have become vital for managing energy supply and demand in Taiwan. The long-term subsidy programs (1986–1991, 2000–present) for solar water heaters (SWHs) launched by the Taiwanese government constitute the main driving force for market expansion. By the end of 2013, the cumulative area of installed solar collectors was 2.27 million m2. Approximately 0.3 million systems (or 1.545 million m2) are in operation. This corresponds to an annual collector yield of 0.92 TWh, which is equivalent to savings of 98.7 thousand tons of oil and 319 thousand tons of CO2,eq. The market-driven mechanism is associated with cost-to-benefit ratios, construction businesses, types of building architecture, degree of urbanization and household composition. The strong wind load of typhoons is another major concern. For sustaining the solar thermal industry in Taiwan, the dominant factor for disseminating SWHs in metropolitan areas involves developing building-integrated solar thermal systems. Alternative financial incentives are required for industrial heating processes in the commercial sector.
Highlights
Global warming and climate change caused by carbon emissions into the atmosphere are raising worldwide concern
This paper presents the status of solar water heaters (SWHs) use in Taiwan, and addressed the effectiveness of the subsidy programs of the government as well as the barriers to market expansion
All products, installers/dealers, and manufacturers must possess a certification or license issued by the BEMOEA for them to be eligible for the subsidy programs
Summary
Global warming and climate change caused by carbon (greenhouse gas) emissions into the atmosphere are raising worldwide concern. 1998, 2005 and 2009 for formulating strategies and measures in response to the impact of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and seeking a balance among economic development, energy supply, and environmental protection. During the past two decades, the Bureau of Energy under the Ministry of Economic Affairs (BEMOEA) has promoted the research and development of renewable energies, which include (1) wind power generation; (2) photovoltalic energy (solar-PV); (3) solar thermal energy; (4) geothermal energy; (5) ocean energy; and (6) biomass energy. The duration of sunshine per year is 2000–2500 h in southwestern regions and 1000–1500 h in northeastern regions This climate is favorable for installing solar water heaters (SWHs) for producing hot water in both domestic and commercial sectors. This paper presents the status of SWH use in Taiwan, and addressed the effectiveness of the subsidy programs of the government as well as the barriers to market expansion
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