Hawaii is first state to require solar water heaters in new homes.

Gov. Linda Lingle signed a bill into law Thursday requiring the energy-saving systems in homes starting in 2010.

“This solar power legislation is another important step in our long-term plan for energy independence in Hawaii,” she said.

Hawaii relies on imported fossil fuels more than any other state, with about 90 percent of its energy sources coming from foreign countries, according to state data.

The new law prohibits issuing building permits for single-family homes that do not have solar water heaters. Some exceptions will be allowed, such as forested areas where there are low amounts of sunshine.

Environmentalists applauded the law.

“At a time when the globe hungers for smart energy solutions, Hawaii is demonstrating how it can be done,” said Jeff Mikulina, director of the Sierra Club of Hawaii.

State Sen. Gary Hooser, vice chairman of the Energy and Environment Committee, first introduced the measure five years ago when he said a barrel of oil cost just $40. Since then, the cost of oil has more than tripled.

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(Source: Jaymes Song, Associated Press via Forbes)