Solar thermal energy mandate

Country / jurisdiction: Uruguay · Year: 2009 · Status: In force · Level: National · Type: Voluntary

A solar thermal mandate was established in 2009 by the Solar Thermal Law (Law 18585) with additional provisions in 2011 through Decree 451/011.The different activities under the mandate (Law 18585 and Decree 451/011) are as follows:

The law states that research and development of solar thermal energy it of national interest.

After 2014, all new construction and refurbishments of public buildings, hotels, health and sports facilities, where hot water accounts for over 20% of the building’s energy consumption, must obtain at least 50% of water heating energy from solar thermal energy.

After 2012 heated pools must use solar heating unless they use a different kind of renewable energy source.

A registry is created that includes (i) producers of solar equipment, (ii) importers of solar equipment and (iii) technicians for solar installations.

Tax exemptions are provided for:

Domestic goods and service related to solar thermal (includes value added tax).

Imports of goods and services that do not compete with domestic solar thermal industry (includes custom duties, value added tax).

Official source: http://archivo.presidencia.gub.uy/_web/leyes/2009/09/IE949.pdf%20