It is at least somewhat commonly understood that a solar thermal system will save you money over the long run. But what people are most aware of are the checks they’re writing to the utility every month. So what we want to know most of all is what monthly difference a solar thermal hot water heater will make.

That, of course, varies. It depends on location, energy costs, system size, family size, hot water consumption, and other factors. Hot water heating comes in second on the average energy bill (behind space heating) and is responsible for roughly 30% of monthly consumption. While specific energy costs will vary, it is easy, based on some generally accepted data, to calculate savings for the average family of four.

This average family uses about 70 gallons of water per day and a solar hot water heater can replace up to 80% of their water heating needs. At average electrical rates (roughly 10 cents per kWh), a solar hot water heater will save about $300 annually–roughly $25 per month. That is a pretty decent amount, especially when you dig a little deeper to determine the payback period for a solar hot water heater. (more…)

This is a guest post by Mick Humphreys of Apricus Inc.. View our interviews with Mick himself: Solar Thermal’s Untapped Heating Potential, Solar Thermal Rising above Costs and Challenges.

One of the greatest challenges the solar industry is facing is educating the public about solar thermal systems, and I know most solar thermal companies have wrestled with this, is the idea that a solar thermal system can have other applications in your home or business beyond domestic hot water for the dishes or showers. Solar thermal systems that use evacuated tubes perform very well to create very hot water, which can be used for a number of innovative applications, such as: (more…)

Solar thermal systems are, in general, the most cost-effective choice in solar home systems. Whether used to heat water or to heat the home, up-front costs are cheaper than PV and, because heating space and water uses a lot of energy, returns are faster. But among solar thermal systems, what is the most cost-effective choice? Surprisingly, retrofit systems take the cake in that regard. In an interview with CalFinder Solar, Mick Humphreys, founder of Apricus, pointed out that retrofit solar hot water systems are typically cheaper because they can be integrated into the existing system.

This makes sense. Solar hot water systems can usually take advantage of much of the existing equipment and plumbing. In fact, a new tank may not even be needed. A solar hot water system can be as cheap as $2,000 but can rise as high as $6,000. Much depends on your home’s existing system. Regardless, given that water heating is second only to space heating in home energy consumption, and given state and federal rebates, there is not much waiting for the cows to come home, so to speak. (more…)