Smart Homes Have Solar Water Heating
It’s hard to believe that every home doesn’t have solar water heating. This could soon change, though, especially since high energy cost is now one of the top five concerns of homeowners. Heating water takes up much of this cost: about 25 percent.
So how can solar water heating help?
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, using solar thermal technology will drop your water-heating bill an average of 50 to 80 percent. Additional benefits include protection from fuel shortages and price hikes and the benefit of contributing to the overall environment. In your neighborhood alone, switching to solar water heating will drastically reduce emissions caused by conventional systems.
Solar water heating operates at 80 percent efficiency. What’s more, solar water heating is simple, usually consisting of two or three rooftop collectors that direct sun-heated water to holding tanks that contain anywhere from 66 to 120 gallons of water.
How much does solar water heating cost?
While the average cost is relatively high, at around $7,500, the monthly payback occurs immediately and federal tax credits cover up to $2,000. This means that your investment cost could be returned to you in as little as 3 years, depending on your utility rates and location. A longer return falls at around 7 years, but the solar water heating system will continue to function at peak performance far beyond that time.
What does solar water heating look like?
The roof collectors have been compared to skylights that integrate well with rooflines. Flat plate collectors are most common, available in sleek black colors, while the storage tanks are stowed away from your line of vision.
It’s no wonder the Housing and Urban Development’s Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing Program named solar water heating one of the top 10 technologies for 2007!
For more information or for free estimates, take advantage of CalFinder Solar’s pre-screening and referral service.
Links:
Solar Water Heating Is Heating Up
Solar Thermal FAQs
Solar Water Heaters Can Save $35 B A Year
EnerWorks Solar Water Heating Helps Builders Aim for Top LEED Certification
Posted on March 25th in Going Solar by Renee.
March 26th, 2008 at 11:31 am
[...] low impact. However, the calculator recommended that I reduce hot water temperature, install a solar hot water heater, and plant shade trees, among other things. I’m not really sure how it came up with the projects [...]
April 2nd, 2008 at 7:20 am
You mention the “monthly payback occurs immediately” what do you mean? We’ve heard there are some articles out there showing that if you get the right kind of financing your solar installation can be cash flow positive right away. Problem is, I can’t find those articles.
April 2nd, 2008 at 8:16 am
Hi Reeves,
Thanks for commenting and checking in with the blog! Monthly payback occurs immediately with solar power installations in terms of lower utility bills. In terms of financing, we just published a blog on the subject: http://solar.calfinder.com/blog/solar-information/solar-power-financing/. Check it out and follow some of the links provided on that page. Good luck!
April 3rd, 2008 at 8:28 am
Thanks, Renee!
April 14th, 2008 at 9:40 am
[...] solar hydronic radiant floor is a type of solar thermal heating. Thermal heating is no new idea and dates back to the ancient Greeks and Romans. In essence, [...]
July 17th, 2008 at 9:36 am
[...] is able to harness enough heat from the sun to provide the overwhelming majority of their heat and hot water needs. During the summer, the stored fluid reaches temperatures over 170 degrees Fahrenheit – plenty [...]