A Solar Hot Water Solution Served Locally
Posted by Chad Norman February 28th, 2008 .
While SC creeps along with net-metering, I thought I’d take a look at a solar technology that has positive economics today: solar hot water. Hot water heaters consume a large share of our household juice each year, so cutting the cord can have a real impact.
I contacted Solar Hot Water Works (part of Elemental Design Group), and Thane came over for a quick site evaluation and estimate. As I suspected, my south-facing roof suited the 2-panel setup well. This means the simple drainback system could hook me up with most of my hot water and cut my electric bill by up to 1/3. Nice.
With the federal tax credits, the ROI makes sense as a home owner…both in energy savings and home value. I also think it improves the look of the neighborhood and sets a positive example, something I can’t wait to discuss with the architecture review board. Wish me luck!
If you’re interested in a solar hot water heater, you can check out some great online resources here, here, and here.
4 Responses to “A Solar Hot Water Solution Served Locally”
- 1 Pingback on Feb 28th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
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Solar hot water heaters will get more and more widely use in the future. Its the best way to save cost and energy. I just bought a solar water heater last 2 months ago. And my savings just increase to about 30%!
My husband and I are VERY interested - but what about the cost? Would you mind telling us how much it will cost you total?
I don’t have my papers with me, but it was ~$5000 up front. Then by applying for two different tax credits, I can receive ~$3000 back from big brother. So, in the end, it should be around ~$2000.
Basically, without those tax credits it would not be economically feasible. That’s why we all need to make sure the tax code doesn’t get changed (unless it’s for the better.)