Water Heating - the OTHER Solar Power
Contributed by Kristen Ferguson, New England Breeze Solar
To a lot of folks "Going Solar" conjures up visions of shiny solar electric panels gleaming in the sun. Solar panels are considered sexy, sleek and modern. We seldom think of their larger yet more efficient relative - the solar collector for water heating. With a lower upfront cost and greater efficiency than solar electric systems, solar water heating systems remain the unsung hero of the renewable energy world.
About 18% of our total home energy consumption goes to heat water. A solar water heating system can provide 50-75% of our annual hot water usage. During a twenty-year period, one solar water heater can avoid more than 50 tons of carbon dioxide emissions! And most solar water heaters will last at least forty or more years. Many solar systems installed in the seventies (when President Carter installed his on the White House) are still functioning well today. The technology is simple yet robust with an affordable upfront cost.
Systems for households of six people or less cost about $10,000- $12,000 to install. This is less than half the cost of an average residential solar electric system. Massachusetts has recently announced a new rebate to provide about 10% of the system cost. There is a $1,000 state tax credit and a federal tax credit for 30% of the system cost. The net cost to install a solar water heating system is less than $7,000.
Although a solar water heater costs more than a conventional water heater, heating with solar will save you money in the long term. Solar water heating systems are most cost-effective if you are heating with more expensive fuels such as electricity, propane, and oil heat. At today's fuel prices, you will realize savings of up to $400 per year. Install a low flow (yet surprisingly powerful) shower head for another $300 in annual energy savings. Keep in mind too that today's electricity prices are about 85% higher than they were twenty years ago, so a solar investment gets sweeter each year.
Ready to learn more? If you heat your water with oil, propane or electricity, have more than three people in the home and have relatively shade free southern exposure, you are an EXCELLENT candidate for solar water heating. Start by contacting your electricity provider to find out if you qualify for free or discounted rates for an energy audit, and ask about your eligibility for the HEAT loan - a 0% loan for up to $15,000 towards a solar water heating system. Then contact your local solar installer to schedule a visit to the home to evaluate the solar potential.
Solar Water Heating - more to love!
About New England Breeze Solar
New England Breeze Solar specializes in residential installations of solar electric and solar water heating systems in central Massachusetts.
