And with the wide range of financial incentives for qualifying models, including federal tax credits, rebates from states as part of the $300 million cash for clunkers for appliances rebate program, and perks from utility companies (click on your state on the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency's map), it's no surprise that more Americans are looking into installing a solar water heater at home. While there were 87,000 solar-hot-water systems installed from 1993 to 2008, an estimated 20,500 of those went in 2008 alone, according industry figures.
If you're considering converting to a solar-water-heater system, read our October 2009 report on these appliances (available to subscribers) to determine whether it makes sense to install one of these devices at your home. The photo shows a unit we tested being installed on the roof of our headquarters.
Hiring the right pro is an essential part of the process. A top-notch contractor can help you get the most savings from a solar water heater by properly sizing and installing the system. What's more, to qualify for many tax credits and other incentives, you'll need a documented, professional installation.
The contractor will size the system, accounting for your family's hot-water needs as well as for rooftop space. He'll also determine whether you need to cut down any trees that obstruct sunlight. Read our "Neighbor Wars" in case you have to deal with any conflicts with the folks next door.
The pro should also handle getting any permits you need, properly orient the solar collectors, and check on other requirements, including adding more roof support if needed—some solar water heaters with a roof-based tank can weigh several hundred pounds when full.
The contractor pro should also supply you with the documentation you need for financial incentives, such as certification from Energy Star or the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation.
Finally, make sure the contractor backs up his work with a warranty, and decide whether you want an annual service contract, which will cost $200 to $300. If you're not willing to monitor the system yourself, a service plan might be a worthwhile investment.
To find a certified solar-thermal installer, consult the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners' Web site. Be sure any contractor you consider is licensed, bonded, and insured.
Essential information: Learn how to use less energy at home and visit our Energy Saving & Green Living guide.
One thing that always gets me with cost-savings predictions is that they assume everyone is in the same place for the entire year. With America's population getting older and richer, some large proportion must be either maintaining two homes (one for summer and one for winter) or at least staying part of the year in alternate accommodation.
My cottage needs a fridge and hot water heater, but as it is only used a few months of the year, the running costs are far less important than would be assumed. In fact, it is the up-front cost that matters most.
While my city home can't easily take advantage of solar, my cottage could. But the payback would be forever.
I really admire this post, it's very inspirational. Just recently I replaced my old, gas-powered water heater with indirect Wiesseman Vitocell-300 model. Quite an amount spent, but in a long run, I convinced, this will be a very good investment. This particular model advantage is the tank has another coil to be connected to solar power collectors. Here are details and pictures in my blog www.greenathome.ca/?p=195. Though, I'm not promoting particular vendor, just green approach to life and home. I'm looking for future installing of solar collectors and using boiler only as a backup option.
Great Post. You give us a good knowledge about solar water heater, it's very useful for me, thanks for information. I also have a solar water heater website, you can visit on http://www.solarmaxx.co.in/
Thanks
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