The advantages and disadvantages of solar thermal systems

Solar thermal systems are becoming a popular method for heating hot water for homes and businesses around the world. Like with any equipment choice, there are advantages and disadvantages to using them. Let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of solar thermal systems below.

Solar thermal advantages

• Solar thermal utilizes a free and renewable energy source- the Sun.
• Using a solar thermal system reduces your dependence on fossil fuels as well as expensive foreign oil.
• In sunny, Pennsylvania and New Jersey climate, solar thermal systems can be very cost effective.
• There are some beneficial incentives available for those who choose to install solar thermal systems at home.
• Solar thermal systems have relatively short payback periods compared to other renewable energy systems like solar photovoltaic and geothermal systems.
• Depending on what’s available where you live, you may have the option to lease solar thermal technology, reducing the installation costs of the system.

Solar thermal disadvantages

• Solar thermal systems typically have higher upfront installation costs compared to conventional hot water heater systems.
• In many areas, it may still be necessary to have a backup hot water heater in place, which will use gas or electricity.
• Your payback period will vary based on the regional sunlight exposure you experience.
• Solar thermal systems have lower efficiencies compared to other renewable energy systems like photovoltaic solar and geothermal systems.
• Solar thermal systems will need protection to withstand overheating and extreme cold temperatures.

Use solar heat for pools and spas

Solar water heating can be used in a number of applications, not just to produce hot water for use inside your home. In fact, the majority of solar heat systems installed in the United States are used for pool and spa heating. Solar heaters for pools are often the most cost effective way to heat these amenities.

Solar heat systems for pools and spas are composed of simple technology that requires very little maintenance for homeowners. Solar heat systems for pools really help homeowners cut back on energy use, limit their demand for fossil fuels, and cut greenhouse gas emissions.

There are other steps homeowners can take to enhance the efficiency of solar heat systems. Insulated pool covers can prevent heat loss, and retain more of the heat produced by the pool’s solar heat system. Bubble covers are less expensive, but can allow more heat to be lost.

When designing a solar heat system for a home’s pool or spa, a number of factors must be considered to ensure the system provides appropriately. Collectors must be sized appropriately to ensure the system can adequately heat the water. Below are some of the factors a solar heat system installer should evaluate when designing a new pool heating system:

• The size of the pool
• The amount of months the pool will be in use each year
• The temperature preferences of pool users
• The amount of sunlight the home site receives

Homeowners interested in exploring solar heat system options for pools and spas should contact Smith Sustainable Design. Our skilled experts are available to answer questions about solar heat systems and pool and spa installation applications.

Solar hot water heaters create efficient homes

The average household in the United States spends about 11 percent of its energy budget on hot water heating. Investigating energy efficient water heating options can help homeowners decrease their energy spending by making better use of the energy they consume. Solar hot water heaters are a valuable option which can help homeowners decrease or even eliminate their hot water energy expenses.

Solar hot water heaters also benefit the environment. By not burning fossil fuels, they reduce the amount of carbon and greenhouse gas emissions produced by one’s home. Making the move towards energy efficiency by installing a solar hot water heater system not only saves you money, but will help save the planet.

A household can use solar hot water heater systems for all their hot water needs. Heat water for showers as well as other household needs. The dishwasher, kitchen sink, and washing machine all use hot water, which can be produced by the home’s solar hot water heater system instead of a conventional hot water heater system.

Homeowners can further improve the efficiency of these systems in a number of ways. Reducing the home’s hot water demand is one way to use less energy. Energy saved in one way can then be used to power other necessities around the home.

When installing a solar hot water system, take a few steps to help conserve the hot water that will be produced. Installing low-flow fixtures throughout the home can cut a household’s hot water use. Also, setting the hot water thermostat to 120 degrees can reduce the amount of energy needed to heat water while still keeping water at a comfortable temperature. Insulating the hot water storage tank can prevent heat loss and save more of the energy produced by the solar hot water heater system.

Tips for purchasing a solar hot water system

If you’re considering purchasing a solar hot water system for use in your home, keep these tips in mind as you go through the purchasing process.

Determine if your home site is suitable for installation

Most solar collectors which work with solar hot water systems will be mounted on the roof of a home. Ideally, your roof should have the following qualities:

• Your roof should have direct exposure to sunlight between 10 am and 3 pm
• Your roof should face South
• Your roof and roofing materials should be in good condition

Determine which system type is best to meet your needs

Consult a solar contractor for help navigating the available options and determining which is best suited for meeting your needs.

• Research how solar hot water systems work so you can ask your installer questions about the different collector types and circulation systems available to you
• Consider your area’s climate to determine if some systems are better than others in freezing temperatures
• Estimate the size needed to provide for your home’s hot water needs

Learn about rebates and tax credits

There are programs which may be available to you that can help offset the cost of installing a solar hot water system.

• Research federal tax credits, which can equal up to 30 percent of the installation cost
• Find out if your state or local government, or utility provider offers tax incentives or rebates for installing high efficiency solar hot water systems

Learn more about ongoing maintenance needs

Your new solar hot water system will need some maintenance to ensure peak performance and equipment longevity.

• Ask your solar installer how frequently maintenance should be performed and what steps you can routinely take to protect your equipment