Understanding your solar thermal quote

If you’re thinking about installing a solar thermal system to heat water for your home, one of your first steps will be to obtain a quote. A quote will be your best tool in determining the price of equipment and installation. There are some variables that go into determining your quote; below are some of the factors that determine the final price of installing the system.

Your home’s hot water needs

Your solar thermal system will need to be sized properly to meet your household’s hot water demands. The size of the storage tank you’ll need will play a role in pricing.

• A 50 gallon tank and 1 collector is ideal for a 1 or 2 bedroom household
• A 80 gallon tank and 2 collectors is ideal for a 3 to 4 bedroom household
• A 120 gallon tank and 3 collectors is ideal for a 5 to 6 bedroom household

Depending on the weather conditions where you live, a solar thermal system may not be able to provide for all your hot water needs. In this case, you’ll need to have an electric or gas booster system to provide hot water during the periods where solar power isn’t sufficient. The cost of this booster hot water heater may be included in your quote if your existing systems need replacement or aren’t suitable.

The specifications of your home

Certain aspects of your home will determine how and where the solar thermal system can be installed, which can also affect price. Non-standard roofing materials or unstable areas of the roof may make your roof an unsuitable location for installing solar thermal panels. In this case, alternatives will be determined which can affect price. Also, if the design of your roof doesn't provide the ideal pitch or space, special mounting frames may need to be used, which will also be quoted.

Don’t rely on online estimates to price a solar thermal system, because many homes have special considerations, like those mentioned above, which will need to be evaluated when determining your quote. For a free quote, contact Smith Sustainable Design.