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

The advantages and disadvantages of solar hot water systems

Solar hot water systems are becoming a popular method for homeowners to harness the sun’s energy for use inside their homes. They are environmentally friendly and offer a clean energy option for your home’s hot water needs. Every home system has its advantages and disadvantages, so below we’ll take a look at those for solar hot water systems.

Advantages of solar hot water systems include:

• They generate free energy for use to heat water.
• They allow you to use a renewable energy source: the Sun.
• They are very cost effective in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
• Many incentives are available for homeowners who wish to install solar hot water systems.
• The payback period for the system is pretty low, at only about 5 years.
• The systems have low maintenance needs and costs.
• Lease options for solar hot water systems may be available to decrease installation costs.

Disadvantages of solar hot water systems include:

• The cost of installation is more than a conventional water heater.
• Some electricity or gas will be needed to fuel a backup system during winter months.
• The payback period isn't definite, it varies based on conditions in your area and the system’s exposure to sunlight.
• They offer a relatively low efficiency of the passive solar water heating systems available.
• They will need protection to prevent freezing as well as overheating.

Get the big picture about solar hot water systems before you make your purchase. The professionals at Smith Sustainable Design can answer any questions you may have, as well as provide more details regarding the advantages and disadvantages of installing a new solar hot water heater system for your home.

Ten myths about solar hot water heater systems

Don’t be discouraged from using solar hot water systems because of misinformation floating around. Make sure you have the facts, not fiction. Below are ten solar hot water myths and the truth about them

1. They don’t work when it’s cloudy

Even when it’s cloudy, there is solar energy available, and enough to use a solar hot water heater system.

2. They aren’t cost effective

Solar hot water heater systems have the best payback period of solar energy options. They also have a very long lifespan when properly maintained.

3. The home will have less hot water

Your solar hot water heater system can be designed to meet the hot water needs of your home, and you won’t have to sacrifice the amount of hot water you can access just to go solar. Many solar thermal systems are installed to use with another hot water system, like a conventional tank or tankless hot water heater, so you’ll always have the hot water you need.

4. They only work in the daytime

Just because the sun doesn't shine at night doesn't mean your solar hot water heater system won’t work at night. The work they do during the day allows the equipment to maintain water temperatures for use at night.

5. They won’t work in the winter

The outdoor temperature has nothing to do with the system’s ability to collect solar energy; the sun still shines in wintertime.

6. They’re cost prohibitive

Solar hot water heater systems aren't as expensive as you may expect. They cost much less than a solar photovoltaic installation, plus installing one can qualify you to receive a 30 percent federal tax credit which can help you offset the cost of installing the system.

7. They don’t make much of a difference to the environment

Below heating and cooling, hot water heating is the second largest consumer of energy in most homes. Solar hot water heater systems allow you to reduce energy use and eliminate the carbon emissions which are created by burning fossil fuels for energy.

8. They’re ugly

Solar thermal panels can be flush-mounted to your roof and don’t look much different than a skylight. They don’t stick out like some may think, and are even considered a status symbol as energy efficiency is in the forefront of our nation’s news.

9. They take up too much space

With the right designer, your solar hot water heater system doesn't have to use a lot of space. They can be installed using just a little more space than a conventional system.

10. They take a long time to install

Depending on the type of system you choose and your installation team, it will only take a few working days to complete.

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.

What to keep in mind when purchasing a solar hot water heater system

When purchasing a solar hot water system, it’s important to do your research and know the facts. There are a lot of factors which you must consider that will help you make the best investment for your home. Keep these factors in mind when investing in solar hot water.

1. Choosing cheap

Choosing the cheapest option isn’t always the wisest move. Cheap initially doesn’t always mean cheap in the long run, either. As with many other things, sometimes cheap is the opposite of quality. Choosing the cheapest option for installation can save you money in the beginning, but you may experience frequent repair needs, and the bills that go along with it. With extra expenses that add up well after installation, choosing a cheap solar hot water heater system can end up being much more expensive over time.

2. Consider your investment

Installing a solar hot water heater system is a significant investment for your household, and you’ll want to make the most of it. When evaluating equipment options, consider maintenance needs as well as the warranty you’ll receive. What is the expected life span of the equipment you’ve chosen? Is the warranty long enough to cover most of its operating life, or will you be left without protection after a few short years? That warranty can really make a difference, and protect you against expensive replacement component needs.

3. Protection                         

How will you protect your solar hot water heater system, and your investment? How does the system work to protect itself? Because of our cold winter months, homeowners in New Jersey and Pennsylvania should look for systems that are frost-protected and built for functioning even in low temperatures.

When choosing a new solar hot water heater system, you should consult a professional who can help you figure out what you need. Smith Sustainable Design’s team of solar thermal designers and installers are available to help you navigate the available options.

Tips for purchasing a solar hot water system

When choosing to go solar for your water heating needs, there are a number of factors you will need to consider to help you make the best decision. Installing these systems is a big investment for homeowners, and you want to be sure you are making the most of your investment. Before you purchase your new solar hot water system, follow these tips.

Decide if your site is right for solar

• Does your roof receive direct sunlight during peak hours year- round?
• Does your roof face south?
• Is your roof in good condition

Decide what type of solar hot water system meets your needs

• Learn how solar hot water systems work to determine which type is right for your needs
• Consider how you will protect the system during freezing temperatures
• Determine the capacity you will require

Contact a solar hot water system contractor

• Ask to receive an estimate for your home’s new solar hot water system
• Check your solar hot water system contractor’s references
• Find out about local permitting requirements and ask if the contractor will take care of obtaining them

Learn about rebates and incentives

• To take advantage of the federal tax credit, make sure the solar hot water system you’ve chosen qualifies
• Check with your state and local utility providers to see if they offer additional incentives for homeowners who install solar hot water systems

Consider future maintenance requirements

• Learn what steps need to be taken to properly maintain your solar hot water system
• Ask your solar hot water system contractor if they provide maintenance services
• Ask your solar hot water system contractor how often the system should be inspected and if inspections are necessary to comply with product warranties
• Learn about weatherization steps that may be necessary for your new solar hot water system