Solar Water Heating – The “Other” Solar

These days, everyone is thinking about ways to reduce their carbon footprint and do their part to conserve our natural resources. Solar is in the news, with bigger and more powerful systems going online every day. Most of the fanfare is centered around large photovoltaic (PV) systems that produce electricity. People are enamored with the idea of generating their own power and reducing their reliance on the power grid. And while PV is a great first choice for some, in most cases, solar water heating is a better way to get started with solar energy.

Sure, to some they’re not as alluring as their PV cousins, but today’s solar water heating systems have come a long way in terms of aesthetics, and they require almost no maintenance. So they are both easy to own and inexpensive to operate. And with about 25% of the average home’s energy usage devoted to heating water, a solar water heating system will usually provide the most “bang for your buck” of any renewable energy system, from both a financial and an environmental standpoint.

Still not convinced solar water heating is a hot choice in renewable energy? Through December 2008, both the State of North Carolina and the federal government are offering generous tax credits to those of us who install quality solar water heating systems on our homes and businesses. Yes, that’s “credit,” as in a direct reduction of your tax bill – sounds pretty good this time of year, doesn’t it?. Combined, these tax credits will offset the cost of the average system by close to 50%! With these incentives, most systems pay for themselves within about 7 years – after that, the energy they produce is free, and the savings they create go straight to your wallet.

Solar technologies will add substantial value to your home. In a recent Roper survey, 50% of Americans said they’d pay up to ten percent more for a solar-equipped home. And as energy prices continue to rise, it makes sense that more and more people will be willing to pay a premium for homes that help protect them from ever-increasing utility bills. Solar water heating systems will do just that, and since the expected life-span of the typical system is somewhere in the 30-year range, those savings will just keep growing.

Already an unbeatable investment, solar water heating is especially attractive if you’re purchasing or refinancing a home, because you’ll save more money on your utility bill than the increase in your monthly mortgage payment. That means your system will actually generate positive cash flow from day one, and you’ll add more money to your bottom line every month.

So what kinds of things should you be thinking about when you decide to invest in a solar system? The first thing you want to determine is whether your site gets good solar exposure. A southernish-facing roof with no shading is the best scenario, but not an absolute requirement. As long as you have a spot that gets direct sunlight for at least four hours a day and is large enough to hold your system (usually around 64 square feet), you should be able to find a solar solution that works for you.

You’ll also want to find a reputable contractor to design and install the system that’s just right for your home. Make sure they’re fully licensed and insured, and that they warrant and service everything they sell. Ask for references, and make sure they have a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee. With the right partner, investing in solar hot water is a sure thing!

Once your system is up and running, you’ll feel good knowing you’re doing your part to reduce greenhouse gas emissions – not to mention your power bill! And if you act now, you could even see a welcome reduction on next year’s tax bill – saving money, saving energy and saving the environment – doesn’t get much better than that.

And don’t worry about cold showers: your hot water system would rely on solar energy, but would also have back-up power in case the weather became cloudy for a few days, or you drained your hot water tank.