Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Beyond the Basics
Solar Hot Water Systems
Please take a moment to educate yourself to some of the most important facts pertaining to Solar Hot Water Heating (SHWH) systems.
Financial benefits
A SHWH system is the most cost effective way to implement an alternative energy solution into every day American life. In northern climates, our system can provide all the domestic hot water needed for a family of four from May through October. From November to April, it will provide 25-30% of your hot water needs. Studies have shown that domestic hot water heating accounts for 20-30% of your total utility bill. By installing a SHWH system, you can immediately lower your bills. For the average family, this will be about $700 per year! In warmer climates, cost savings can be even greater!
Besides free domestic hot water, these systems can be easily upgraded to provide for effective supplemental space heating as well; bringing an even greater return on investment.
Environmental benefits
As a clean renewable energy technology, a SHWH system will also help reduce dependency on fossil fuels, no matter where they come from. By installing a SHWH system, the US Dept. of Energy estimates the average family can eliminate 2.5 tons of CO2 from the atmosphere each year!
Incentives
Because of the financial and environmental benefits, some states have recently passed legislation requiring the installation of these effective systems on all new construction projects as early as 2010. Federal and state governments are doing everything they can to encourage us to take advantage of this important technology. The federal government has led the way by offering up to 30% of the total system cost of these as a tax credit. Many states have tax credits of their own. New York has been a strong supporter of this technology and offers a tax credit of 25%. Visit www.dsireusa.org to see what other states are offering.
Implementation
If a SHWH system is so highly regarded, why isn’t it more widely implemented? That's what we wanted to know. After a year of research this is what we have found:
- It is often difficult to access and make sense of online product information.
- It is often difficult to figure out how to integrate different products from several suppliers to build a SHWH system.
- If you are able to locate all the components you need, shipping can be expensive.
- If you want to install a system yourself, it is difficult to get the technical support you need.
- If you are not a technical wizard and have to hire a certified installer, those costs can be as much as the whole system.
It occurred to us that we could help remove the road blocks hindering widespread implementation by providing:
- One package with all key components included.
- A mechanically simple "no frills" system with minimal maintenance issues for years of dependable service.
- A packaged system that a mechanically minded home or business owner could install. For those unqualified for DIY installation, any contractor or handyman could be utilized at a reasonably low rate, without the need for authorized installers.
- Local retail distribution, providing easy access, help with technical support and elimination of high shipping costs. (Our goal is to establish a network of independent retailers across the country.)
We believe that by incorporating these solutions, we can make products more accessible, increase awareness, education and support, and cut the overall set up costs for SHWH systems by 30-50%. We believe this is the necessary key to the widespread implementation of this important technology.
