Solar Panel Kits and more...

Solar hot water is an easy , relatively inexpensive way for homeowners and businesses to reduce their utility bills and carbon footprint.  Heating water for residential and commercial uses (think hotels, breweries, nurseries and car washes) requires a great deal of power, which normally comes in the form of grid-based electricity or natural gas.  With a solar hot water system, radiant energy from the sun warms the water instead so that your hot water is basically free.

Residential solar hot water panels

Not that many people are familiar with solar hot water.  So, here’s a quick list of the truths and fictions regarding the cost of innovative renewable energy systems:

1.  Solar Power is too Expensive.  Compared to photovoltaic (PV) electric solar panels, most residential solar hot water systems are about $10,000 cheaper.  The cost of solar hot water systems for a home is between $7,000-9,000, but this is before federal, state and utility incentives and other rebates.  Here in Oregon, where I live, the State offers a $1,500 tax incentive, which is on top of the 30% tax incentive from the federal government.  In addition, utilities may throw in financial incentives, up to $1,200 of the cost.  Total all of these credits up, and you’ll save as much as $5,000 on a solar hot water system!

2. Solar Panel Systems Cost too Much to Maintain.   Actually, most solar hot water systems (and PV panels) basically operate without any intervention for years.  In other words, install and forget about it!

What will a solar hot water system cost you?

3.  The Return on Investment for Solar Power is not Worth It.  Want to know what your annual return on investment (ROI) for a solar hot water system might be?

Experts say the calculation is easy.  Simply multiply the size of your household by $100.  A family of 6 like mine will save $600 a year on energy costs.  On a $4,000 system (the cost after applying incentives above), that is a 15% ROI in the first year alone!

Talk about a wise investment!