As a solar installation company in the Maryland/Washington DC area, we get a lot of questions about residential solar hot water heaters. So, whether you are interested in a solar hot water heater for your home or you are doing a homework project for school…here are the 25 most frequently asked questions about residential solar hot water heaters.
Why Take The Risk, Hire A Solar Panel Specialist
October 7th, 2009 by Matthew Bartlett No comments »Continuing posts on Maryland solar panel installation tips…
It’s no secret that specialists typically provide you with better service, more experience and a superior end result. Whether your are hiring a roofing specialist to install a new roof, a computer security specialist to protect your important data, or a solar panel installation specialist to install your Maryland solar panels.
Warning! There are far too many companies in Maryland that “do it all” or “can install solar panels.” Just because a home improvement contractor or plumber can install solar panels does not mean they should. Selecting a Maryland solar panel installation company that specializes in the type of solar panel installation you are considering will ensure a properly sized and engineered solar installation that will last decades.
- You should work with a solar water heater specialist to install your Maryland solar water heater.
- You should work with a solar electric specialist to install your solar electric system.
Avoid home improvement companies or contractors that “do it all.” You will not get the same level of expertise and experience needed for a top quality solar panel installation. Why take the risk?…hire a Maryland solar panel installation specialist.
Don’t Make This Mistake – MD Solar Permitting
October 6th, 2009 by Matthew Bartlett No comments »Is a building permit required for a solar water heater installation?
The answer is YES. Actually, two permits are required for a solar water heater installation in Maryland. A building permit for the solar panels mounted on your roof and a plumbing permit to make the necessary plumbing connections. Do Not let any company tell you that no permits are required!
The next question to ask your solar panel installer is, “Are all necessary permits included in the solar installation price.” Inexperienced or unscrupulous solar panel installers may fail to mention you will have to pay an additional amount for building permits. These costs can add up. Inexperienced solar panel installers may not realize they need building permits and will end up charging you extra fees to cover this cost.
Also, to get your solar tax incentive money from the Government you need documentation that your installation was completed by a licensed solar installation professional. This includes documentation that the necessary permits were obtained. Don’t make the mistake of not getting your solar panel installation properly permitted and miss out on your tax incentive money!
Top 5 Reasons To Go Solar In Maryland
October 21st, 2009 by Matthew Bartlett No comments »Here are the top 5 reasons to go solar in Maryland…
- Maryland solar tax incentives Rank #4 in the country.
- Solar panels will dramatically reduce your energy costs. Whether you install a solar water heater or solar electric panels…you will save tens of thousands of dollars.
- Maryland’s sun exposure is terrific for solar (read this post on sun exposure).
- Solar will help you break ties with the utility company. This will give you more energy independence by securing your future energy costs.
- You will reduce significant amounts of CO2 emissions and leave a cleaner planet for future generations.
3 Solar Estimate Red Flags- How To Spot Them
October 23rd, 2009 by Matthew Bartlett No comments »
Here are 3 solar estimate red flags you need to know about if you are considering a Maryland solar installation.
1. Poor Specifications.
You should know what you are buying, right? I can’t tell you how many times people considering solar in Maryland hand me a solar installation estimate that lacks the necessary specifications and details. These people have no idea what they are actually buying! How many solar panels will be installed? What size tank comes with your new solar water heater? The point is…know what you are buying.
2. Failure To Include Required Solar Installation Permits.
Inexperienced solar installers forget or are not familiar with the required solar installation permits. Shady solar installers will intentionally leave out permits to reduce costs. This will cause a major problem for you (read this post on solar building permits).
3. Inflated Tax Incentive Expectations.
Maryland solar tax incentives are terrific, but don’t let a slick solar salesperson exaggerate the reality. Click here for Maryland solar tax incentive information.
The 2 Best Uses For Solar Energy In Maryland
November 7th, 2009 by Matthew Bartlett No comments »Maryland is a terrific place for solar energy. We are in a better location for solar energy than the top solar energy market in the world, Germany. Read more about how solar energy in Maryland compares to Germany…here
If you are starting your research into solar energy for your home, here the 2 most effective ways to utilize solar energy in Maryland.
Heating household water with solar energy.
Using solar energy in MD to heat household water is a good first steps towards more energy independence. Here is how solar hot water heaters use solar energy is used to heat water…Click on the image for the interactive video.
Generate electricity with solar energy.
Maryland is a great place solar photovoltaic or solar PV panels…here is how solar energy is converted to electricity. Click on the video below.
Solar Attic Fans- Hot Buyers Tips
April 19th, 2010 by Matthew Bartlett No comments »A high quality, properly installed solar attic fan will save you a ton of money and last for decades. If you are interested in solar powered attic ventilation, you should definitely check this out. When you sign up for our FREE Solar Attic Fan Tips Newsletter you’ll get everything you need to know about solar attic fans all in one place.
http://www.atissun.com/solar-attic-fans/solar-attic-fan-newsletter.html
Mid-Atlantic Region- A Great Place for Solar Panels
March 9th, 2010 by Matthew Bartlett No comments »I get this question all the time…
“Is the Mid-Atlantic region of the U.S. a good place for solar panels?”
Germany is one of the largest solar markets in the world and they do not have solar conditions as good as we do here in the United States.
The maps in the link below show the comparison. The darker colors represent more intense sun exposure. So, whether you are installing a solar water heater or a solar electric system, most of the U.S. is a great place.
Electric Vehicles Get $1 Million Boost in Maryland
March 8th, 2010 by Matthew Bartlett No comments »Program Available for State & Local Governments, Non-Profits and Private Entities
ANNAPOLIS, MD- The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) launched today the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program (EVIP) initiative to promote electric vehicles throughout the State and aid the installation of Electric Vehicle Recharging units and Truck Stop Electrification. The new program, run by MEA and the Maryland Clean Cities Coalition will provide $1 million this fiscal year in grants to state & local governments, nonprofits and private entities. This news comes on the heels of Governor Martin O’Malley introducing an Electric Vehicle Tax Credit bill during this legislative session. The proposed bill provides Maryland residents with up to $2,000 in tax incentives to help defray the upfront costs of purchasing electric vehicles.
“These grants represent the future of sustainable transportation,” remarked Governor O’Malley. “Today’s announcement is part of our long term commitment to lead by example in energy advancements and create cleaner, less expensive, and more fuel efficient transportation options for our citizens.”
The grants will assist organizations in purchasing and installing Electric Vehicle Recharging units and Truck Stop Electrification systems. Several plug-in electric vehicles are expected to be commercially available later this year, including the Chevy Volt and the Nissan Leaf. These vechicles will reduce the amount of liquid petroleum utilized in the state while also reducing our carbon footprint and promoting energy independence. Interested parties may download the application from the MEA website at www.energy.maryland.gov.
“The Maryland Energy Administration is thrilled to be able to partner with Clean Cities to make continued strides in promoting electric vehicles and accelerate our transition to a cleaner energy future,” commented MEA Director Malcolm Woolf, “Maryland is moving to take advantage of this exciting technology, which promises to reduce fuel bills, improve air quality, and reduce our dependence on oil imports.”
Introduced by Governor Martin O’Malley in October 2008, Smart, Green & Growing was created to foster a smarter, greener, more sustainable future for Maryland families. The Initiative is bringing together state agencies, local governments, businesses and citizens to revitalize communities, improve transit, create green jobs, address climate change, conserve energy, preserve land, and restore the Chesapeake Bay.
Bill Gates on Energy
March 7th, 2010 by Matthew Bartlett No comments »Bill Gates on energy…good video.
