Solar Water Heating: A Comprehensive Guide to Solar Water and Space Heating Systems
Archive for the ‘Discover Solar Hot Water’ category
Solar Water Heating: A Comprehensive Guide…
August 11th, 2009Solar Water Heating Payback
August 10th, 2009
One of the most common questions I hear is, “What is the payback period for a solar water heater?” While I do have accurate figures from numerous Maryland solar case studies, it is important to realize solar panel payback can be a rather complicated calculation and each home must be analyzed individually. Whether you are installing solar PV panels or solar thermal for water heating, the payback periods will depend on your specific scenario. That being said, one could over simplify the whole solar panel payback period topic by shedding light on the fact that it actually has a payback period while fossil fuel based alternatives do not. So, whether your solar panel payback period is 3 years or 7 years…at least you have a payback.
Fossil Fuels Solar Panels
-No Payback Period -A Payback Period
-High Levels of CO2 Emissions -Almost No CO2 Emissions
-Dependence On Energy Suppliers -Energy Independence
The Price Of Hot Water
August 9th, 2009
We are a nation of consumers and spenders. As new products, services and conveniences enter the marketplace we find ourselves adding to our list of needs. 15 years ago would you have considered your cell phone a need or an optional convenience? How about e-mail? As optional conveniences slowly shift into our needs column we begin to lose sight of what they are actually costing us. They become needs, have-to-haves, and we choose to ignore or justify the financial side effects.
Most of us would consider hot water a basic need, right? I know I do. The convenience that water heaters provide is of great value. How would you heat your water if you did not have a water heater? Showers, washing dishes and cleaning your home would become much more difficult. Utility companies fully understand the leverage they hold and are not the least bit hesitant to use it. They know you will pay whatever price they tell you to pay as long as you “need” the convenience that water heaters provide.
Solar water heaters do more than save money and reduce CO2 emissions. They fundamentally change how you consume. More specifically, how you consume energy. Instead of buying the convenience of hot water from your utility company (gas or electricity), you are utilizing the sun’s energy to heat your water. You are no longer at the mercy of your utility company.
DIY Solar Water Heater Assessment
August 7th, 2009Many of you already have this, but for those who don’t…Our Maryland Solar Water Heater Assessment is a great way to determine if your home is a good candidate for a solar water heater. Most Maryland homes are good candidates, but this do-it-yourself solar water heater assessment will help you know for sure.
Click this link to download: [download#3]
AtisSun in The Baltimore Sun
August 6th, 2009Solar panels to top ‘green’ measures at governor’s mansion
By Laura Smitherman and Meredith Cohn Baltimore Sun reporters
August 6, 2009
Read the full Baltimore Sun article by clicking here
Mark Bartlett, owner of AtisSun Inc., which installs solar panels, said he was thrilled at the idea of the panels being installed on Government House – and hopes that it encourages even more residents to do the same. “It’s fabulous, a great message,” he said.
More residents have warmed to the idea, especially as state and federal incentives can offset the cost of a typical residential solar thermal system by 60 percent. The solar program in Maryland has become so popular that the state ran out of money last year and had to put hundreds of people on a wait list.
“Forget cash for clunkers, this is cash for water,” Bartlett said. “It’s really a win-win. Homeowners save money, and the average house reduces its C02 emission by 2,000 pounds a year.”
