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+--- Thread: Solar Water Heater Recommendation (/showthread.php?tid=9837)
Solar Water Heater Recommendation - JerryCarr - 01-29-2012
We have decided to install a solar water heater here at our place in central HPP. Can anyone recommend a good company to do this? Of course we want good equipment and installation, but we also want someone who is certified and helpful with the tax and rebate situation.
I did a search, but nothing recent came up. Any suggestions? Thanks!
RE: Solar Water Heater Recommendation - macuu222 - 01-29-2012
I'd be interested in knowing also for future possibilties....and what it would cost also. But I believe that the tax rebate part was eliminated starting this January 1
RE: Solar Water Heater Recommendation - Obie - 01-29-2012
John Gapp at Drainpipe Plumbing and Solar did mine last year.They are located in HPP off of Makuu.
John explained everything upfront and I am completely happy.I turned off the electric to the water heater last April and only once came close to running out of hot water.
The $1500 rebate from Helco has expired.A rebate of $750 may still be available.
Call John at 966-9002
http://www.drainpipeplumbing.com/index.htm
RE: Solar Water Heater Recommendation - cjmbuffalo - 01-29-2012
I got a bid from them (Drainpipe) which was $5K after the $750 rebate. That was for 2 panels and a 80 gal tank and all labor. The state and the feds still give a tax credit of 30% of the cost up to $2250 max. So that is helpful if you have income coming in. They said they could install in one day. First Hawaiian Bank has a 5 year, 0% interest program to finance the system if you want to go that way.
RE: Solar Water Heater Recommendation - steve1 - 01-29-2012
Whatever company you decide to go with you may want to make sure to identify (in writing preferably) which side of the roof it will be located on and if there will be additional brackets added to tilt the panels toward the sun- particularly for winter. Many houses in HPP are oriented with the corners facing south, and the roof pitch to solar angle may be within Hawaii State standards but that does not mean you will get much benefit in winter.
As you drive around Puna and look at solar installations you will see that most collectors are mounted flush to the roof (cheaper) but every now and then you see some where the collectors are raised up and tilted for better solar gain.
As far as the warranty goes our 80 gal SunEarth tank began to leak after a couple of years and it was replaced under warranty but we had to pay the installers over $200 more for labor, even though it looks like the manufacturers website implies they reimburse the installers for labor.
If I had to do it over again I would probably get at least 3 bids and ask for sketches showing exactly how the installation will be performed in relation to solar pitch and angle of orientation to the sun.
RE: Solar Water Heater Recommendation - Bill - 01-30-2012
I agree with Obie. Drainpipe put ours in around three years ago, and I have been extremely happy with the results. Electric bill went down about 40%.
I followed up with solar electric panels (16) this winter with Revolsun and my power bill is now around $20/month.
Bill