Gas heater "on demand" vs Solahart

[StillHope]

I need to decide now and I need help to do so.
My builder told me that for one person who doesn't run major appliances gas heater " on demand" is better than Solahart.
I don't know how big my gas and electric bill will be in Puna,but currently it is less than $50.I don't use dryer,AC or dish washer .
Otherwise I don't restrict myself in energy spending-just use as much as I need.No more,no less.

I know that in the long run Solahart does make sense.But how long is the "run"?
I would really appreciate any thoughts on the subject.Thank you in advance.

[Kelena]

StillHope,

Congratulations on doing without a dryer or a dishwasher. I am genetically incapable of washing dishes or hanging up clothes, so I would have a hard time doing without either (I do other stuff like garden, walk dogs, make romantic dinners, or bring home bacon or its soy-equivalent).

I'm told that electric bills are triple what they are on the mainland. So be prepared for that.

Your space is suited for one or two people so you might be able to get by with a nice Paloma "on demand". I think they are much cheaper than the Solarharts. Check the other thread on Solarhart payback estimates, keeping in mind that solar is very quickly going to make economic sense as well as ecological sense. Oil is heading for $200 a barrel real quick. Suddenly, solar will seem very chea.

I think I might go with a Paloma because of the size of the space. Do your due diligence on "on demand" heater interaction with catchment and any possible problems associated with that. My nephew told me there could be an issue with it, but others have said there is not.

[StillHope]

Glen,I'll teach you to wash dishes and you teach me the bacon thing.Deal?
I hope I will not have to deal with catchment,but only if there will be no problem with well drilling,because I definitely can not afford multiple attempts.

[Guest]

I thought everyone in Seaview was on Catchment or they transported the water in by Water Trucks at a high cost.

Has anyone ever drilled for water in Seaview?

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Lower your expectations and be ready for anything.

[David M]

How about if you plan your plumbing to use on demand now but piping etc is in place for future solar installation at minimal cost? If I had my ideal system, it would be solar with gas on demand backup.

David

Ninole Resident

[StillHope]

David,can you be more specific about the piping in place?

[David M]

Sure. Basically, tell your builder/plumber you wish to add solar at a future date and have them locate the cold line so it would be easy to extend from the on demand to the solar without major rework and likewise the hot from the solar would tie in to existing, utilizing the on demand as backup. Shouldn't be too difficult if planned up front. Hopefully your plumber will be familiar with both.

David

Ninole Resident

[StillHope]

Thanks,David.Cut,pasted,e-mailed,memorized.

[Scott the Plumber]

StillHope,

As a Hawaii plumbing contractor I would recommend a propane on demand water heater. The SolaHart system is good but for your limited use I think you are better off with the on demand. One of the drawbacks to solar panels is that the hotter the water gets in the panel the faster the panels deteriorate. Since your hot water use will be somewhat limited the panel life will be affected by the infrequent use of hot water. Perhaps cutting the panel life from 15 years to 12 or so. Currently, there is one on demand tankless unit that uses no electricity at all, not even for ignition. This may be a nice option for you and would help with some energy savings.

scott@windwardplumbing.com

[StillHope]

So far most of the posts were in favor of the solahart.
Now what? Any comment on Scott the Plumber's opinion?
Sounds very reasonable.But what do I know?