09-13-2012, 01:43 PM
quote:
Originally posted by GuitarDude
I have been reading through the solar water heater comments on this thread & have a question. Are these systems on properties that are on the grid? If so how much $$ do you estimate that's saved on your helco bill? I hadn't put much thought into a solar hot water system, but this has me thinking. Thx. Steve
The number that is thrown around for "how much do you save" with a solar hot water heater varies so much because hot water usage varies so much by family, but the figure I hear the most is "about a hundred bucks" a month. The "net" cost of installation is about $1,700 after rebates and tax credits, so using the $100 figure it takes less than 2 years for the system to pay for itself and then you've got free hot water for life. Unlike PV (electrical) systems that are always subject to technological breakthroughs that will either dramatically lower cost or raise efficiency, making "is now the right time to buy them" always a gamble, solar hot water heater systems are already as efficient as they need to be (refer to my previous post regarding we never run out of hot water) or are going to get in the near future, so now probably really is the best time to get them while the rebates and tax credits are still in place. Even if you are wrong, by the time that changes it will probably be 2 years from now and your system will already be paid for and you're enjoying free hot water anyway. Depending on who's figures you believe the average electricity bill (with a home with electrical hot water) is between 25-37% used for heating water. Amazing that a $1,700 investment can make that percentage GO AWAY.
Edited to add, we are on the grid.