Why Solar

Solar Thermal Systems

Good for the environment. Solar thermal systems convert the sun’s energy to heat which is used to offset energy loads typically provided by natural gas and electricity. Solar thermal systems have many applications including hot water heating, space heating, and pool heating. Many homeowners don’t realize that 15%-20% of a typical household’s energy budget is consumed by heating hot water that they use for showers, washing dishes, and laundry. By installing a solar thermal system a homeowner will reduce combustion-related emissions and the need for new fossil fuel infrastructure.

Solar thermal is affordable. Because free energy from the sun makes the operating costs of a solar hot water system very small, the life cycle costs of a solar system will be much lower than a stand alone conventional water heater. The pay-off date, the day in which you have offset the cost of installation with money saved, is typically within 5 to 10 years for solar water heating systems when taking advantage of government incentives.

Solar water heating is the most cost effective solar energy application. Solar water collectors are much more efficient per square foot and produce more energy per dollar invested than solar electric systems. Because they require less space and cost substantially less than a solar electric system producing the same amount of energy, solar hot water systems are a great first investment for a homeowner or business interested in lowering their energy costs and impact on the environment. Although solar water heaters can supply 100% of a building’s hot water needs, in most cases the quickest payback is realized from sizing the system to displace 50% to 90% of the load. Click here to view: Total Energy Expenitures in U.S. households by Northeast.

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