|
Why Solar Hot Water?
Solar water heaters—also called solar domestic hot water systems—can be a cost-effective way to generate hot water for your home. They can be used in any climate, and the fuel they use—sunshine—is free.
- Reduce Monthly Utility Bills
- Environmentally Friendly
- Affordable
- Cash Incentives - Local, State, and Federal
How They Work
Solar water heating systems include storage tanks and solar collectors. There are two types of solar water heating systems: active, which have circulating pumps and controls, and passive, which don't.
Most solar water heaters require a well-insulated storage tank. Solar storage tanks have an additional outlet and inlet connected to and from the collector. In two-tank systems, the solar water heater preheats water before it enters the conventional water heater. In one-tank systems, the back-up heater is combined with the solar storage in one tank.
Active Systems
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Our active solar systems have circulating pumps and controls, and use ‘flat-plate’ solar collectors. These solar panels employ insulated metal boxes, copper pipes with black absorber plates, and glazing to produce hot water temperatures between 130o-160o F for domestic use. The system knows exactly when to turn on and off throughout each day and collects heat whenever it’s available. When sunlight hits the solar collector on the roof, the pump and controller are activated. The pump circulates the colder water through the collector, where it is warmed by the sun, and returns the heated water to the tank. The tank’s backup heating element automatically takes over if more hot water is needed, which ensures you will always have all the hot water you need. Because these systems circulate water through the collectors, they are better suited for producing large volumes of hot water. For that reason active solar systems are generally used for family homes and other high demand applications. Also, in homes that use the bulk of their hot water in the early morning and/or late at night these systems are extremely effective.
All Superior Solar systems meet or exceed all applicable national and local plumbing and building codes.
Download (PDF) the Active Domestic Hot Water Heater Operating Instructions
Passive Systems
Our passive solar systems have no pumps, controls, or moving parts. They consist of a self-contained, single unit system that integrates the solar collector and the storage tank. In most applications, it functions as a pre-heater to your existing conventional or tankless water heater. They require only local water pressure and natural solar radiation to operate. Once installed, the system will work automatically. As you use hot water, the solar pre-heated water is drawn down into the existing water heater, significantly reducing electrical or gas usage for water heating. Our systems are virtually maintenance free and feature a 25 year design life.
All Superior Solar systems meet or exceed all applicable national and local plumbing and building codes.
>>Back to top
 The Economics of a Solar Water Heater
Solar water heating systems usually cost more to purchase and install than conventional water heating systems. However, a solar water heater can usually save you money in the long run.
How much money you save depends on the following:
• The amount of hot water you use
• Your system's performance
• Your geographic location and solar resource
• Available financing and incentives
• The cost of conventional fuels (natural gas, oil, and electricity)
• The cost of the fuel you use for your backup water heating system, if you have one.
On average, if you install a solar water heater, your water heating bills should drop 50%–80%. Also, because the sun is free, you're protected from future fuel shortages and price hikes.
If you're building a new home or refinancing, the economics are even more attractive. Including the price of a solar water heater in a new 30-year mortgage usually amounts to between $13 and $20 per month. The federal income tax deduction for mortgage interest attributable to the solar system reduces that by about $3–$5 per month. So if your fuel savings are more than $15 per month, the solar investment is profitable immediately. On a monthly basis, you're saving more than you're paying.
>>Back to top
ACT NOW! Last Year For 30% Federal TAX CREDIT!
Review remaining Funding Balances for the Energy Act Programs
Residential Solar Incentive Programs
There are currently two government incentive programs that can help financially with the installation of both, solar domestic hot water and solar electric systems. The federal government offers an income tax credit and the State of Florida has recently initiated a rebate program.
New 30% Federal Solar Tax Credit
A new 30% Federal tax credit will be offered on all solar systems installed between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2008. For residential applications, there is a $2,000 cap; there is no cap for commercial applications. The complete cost of the system (equipment and installation) may be applied to the credit, although the credit applies to the basis remaining after the State of Florida rebate of $500.00 and applicable local utility incentive (typically $450.00) available to the taxpayer is taken. For solar water heating systems, any property qualifying for the credit must be SRCC certified (or other comparable certification endorsed by the state), and at least 50% of energy used by the system to heat water must come from the sun. All Superior Solar systems meet or exceed these qualifications.
The Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) website provides a searchable comprehensive database of state, local and utility based incentives. Visit their library to learn more about Federal tax credits and to access links to tax forms.
State Of Florida Solar Rebate Program
As part of the 2006 Florida Energy Act, the Solar Energy Systems Incentives Program is providing rebates for purchase and installation of solar energy systems in homes and businesses. Any resident of Florida who purchases and installs a new solar energy system from July 1, 2006, through June 30, 2010, is eligible for a rebate on a portion of the purchase price of that solar energy system. For more information or to download the Solar Energy Systems Incentives Program Rebate Application visit the Florida Department Of Environmental Protection (DEP) web site.
Local Solar Water Heater Rebate
Save money and save energy when you invest in a solar water heating system for your home and participate in this new program. For more information on the Progress Energy Solar Water Heater Rebate visit the Progress Energy web site.
>>Back to top
|
