Solar electricity or solar hot water?

If you are thinking about installing a solar panel system on your home, you may be wondering whether solar electricity or solar hot water is the way to go.  There are probably several factors that you are thinking about:

• Cost
• Efficiency
• Appearance
• Return on investment
• Energy savings
• Tax rebates and incentives

Comparing solar electricity (photovoltaic, or PV panels) to solar hot water systems, you can stand to save a lot of money with both.  In general, solar photovoltaic panels generate electricity for use throughout your home.  Using PV panels, you draw less on the grid and pay less to your electrical utility.  On the other hand, solar thermal panels save you money on the energy required to heat water for domestic use – bathing, washing dishes, laundry and more.

Here is a brief introduction to solar hot water:

For homeowners considering solar, solar hot water is less expensive than solar electricity systems.  In fact, many people make the switch to solar by going with solar thermal panels, rather than PV panels.  As a result, the return on investment for solar hot water is shorter than for traditional solar panels (5-8 years, compared to 10-15 years).

On the other hand, solar PV panels can save you significantly more money and energy over the life of a system.  Plus, with grid-tied systems, you can get credit on your utility bill for excess solar power generated via net metering.  Because all water heated with a solar hot water system is used on-site, there is no opportunity to extend your savings by selling excess solar-heated water to your community.

There are currently more options for financing solar PV panels than solar hot water systems, including solar panel leasing.  But both types of solar panels boost the value of your home and help you reduce your carbon footprint, while saving you money on your monthly utility bills.

So – whether you switch to solar electricity or solar hot water, you’re making a smart investment.  What would you do?

Solar hot water, also known as solar thermal systems (or solar thermal panels), use energy from the sun to heat water for domestic uses without the need for electricity.  For homes and commercial operations that require heated water, a solar thermal system could be just the thing to help significantly trim monthly expenses.

Solar thermal collectors

Once you have a solar hot water system and are not paying for electricity to heat your water, let’s talk about saving even more energy and money.  How can you do that?  By using less hot water, of course!

1.  Go with low-flow shower heads.  A nice hot shower is relaxing, but let’s talk about saving water and energy!  Today’s low-flow models are so efficient and advanced, you might not even believe you are saving money.

2.  Reduce the thermostat on  your hot water tank.  Whether you have young children or not, turn down the maximum heat for your hot water.  A few degrees lower will use significantly less energy over a month or a year.

3.  Use hot water during off-peak periods.  Demands for electricity, and hot water, are highest at the beginning and end of the day.  If possible, delay your shower until mid-day (maybe go to work until noon, then exercise and shower afterward?).  Set your dishwasher and washing machine on a delay setting, and wait until you arrive home in early evening to start your appliances.

Solar thermal systems generally work as follows:  Sunlight heats glycol (an antifreeze solution) in the panels’ tubing.  The tubing is connected to a hot water tank with a pump that circulates the glycol to heat the water throughout the system.  As water is drained from your hot water tank, new solar hot water is replaced/pumped into the tank.

Solar thermal panels work, regardless of whether you have bright sunlight.  Even a cloudy day offers enough light to create heat for a solar hot water system!

Solar Washer and Dryer

While a solar powered clothes dryer has been around for centuries – in one form or another – a solar powered washer and dryer runs on solar electricity and can save you money.

Miele & Solvis offers a new SmartGrid-ready washer and dryer. Not only do these appliances run on solar power, but the SmartGrid can help pinpoint the cheapest times of day to run on grid-based power when the sun is not shining!

The solar powered washer and dryer are characterized by these main points:

• Convenience
• Ability to determine the least expensive electricity rates and then start washer and dyers when the cost is at its lowest
• Solar power usage

Heat for the solar powered dryers is generated by solar-thermal collectors, which are usually used for solar hot water.  Unlike solar electricity, the collectors involve a freeze-protected fluid, which transfers thermal heat from the sun to water.  A storage tank is connected to the dryer with 4 pipes: solar heated water is transferred to the dryer which then heats up the air in the tumbler. Cool water is then piped back to the heating system. Once heated again, it goes back to the tumbler and its heat is used to remove water from clothes. This process continues, till the time all the clothes in the tumbler are dried. The best part of the system is that is makes use of less water, since water is recycled every time it is used to dry clothes. Because the system uses solar heat to heat water, energy is saved which further reduces the carbon footprint.

The solar powered washer and dryer uses conventional sources of electricity during cold winter months.   Yet, the system’s designers claim that the machine can cut operating costs up to 50% compared to a conventional dryer and will offer an 80% reduction compared to standard condenser dryers.

Solar pool heaters are easy to install and inexpensive

Solar pool heaters are an easy-to-install, clean and environmentally friendly way to extend your outdoor pool season.  Many people heat their outdoor pools with natural gas, propane, heating oil or electric heat pumps.  Among these options, heating your pool with solar power is the least expensive option – from initial purchase and installation, to the fact that solar pool heaters are inexpensive to maintain.  Perhaps most importantly – solar power is free!

Unlike gas, propane or heating oil heaters, you will not need a gas contractor to hook up or service solar hot water heaters for your swimming pool.  Nor do you need an electrician.  In fact, solar pool heaters are an easy, DIY home improvement that can be installed in a day, or less.  When you order a solar kit, all you should need is some pvc pipe and glue.  Simply use a hacksaw and screwdriver to install your system, then enjoy free solar heated water!

Solar pool heaters use a number of small black hoses that are formed together in solid EPDM rubber mats. The solar mats can be mounted in a south-facing rooftop, or laid on the ground.  Alternatively, they can be installed on plywood, angled toward the sun.  Collector tubes, comprised of pvc pipe, form the top and bottom of the solar mats.  As the water flows through the tubes, it is warmed by sunlight, then distributed back through solar collectors, to the swimming pool.  The simple system helps homeowners save on the cost of solar heat for outdoor pools. From a three-way valve, each pass of the filtered water through the solar collectors returns water that has been heated by 5-15 degrees.

Some solar pool heater systems can be installed within a single day.  No need for professionals – this DIY solar power system can be up and running before your Saturday is over.

Solar pool heaters can be a simple, DIY homeowner installation. All you have to do is strap the solar mats to your roof, bolt them down the headers, and run pvc pipe up the side of the house to the collectors.  From there, run the pipe back down to the pool.

If you don’t have rooftop space, you can build plywood platforms, or install the solar panels on the ground, provided you place them at an angle to face the sun.

Why not extend your outdoor pool season with solar pool heaters this year?

Solar powered outdoor shower

Looking for a comfortable way to rinse off outside after a swim, a run, or a dip in the pool?

Have you considered a solar powered outdoor shower?  You can save electricity for a pump and, if you go with one of the models shown above, there is no installation required.  No piping, no contractors, just a nice warm shower to enjoy outdoors.

You can install a DIY solar powered outdoor shower with the steps below:

1.  Find an appropriate location

Most people that shower desire some privacy.  Look for a place that is away from windows, and, ideally, concealed with landscaping.  You will need the outdoor shower to be within a reasonable distance of the hose pipe.

2.  Set the hose pipe

You will need to connect the shower to a hose, which will supply the water.  One end will be tied to the valve/tap and the other will end at the shower area.  Use a shut-off coupler on the end of the hose pipe, and make sure it is reachable.

3.  Pressure Welded Studs

If you would like to have a base for the shower (as opposed to a free standing solar powered outdoor shower as shown above), use two pressure-welded studs on a square frame.  This will add weight and stability to the base.  Then, install wood slats within the frame, with some space between each piece to let the water drain through.

4.  Pressure Treated Studs

For this semi-enclosed outdoor shower, attach 4 pressure treated studs, about 6-7 foot long and screw them to the corners of the shower base (which you completed above).  Afterward, tie them together at the top with pressure treated pipes. Some people like to put a top and/or sides on their outdoor shower, but I think they are nice without one.  If you desire, you may install a glass roof or side walls with screws.

5.  Use a Utility Hook

For this completely DIY solar powered outdoor shower, you will now need to install a utility hook on the top of the shower roof in the center and then attach a sprinkler head in the center of the shower base joining the utility hook.

6.  Before Showering

To use solar heated water, you will want to fill up a water can and allow it to warm in the sunlight before showering.  Make sure the shut off valve at the opposite end is closed.  When you are ready for a nice solar powered shower, just turn on the faucet and enjoy!

Jimmy Carter was the first President to install solar panels on the White House

After a long push by a number of organizations to encourage the Obama administration to go solar, the federal government finally agreed to set aside security concerns in the name of clean, green energy.  But the promise to install solar panels on the White House may have been nothing more than a pipe dream.

Specifically, the Department of Energy Secretary, Steven Chu, had promised that PV solar panels (for electricity) and a solar hot water heater would be on the roof of the White House “by the end of this spring.”  Sadly, even though the first day of summer was 2 years ago, the White House is still missing its solar panels.

Even though solar panels have not yet been installed on the White House, the Obama Administration stated this week that the solar panels are still coming. Ramamoorthy Ramesh, director of solar energy technologies at the Department of Energy, wrote in a long blog post:

The Energy Department remains on the path to complete the White House solar demonstration project, in keeping with our commitment, and we look forward to sharing more information—including additional details on the timing of this project—after the competitive procurement process is completed.

Isn’t it high time that our government leads by example with respect to renewable energy?

Solar hot water panels installed on a home

One of the most affordable ways to switch to solar power is with a solar hot water system.  Instead of generating electricity, solar thermal panels heat water using sunlight, no matter what the temperature is outside.  Solar water heating is perfect not only for residences, but also commercial uses including hotels, car washes, nurseries and even breweries.

These systems are also ideal for heating swimming pools and spas.  In fact, during our recent visit to the sunny desert Southwest, I wondered why more properties did not rely on solar thermal panels for outdoor water recreation.

A lot of energy is required to heat water for washing dishes, laundry and bathing.  With a solar hot water system, hot water is “free,” and much less expensive.  You’ll watch your electricity or natural gas bills drop dramatically after installing solar water heating.

Solar hot water systems do require an initial investment, but property owners report savings of 50-80% on their energy bills as a result.  Not only that, but you don’t have to worry about rising utility costs over time.  Your solar hot water will always cost the same after installation…. free!  Solar thermal panels also are eco-friendly, with no greenhouse gas emissions.

While there are a number of DIY instructional videos and websites on the Internet, most people recommend hiring an expert to help you both determine the type of solar hot water system to install and to actually perform the installation.  Costs of solar hot water range from $500-$10,000 for homeowners, depending on the type of system and other requirements.

For more information about the different types of solar hot water systems and solar thermal panels, click here.

A new solar thermal rebate program in Massachusetts will lower the cost of this renewable energy system even more.

Solar Thermal Panels Heat Water for Free

The solar rebate program will be administered by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center and will result in about $1,000 back on a 2-panel solar hot water system. The typical cost of a solar thermal panel system is $8,000-$10,000 for a single-family household.  In addition to the Massachusetts rebate, property owners can tap into state and federal incentives, including the 30% federal renewable energy tax credit.

But what, exactly, is a solar thermal (hot water) system?  Watch this video to learn more:

Will you be eligible for the new solar thermal rebate program in Massachusetts?  If you reside in the state, you must be a customer of NSTAR, National Grid, Unitil, or Western Massachusetts Electric Company.  If you’re not, then you must reside in Ashburnham, Templeton, Holden, Holyoke or Russell, MA.

The solar rebate program is funded by the MassCEC’s Renewable Energy Trust.

Solar power in Nevada

All across the “Land of Enchantment” the state of Nevada is shining bright with a solar power future.  To the south, near Boulder City, over a million solar panels cover desert lands, generating utility scale solar electricity. Using First Solar panels, the project will generate enough clean electricity to power about 26,000 homes, saving 123,000 metric tons of CO2 with the positive environmental impact of taking 24,000 cars off the road.

Up north in the Truckee Meadows, smaller solar panel arrays are also sprouting up.  While on a scale smaller than the First Solar farm in the southern part of the state, distributed generation photovoltaic (PV) panels generate electricity for the property on which they are situated.

For example, NV Energy uses solar energy to keep the lights on at their Reno headquarters.  Not only is the company using solar power, it is adopting incentives to help residential and small business customers make the switch to the renewable resource, as well.  A new solar hot water incentive allows between $3,000 and $7,500 to off-set initial costs of the system.

To learn about the new NV Energy solar rebate programs, click here.

Installing solar panels on the White House in the 1970s (Reuters image)

We have blogged several times about solar panels on the White House.  What better way for our Commander in Chief to set a green example by going solar?

Back in the 1970s, Jimmy Carter had solar panels installed on the White House as part of a solar hot water system.  It was a great way to show the country what renewable energy could do, to free us from the grip of foreign oil.  Yet, his successor, Ronald Reagan removed the solar panels from the White House when he took office.  The nation’s focus turned once again to fossil fuels, and Reagan even took away the solar incentives that were adopted during the Carter administration.

President Carter discusses the benefits of solar power

You might be surprised to learn that solar energy returned to the White House during President George W. Bush’s tenure.  A new system to generate solar hot water was installed on the presidential spa and a maintenance shed.  But despite efforts to get him to do so, President Obama still has not accepted a generous offer to install a photovoltaic (PV) solar panel system on the roof of the White House.

Sungevity, a solar installer based in the San Francisco Bay Area has offered to install a solar panel system on the White House itself.  And not just a panel or two.  Sungevity’s offer is worth $100,00 for the 17.85 kilowatt system that could offset 81% of the electricity needs of President Obama and his family.

As shown in the video above, Bill Mckibben cannot understand why President Obama hasn’t accepted the offer to put solar panels on the White House.  So, he’s heading to Washington to not only showcase the possibilities of solar power (using the very solar hot water panels originally installed on the White House), but to encourage President Obama to use his tremendous influence to demonstrate how renewable energy options like solar panels should be considered by Americans in their own lives.

The White House - a perfect place for solar panels

Mckibben hopes that a reaction similar to that by the American public to Michelle Obama’s vegetable garden (30% boost in sales of seeds) will result from the installation of solar panels on the White House.  He, along with Sungevity and others, is hoping to get Obama to agree to put solar panels on the White House by October 10, 2010 – just 1 month away.

You can help encourage Obama to accept Sungevity’s offer to upgrade the White House with solar panels by signing the petition here.