hearthtalk.com

elkimmeg · Posted: Thu Oct 16, 2008 8:42 pm Post subject: Solar hot water system

I have chosen to purchase a solar hot water system from Silicon Solar
www.siliconsolar.com It is a kit geared for homeowners essembly..
A major issue with Panels is the weight getting them on a roof. I chose the evacuation tube system for 2 reasons. One the work better in northern climates Two you can essemble them piece by piece I can also add more tubs if I need to expand capacity.. I will essenble 2 20 tube panels systems The water is directly heated not using a transfer fluid When the temps are un productive, Gravity will Drain the water down into a dump tank, where It will be pushed up the next day to be heated. The holding tank has a coil that will be attached to the tankless boiler to make up the short fall of cloudy days At $4 per oil My calculations will save about $1000 per year The entire system is quoted to be delivered to my home less than $3,300 I will be eligible for Both Federal and State tax credits I figure my payback time to be 1.5 to 2.5 years
_________________
Better safe than sorry

fireplaceguy · Posted: Mon Oct 20, 2008 9:36 pm Post subject:

That's a great payback. What would the payback be WITHOUT the tax credits?
_________________
Read thrice...
Measure twice...
Cut once.

F. I. R. E. Certified Inspector
NFI Certified Woodburning Specialist

elkimmeg · Posted: Mon Oct 20, 2008 11:50 pm Post subject:

Pay back depends upon fuel cost it. for instance a $6000 Solar hot water system .After tax credits cost $3300. Most home using oil for heat and hot water use 1000 galons 25% is for hot water.
.That would be $ 1000 @ $4 per gal. Solar hot water is about 60% effective in our climate Figure 5 year payback after credits. I cut that in half by doing the installation myself

Of note it pays to size the systemm correctly oversizing waste energy.
If your holding tank to too large energy is used to make up the difference when not collecting and sitting iddle.Naturally the larger the tank the more energy needed to heat and maintain temps of the water

I will know more after I get mine up and running
_________________
Better safe than sorry

elkimmeg · Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2008 3:37 am Post subject:

Update The outside is plumbed into the house and I'm connecting the tanks to the system. .This is a bit more v complicated as In the loop is a drain down tank. I got it all figured out and proceeding forward Next will be the wiring of the circulation pump and the control box plus the sensors
_________________
Better safe than sorry