If you’re thinking about installing a solar thermal system to heat water for your home, one of your first steps will be to obtain a quote. A quote will be your best tool in determining the price of equipment and installation. There are some variables that go into determining your quote; below are some of the factors that determine the final price of installing the system.

Your home’s hot water needs

Your solar thermal system will need to be sized properly to meet your household’s hot water demands. The size of the storage tank you’ll need will play a role in pricing.

• A 50 gallon tank and 1 collector is ideal for a 1 or 2 bedroom household
  
• A 80 gallon tank and 2 collectors is ideal for a 3 to 4 bedroom household
  
• A 120 gallon tank and 3 collectors is ideal for a 5 to 6 bedroom household
  

Depending on the weather conditions where you live, a solar thermal system may not be able to provide for all your hot water needs. In this case, you’ll need to have an electric or gas booster system to provide hot water during the periods where solar power isn't sufficient. The cost of this booster hot water heater may be included in your quote if your existing systems need replacement or aren't suitable.

The specifications of your home

Certain aspects of your home will determine how and where the solar thermal system can be installed, which can also affect price. Non-standard roofing materials or unstable areas of the roof may make your roof an unsuitable location for installing solar thermal panels. In this case, alternatives will be determined which can affect price. Also, if the design of your roof doesn't provide the ideal pitch or space, special mounting frames may need to be used, which will also be quoted.

Don’t rely on online estimates to price a solar thermal system, because many homes have special considerations, like those mentioned above, which will need to be evaluated when determining your quote. For a free quote, contact Smith Sustainable Design.

When purchasing a solar hot water system, it’s important to do your research and know the facts. There are a lot of factors which you must consider that will help you make the best investment for your home. Keep these factors in mind when investing in solar hot water.

1. Choosing cheap

Choosing the cheapest option isn’t always the wisest move. Cheap initially doesn’t always mean cheap in the long run, either. As with many other things, sometimes cheap is the opposite of quality. Choosing the cheapest option for installation can save you money in the beginning, but you may experience frequent repair needs, and the bills that go along with it. With extra expenses that add up well after installation, choosing a cheap solar hot water heater system can end up being much more expensive over time.

2. Consider your investment

Installing a solar hot water heater system is a significant investment for your household, and you’ll want to make the most of it. When evaluating equipment options, consider maintenance needs as well as the warranty you’ll receive. What is the expected life span of the equipment you’ve chosen? Is the warranty long enough to cover most of its operating life, or will you be left without protection after a few short years? That warranty can really make a difference, and protect you against expensive replacement component needs.

3. Protection                         

How will you protect your solar hot water heater system, and your investment? How does the system work to protect itself? Because of our cold winter months, homeowners in New Jersey and Pennsylvania should look for systems that are frost-protected and built for functioning even in low temperatures.

When choosing a new solar hot water heater system, you should consult a professional who can help you figure out what you need. Smith Sustainable Design’s team of solar thermal designers and installers are available to help you navigate the available options.

When choosing to go solar for your water heating needs, there are a number of factors you will need to consider to help you make the best decision. Installing these systems is a big investment for homeowners, and you want to be sure you are making the most of your investment. Before you purchase your new solar hot water system, follow these tips.

Decide if your site is right for solar

• Does your roof receive direct sunlight during peak hours year- round?
  
• Does your roof face south?
  
• Is your roof in good condition?

Decide what type of solar hot water system meets your needs

• Learn how solar hot water systems work to determine which type is right for your needs
  
• Consider how you will protect the system during freezing temperatures
  
• Determine the capacity you will require
  
• Contact a solar hot water system contractor
  
• Ask to receive an estimate for your home’s new solar hot water system
  
• Check your solar hot water system contractor’s references
  
• Find out about local permitting requirements and ask if the contractor will take care of obtaining them

Learn about rebates and incentives

• To take advantage of the federal tax credit, make sure the solar hot water system you’ve chosen qualifies
  
• Check with your state and local utility providers to see if they offer additional incentives for homeowners who install solar hot water systems

Consider future maintenance requirements

• Learn what steps need to be taken to properly maintain your solar hot water system
  
• Ask your solar hot water system contractor if they provide maintenance services
  
• Ask your solar hot water system contractor how often the system should be inspected and if inspections are necessary to comply with product warranties
  
• Learn about weatherization steps that may be necessary for your new solar hot water system
  

American households consume a great deal of energy. In fact, the amount of energy consumed for water heating purposes is more than what is used to power a home’s lighting, appliances, and gadgets combined! Approximately 8 percent of homes in the United States replace their water heaters each year- if you’re due for a new water heater, you should consider a solar hot water heater system.

Conventional water heating methods burn fossil fuels, whether directly or during the production of the electricity used for power. Residential water heating in the United States creates 173 million metric tons of carbon emissions each year! Every home and every fossil fuel burning appliance inside has a great impact on our environment, whether you realize it or not.

Switching to a solar hot water heater system can greatly reduce your home’s environmental impact. If more American homeowners switched to solar hot water when replacing their current water heater, a significant reduction in the collective household carbon emissions would be seen. Not only would homeowners benefit by becoming more environmentally friendly, they would also be rewarded with much lower energy bills.

The United States is a great place for solar hot water heater systems. Our country receives a great deal of sunlight exposure, which would greatly reduce dependence on fossil fuel water heating if solar hot water heater systems were in play in American homes. Of course, your home site and other factors will play in to whether or not solar water heating is a good option for your particular home.

Solar hot water heater systems are an affordable solar option, with a much lower price tag than solar electricity systems. Most homeowners find that the energy savings these systems provide greatly offset the installation costs and make for a valuable investment. Many states and local programs offer incentives for homeowners who install solar hot water heater systems, along with federal tax credits.

Many business owners are aware that solar energy can be used to provide electricity for a variety of business needs, but did you know that you can also use solar energy to heat water for all types of applications? This use of solar energy is called solar thermal, and the sun’s energy is used to heat water or another type of fluid, not generate electricity.

The benefits of a solar thermal system are countless. They benefit businesses by:

• Reducing utility bills- Solar thermal systems help homes and businesses cut the amount of electricity or other heating fuel necessary to heat water. They can save you up to 70 percent off your water heating expenses, and in some applications, may even be able to provide all the energy necessary for water heating.

• Reducing carbon footprint- When solar thermal heating is used, fossil fuels are not. Solar thermal reduces the amount of greenhouse gas emissions generated by your business’s operations. Solar thermal can make your business more environmentally friendly and show the public that you are doing your part to reduce your environmental impact.
  
• Complying with sustainability mandates- Today’s business owners are faced with more requirements designed to promote the use of renewable technologies in the workplace. By installing solar thermal systems, a business can make way towards meeting these requirements while making smart equipment investments which are sure to generate a high return for your money.
  

Solar thermal systems are used in a number of commercial applications. Businesses today are using solar thermal systems in the following ways:

• To provide for the workplace’s general hot water heating needs
  
• To heat swimming pools and hot tubs
  
• For radiant space heating
  

To see if solar thermal technology can benefit your business, contact Smith Sustainable Design for consultation. Our team of experts is experienced in designing and installing commercial solar thermal systems for a variety of business applications.

Most homes in the New Jersey and Pennsylvania spend approximately 12 to 18 percent of their energy use on hot water. Whether you use electricity, natural gas, propane, or oil, there is a more affordable and efficient way to provide for all your home’s hot water needs. Solar hot water systems use free energy from the sun to heat your water!

With a solar hot water system, your home will heat hot water using natural energy that comes from the sun. Depending on the size of your solar hot water heater system, you may not require the help of a backup conventional hot water heater. Relying 100 percent on your solar hot water heater can shave 12 to 18 percent off your total energy budget each year!

Reducing your hot water demand is another way to save energy whether you’ll be installing a solar hot water system or not. Look for ways you can use less hot water around the home to further reduce your energy use.

• Take shorter showers
  
• Choose efficient water-using appliances when replacing or upgrading
  
• Lower the temperature on your conventional hot water heater
  
• Insulate your hot water storage tanks
  

Solar hot water systems differ from the solar panel systems used to produce electricity for your home. A solar collector is placed on the roof or other prime location to collect the sun’s energy for use to heat water. Insulated storage takes hold the hot water produced by the system. This equipment has come a long way since the 1970s, when it first became popular for use in America’s homes.

Solar hot water systems offer decades of service. Lifetime expectancy for these systems is 20 to 30 years! As with all your home systems, routine maintenance is necessary, but it will benefit you in the long run by helping extend system life and keep your system operating effectively.

When you choose to have a solar hot water system installed at your home, make sure you are also choosing a quality contractor to do the work. Contact Smith Sustainable Design for quality solar hot water systems and expert installation.

Heating a pool can be costly. Solar thermal systems and electric heat pump systems are cheaper than operating a gas powered pool heater, but which is the better choice? Let’s compare the two so you can see the advantages of each side by side.


Solar thermal pool heaters

Solar thermal pool heaters work by collecting the sun’s energy and using it to warm the water circulating in your pool. Just like the water in your hose heats up being left in the sun all day, the sun heats up the water pumping through the solar collectors. Pool temperatures aren’t as hot as the hot water you need inside your home, so lower cost materials can be used to create the system.

Advantages:

• Solar thermal pool heaters are definitely the cheapest option as far as operational costs are concerned. 
  
• These systems are fueled by the sun’s energy, which happens to be free!
  
• Solar thermal pool heaters are green and environmentally friendly, as they use naturally occurring energy.
  

Disadvantages:

• You can’t use a solar thermal pool heater to heat on demand if weather conditions aren’t right, which could limit the use of your pool for some people.
  
• A solar thermal pool heater can’t heat up the pool as quickly as electric pool heaters.
  
• A large collector area may be needed, depending on the size of your pool. No big deal, but may be aesthetically displeasing to some.
  

Electric heat pump pool heaters

Just like a heat pump used to heat and cool a home, an electric pool heat pump removes heat from the outside air and transfers it to heat the pool water.

Advantages:

• Electric heat pump pool heaters can be used even on cloudy days, as they don’t rely on the sun’s energy.
  
• These systems can absorb the proper amount of heat needed to warm pool water even when outdoor temperatures aren’t very warm. Sufficient heat can be absorbed when outdoor temperatures are as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
  
• Electric heat pump pool heaters offer fast recovery times than solar thermal pool heaters, making them a better option for swimming during colder outdoor temperatures.
  

Disadvantages:

• Electric heat pump pool heaters require utility energy to operate, and are not as environmentally friendly as solar thermal pool heaters.
  
• When using an electric heat pump pool heater, you are subjected to fluctuating energy prices as well as utility grid down time.

When it comes to selecting a solar thermal system, there are a few options available to homeowners. Homeowners must decide the style of solar thermal system that will be best for their needs. Selecting a contractor to install your system is another element which is important. Let’s take a look at the basic information you’ll need to know.

Types of solar thermal systems

The two types of solar thermal systems are active systems and passive systems. An active solar thermal system is made up of circulating pumps which use controls. In a passive system, there are less working parts but cannot be used where freezing temperatures my occur. Most solar thermal systems use storage tanks which hold the heated water. Collection systems may use one or two insulated tanks.

When used in residential applications, two types of active system collectors can be chosen. Flat Plate solar collectors are made up of dark absorber plates housed in well-insulated boxes, covered by plastic or glass. Evacuated Tube solar collectors are made up of copper vacuum pipes that transfers the heat from within the evacuated tubes up to the manifold, and the heated water is circulated to the buffer water tank.

Selecting a solar thermal contractor

When it’s time to select a contractor, there are a few key questions which you need to ask in order to determine a good fit.

1. Ask the contractor to help you determine your savings from using a solar thermal system.
   
2. Ask where the solar thermal collectors should be placed to achieve the maximum efficiency.
   
3. Ask the contractor for their recommendation as to which size and type of solar thermal system is appropriate for your application.
   
4. Ask how efficient the recommended system is compared to other options.
   
5. Ask the contractor what permits are required in your area.
   

If you have questions about the different types of solar thermal systems available, or how to choose a contractor, call Smith Sustainable Design.

Why use a solar hot water heater system instead of a conventional hot water heater system? Using the sun’s energy is easier than you think. Solar hot water heater systems are an efficient and affordable way to harness this free, natural energy.

Solar hot water heater systems use the sun’s energy to heat water, versus gas or electric power. If your demand is high, you may also want to have a conventional backup on-hand for cloudy days. A good southern exposure on your home’s roof is the perfect spot for placement of the solar thermal collectors. You’ll also need an insulated collector tank to store the water your solar heat panels will heat.

So why use a solar hot water heater system? The strongest tipping point for most homeowners is the potential energy savings which can be achieved through their use. If you come from using a conventional system which uses higher priced fuel, you stand to save more than you would if your old system was using cheaper fuel- savings will vary from household to household. Plus with solar hot water heaters, you won’t be subjected to rising fuel rates!

Most homeowners achieve an energy savings of 50 to 80 percent with a solar hot water heater system. With the lower cost of installation compared to solar power systems, the costs can be recouped in a short number of years. After your system has paid for itself, you’ll essentially be heating water for free when using your solar hot water heater system.

Choosing the right contractor to install your solar hot water heater system can definitely impact your savings. You want to team up with a contractor who knows what they are doing and can ensure proper installation with effective operation. Call Smith Sustainable Design today to discover more about solar hot water heater systems and how one can save you money.

There are many hot water heater systems available on the market. Many reputable manufacturers have created excellent products which help homeowners achieve great energy savings for water heating. Rheem, a notable manufacturer of heating, cooling, and water heating equipment, has introduced a new hybrid hot water heater, which offers significant savings for homeowners.

Rheem’s Prestige Series Hybrid Heat Pump Water Heater can save homeowners up to $329.00 per year. It has the highest energy efficiency in its class, with an Energy Factor (EF) of 2.45. This model is also ENERGY STAR qualified, which can earn you additional savings through rebate programs which may be available in your area. All in all, it is estimated to cost less than $16 dollars a month to operate.

Like a heat pump used to heat and cool spaces in your home, the Rheem Prestige Series Hybrid Heat Pump Water Heater uses the same technology. The unit extracts heat from the air around it to heat the water within. It does not store hot water like a traditional electric or gas tank hot water heater. This method is far more efficient.

Plus, this model offers the added benefit of dehumidifying the space around it. Since it pulls heat from the air to warm the water, the air receives a cooling effect. Great installation locations which can really benefit from this feature are garages and basements.

The Rheem Prestige Series Hybrid Heat Pump Water Heater is also easy to use. It features a full-color backlit touchscreen which controls the functions of the unit. It has a vacation mode to save money when you are away from home. The water heater provides diagnostic information for technicians and service alerts to help homeowners keep their systems functioning properly.

For more information about the Rheem Prestige Series Hybrid Heat Pump Water Heater, call Smith Sustainable Design today.