Many homeowners are looking for cost-effective and energy-efficient source of energy for their home and business. Different solar energy systems such as solar panels and solar heat systems are becoming popular because of their high efficiency. Many people consider that installing solar power system for their home requires very high price. Solar heat systems differ from solar photovoltaic systems. Solar photovoltaic panels produce electricity for your home where solar heat system is for water heating.  For water heating, solar heat system is less expensive and affordable way for an average homeowner.

Solar heat system proves to be an affordable and effective way of going solar, rejecting the high price tag of solar power system. In the case of traditional gas or electric water heaters, you pay thousands of dollars for their equipment, installation, and yearly maintenance. Solar water heaters, on the other hand, do not require such additional charges; instead they save energy every year recovering the installation costs. Energy saving opportunity every year gives you a sound reason to pay more initially for the installation of solar heating equipment in comparison with electric or gas water heaters. You can also qualify for federal tax credits and other local incentives in case of purchasing certain certified solar heat systems. The rebate or tax credit can reduce the costs for your solar heating equipment up to 30%.

A solar heat system is much advanced and energy efficient as compared to the traditional gas or electric water heater. It uses approximately 80 percent less energy than other typical water heating systems. This considerable reduction in energy consumption can save $500 per year for an average home. It is believed that after adding all incentives, tax credits, and yearly savings, solar heat system can pay back its initial installation costs within 5 to 7 years.

If you want to go solar, don’t make cost an excuse because long-term benefits of solar heat system compensate the initial installation costs for you within a few years. Smith Sustainable Design helps you explore different solar water heating options for your home. We guide our customers to find best solar heating system according to their needs and budget.

It is important to look for Solar Rating and Certification (SRCC) seal on the solar hot water system you choose for your home. Collector certification (OG-100) and heating system certification (OG-300) are two major currently operating programs of SRCC. The OG-300 certification and rating program is a reliable and best choice for a new solar thermal systems for the residential use.  The complete package of OG-300 systems provides a solar thermal kit including collectors, storage tanks, and other components required for a safe installation.

Every product having OG-300 certification seal gives valuable information to the consumer about solar hot water heater system. We can assume from the OG-300 seal that the particular product has been tested and meets the requirements of SRCC standard. It means that the product operates efficiently, meets safety requirements, and provides a specific amount of solar energy. A comparison between different ratings of OG-300 systems can help you select the best system for your requirements. You can also examine how a rated solar thermal kit is more profitable than an unrated system.

You also qualify for rebates or tax credits if your purchase an OG-30 system. This incentive is from the federal government for those homeowners who select OG-300 systems for their home. You can receive about 30 percent of your costs as a tax credit by purchasing this system. You can apply for a federal tax if you choose to purchase a OG-300 Solar Hot Water Heater System for your new construction, existing home or primary or secondary residence (not for rental homes). Make your plans to purchase and install a new OG-300 solar hot water heater system because the tax credit incentive will end at the end of year 2016.

The Clean Energy Program in the state of New Jersey offers you financial incentives for purchasing OG-300. On buying a non-rated system, you may not receive rebates or tax credits offered by your utility company on installing SRCC rated system. SRCC do not rate low-standard and cheap solar hot water heaters, made overseas. You can be disqualified from extra benefits if you purchase these non-certified systems.

Smith Sustainable Design offer to install OG-300 solar hot water heater system for your residential use, in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.  Contact us for more information about the different available types and benefits of OG-300 systems. We will guide you to choose the best SRCC rated solar hot water heater system for your home. 

You must have heard about ratings and standards for different renewable energy products especially when purchasing appliances such as central heating and air systems, water heaters etc. ENERGY STAR is a very well known program in the U.S. to help everyone save money and protect the climate. So consider Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC) when you decide to install solar hot water system or solar thermal equipment for your home or business. The organization SRCC provides rating and certification for different solar energy equipment like collector certification and heating system certification.

For an SRCC certified product, you can see the product rating for operating guidelines, product testing, and product standards. The purpose of this program was to test and rate the efficiency of the solar thermal equipment, by their manufacturers at the time of the production. This rating system guides homeowners about the efficiency and reliability of different types of solar thermal equipment, helping them to select an ideal solar energy system for their home. The rating system for solar thermal equipment has been working since 1980, trusted by the government of the United States for their reliable product information.

Similar to ENERGY STAR program, the SRCC rating program helps homeowners to make a decision about purchasing, giving them valuable information about the solar energy products. You can use solar rating system to evaluate different solar thermal products, comparing them side by side and selecting the one, which best suits for your home needs. The nationwide acknowledged, SRCC rating and certification program is a standard method for the comparison of solar thermal products.

A variety of collectors and solar thermal systems have been rated, receiving the SRCC seal. There are about 1,000 collectors and 2,000 solar thermal systems available in the market that are certified and rated by the SRCC. We at Smith Sustainable Design offer SRCC rated equipment such as collectors and solar thermal systems for your home. You can contact us for more information about the understanding and practical use of SRCC rating program.

Everyone wants to have a heating system for their outdoor pools, but the expected cost of pool water heating makes them ignore the idea. You have no need to avoid the pool heating plan anymore because solar hot water systems provide a cost-effective and energy-efficient heating system for your pool. Solar hot water systems make use of the natural energy from the sun to maintain a consistent temperature of your pool.

Different components of solar hot water system for your pool heating include a solar collector, a pump, a filter and a flow control valve. Solar collector receives water from your pool after getting pumped and passing through the filter. Water gets heated in the solar collector and returns back to your pole. The same process works in hot climates by operating during the night time for the purpose of cooling pool water.

A number of factors determines the size of the solar hot water system suitable for your pool. These factors include the pool size, desired temperature of the water, pool cover, length of swimming season, and the average temperature of your location. By considering all these factors, you can easily determine the size of solar collector and pump of your solar hot water system.

The charges are exorbitant when you use typical gas or electric heaters for your pool water. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, it may cost $2,000.00 per year to heat an average sized residential pool by the traditional heating methods. Every year, maintenance of these systems will charge you much more than their initial installation costs.

On the contrary, solar hot water systems require very low annual operational cost helping you to recover the installation costs within few years of use. With solar water heaters, you can enjoy warm pool water the whole year without paying large amounts for the operational cost of your heating system.

You can consult Smith Sustainable Design for installing and designing an ideal solar hot water system for your pool. Leave your current gas or electric pool heater and enjoy warm water using solar hot water system without worrying about operating costs. If you are planning to install a pool, we can help you have an ideal pool heating system making use of the natural energy from the sun for heating your pool water. Contact us today if you are in Pennsylvania or New Jersey and looking for a pool heating system. 

Solar thermal systems are becoming a popular method for heating hot water for homes and businesses around the world. Like with any equipment choice, there are advantages and disadvantages to using them. Let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of solar thermal systems below.




Solar thermal advantages

• Solar thermal utilizes a free and renewable energy source- the Sun. 
  
• Using a solar thermal system reduces your dependence on fossil fuels as well as expensive foreign oil.
  
• In sunny, Pennsylvania and New Jersey climate, solar thermal systems can be very cost effective.
  
• There are some beneficial incentives available for those who choose to install solar thermal systems at home.
  
• Solar thermal systems have relatively short payback periods compared to other renewable energy systems like solar photovoltaic and geothermal systems.
• Depending on what’s available where you live, you may have the option to lease solar thermal technology, reducing the installation costs of the system.

Solar thermal disadvantages

• Solar thermal systems typically have higher upfront installation costs compared to conventional hot water heater systems.
  
• In many areas, it may still be necessary to have a backup hot water heater in place, which will use gas or electricity.
  
• Your payback period will vary based on the regional sunlight exposure you experience.
  
• Solar thermal systems have lower efficiencies compared to other renewable energy systems like photovoltaic solar and geothermal systems.
  
• Solar thermal systems will need protection to withstand overheating and extreme cold temperatures.
  

Solar water heating can be used in a number of applications, not just to produce hot water for use inside your home. In fact, the majority of solar heat systems installed in the United States are used for pool and spa heating. Solar heaters for pools are often the most cost effective way to heat these amenities.

Solar heat systems for pools and spas are composed of simple technology that requires very little maintenance for homeowners. Solar heat systems for pools really help homeowners cut back on energy use, limit their demand for fossil fuels, and cut greenhouse gas emissions.

There are other steps homeowners can take to enhance the efficiency of solar heat systems. Insulated pool covers can prevent heat loss, and retain more of the heat produced by the pool’s solar heat system. Bubble covers are less expensive, but can allow more heat to be lost.

When designing a solar heat system for a home’s pool or spa, a number of factors must be considered to ensure the system provides appropriately. Collectors must be sized appropriately to ensure the system can adequately heat the water. Below are some of the factors a solar heat system installer should evaluate when designing a new pool heating system:

• The size of the pool
  
• The amount of months the pool will be in use each year
  
• The temperature preferences of pool users
  
• The amount of sunlight the home site receives
  

Homeowners interested in exploring solar heat system options for pools and spas should contact Smith Sustainable Design. Our skilled experts are available to answer questions about solar heat systems and pool and spa installation applications.

The average household in the United States spends about 11 percent of its energy budget on hot water heating. Investigating energy efficient water heating options can help homeowners decrease their energy spending by making better use of the energy they consume. Solar hot water heaters are a valuable option which can help homeowners decrease or even eliminate their hot water energy expenses.

Solar hot water heaters also benefit the environment. By not burning fossil fuels, they reduce the amount of carbon and greenhouse gas emissions produced by one’s home. Making the move towards energy efficiency by installing a solar hot water heater system not only saves you money, but will help save the planet.

A household can use solar hot water heater systems for all their hot water needs. Heat water for showers as well as other household needs. The dishwasher, kitchen sink, and washing machine all use hot water, which can be produced by the home’s solar hot water heater system instead of a conventional hot water heater system.

Homeowners can further improve the efficiency of these systems in a number of ways. Reducing the home’s hot water demand is one way to use less energy. Energy saved in one way can then be used to power other necessities around the home.

When installing a solar hot water system, take a few steps to help conserve the hot water that will be produced. Installing low-flow fixtures throughout the home can cut a household’s hot water use. Also, setting the hot water thermostat to 120 degrees can reduce the amount of energy needed to heat water while still keeping water at a comfortable temperature. Insulating the hot water storage tank can prevent heat loss and save more of the energy produced by the solar hot water heater system.

If you’re considering purchasing a solar hot water system for use in your home, keep these tips in mind as you go through the purchasing process.

Determine if your home site is suitable for installation

Most solar collectors which work with solar hot water systems will be mounted on the roof of a home. Ideally, your roof should have the following qualities:

• Your roof should have direct exposure to sunlight between 10 am and 3 pm
  
• Your roof should face South
  
• Your roof and roofing materials should be in good condition
  

Determine which system type is best to meet your needs

Consult a solar contractor for help navigating the available options and determining which is best suited for meeting your needs.

• Research how solar hot water systems work so you can ask your installer questions about the different collector types and circulation systems available to you
  
• Consider your area’s climate to determine if some systems are better than others in freezing temperatures
  
• Estimate the size needed to provide for your home’s hot water needs
  

Learn about rebates and tax credits

There are programs which may be available to you that can help offset the cost of installing a solar hot water system.

• Research federal tax credits, which can equal up to 30 percent of the installation cost
  
• Find out if your state or local government, or utility provider offers tax incentives or rebates for installing high efficiency solar hot water systems

Learn more about ongoing maintenance needs

Your new solar hot water system will need some maintenance to ensure peak performance and equipment longevity.

• Ask your solar installer how frequently maintenance should be performed and what steps you can routinely take to protect your equipment
  

Solar hot water systems are becoming a popular method for homeowners to harness the sun’s energy for use inside their homes. They are environmentally friendly and offer a clean energy option for your home’s hot water needs. Every home system has its advantages and disadvantages, so below we’ll take a look at those for solar hot water systems.



Advantages of solar hot water systems include:

• They generate free energy for use to heat water.
  
• They allow you to use a renewable energy source: the Sun.
  
• They are very cost effective in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
  
• Many incentives are available for homeowners who wish to install solar hot water systems.
  
• The payback period for the system is pretty low, at only about 5 years.
  
• The systems have low maintenance needs and costs.
  
• Lease options for solar hot water systems may be available to decrease installation costs.
  

Disadvantages of solar hot water systems include:

• The cost of installation is more than a conventional water heater.
  
• Some electricity or gas will be needed to fuel a backup system during winter months.
  
• The payback period isn't definite, it varies based on conditions in your area and the system’s exposure to sunlight.
  
• They offer a relatively low efficiency of the passive solar water heating systems available.
  
• They will need protection to prevent freezing as well as overheating.
  

Get the big picture about solar hot water systems before you make your purchase. The professionals at Smith Sustainable Design can answer any questions you may have, as well as provide more details regarding the advantages and disadvantages of installing a new solar hot water heater system for your home.

Don’t be discouraged from using solar hot water systems because of misinformation floating around. Make sure you have the facts, not fiction. Below are ten solar hot water myths and the truth about them

1. They don’t work when it’s cloudy
Even when it’s cloudy, there is solar energy available, and enough to use a solar hot water heater system.

2. They aren't cost effective
Solar hot water heater systems have the best payback period of solar energy options. They also have a very long lifespan when properly maintained.

3. The home will have less hot water
Your solar hot water heater system can be designed to meet the hot water needs of your home, and you won’t have to sacrifice the amount of hot water you can access just to go solar. Many solar thermal systems are installed to use with another hot water system, like a conventional tank or tankless hot water heater, so you’ll always have the hot water you need.

4. They only work in the daytime
Just because the sun doesn’t shine at night doesn’t mean your solar hot water heater system won’t work at night. The work they do during the day allows the equipment to maintain water temperatures for use at night.

5. They won’t work in the winter
The outdoor temperature has nothing to do with the system’s ability to collect solar energy; the sun still shines in wintertime.

6. They’re cost prohibitive
Solar hot water heater systems aren’t as expensive as you may expect. They cost much less than a solar photovoltaic installation, plus installing one can qualify you to receive a 30 percent federal tax credit which can help you offset the cost of installing the system.

7. They don’t make much of a difference to the environment
Below heating and cooling, hot water heating is the second largest consumer of energy in most homes. Solar hot water heater systems allow you to reduce energy use and eliminate the carbon emissions which are created by burning fossil fuels for energy.

8. They’re ugly
Solar thermal panels can be flush-mounted to your roof and don’t look much different than a skylight. They don’t stick out like some may think, and are even considered a status symbol as energy efficiency is in the forefront of our nation’s news.

9. They take up too much space
With the right designer, your solar hot water heater system doesn’t have to use a lot of space. They can be installed using just a little more space than a conventional system.

10. They take a long time to install
Depending on the type of system you choose and your installation team, it will only take a few working days to complete.