Q: What is a solar water heater and how does it work?

A: Solar water heaters supply hot water for domestic use such as cooking, drinking, bathing and laundry. Solar water heaters consist of a roof-mounted flat plate collector panel that contains fluid that is heated by the sun. The heated fluid is pumped into an insulated storage tank in the house which transfers the heat to the domestic hot water tank. A thermostat indicates if additional backup heat is required to supplement the solar-heated water.

 

starWill I run out of domestic hot water if the sun isn’t shining?
A: No. Although a collector panel will capture some solar energy every day, a supplemental heat source is used as a backup for cloudy days, short winter days or periods of high hot water usage. The backup water heater uses an additional energy source such as gas or electric to keep the water at the desired temperature.

 

starQ: Can I use my present water heater as a backup for a solar water heater?
A: Yes. A new solar water heat tank can work in combination with your present water heater. A higher efficiency, space saving alternative is to purchase a solar water heater that supplies supplemental hot water, using electric, gas or oil, in a single unit.

 

star Q: Do I have to change my habits to use a solar water heater?
A: No, but you can increase your savings by doing one load of laundry during sunlight hours each day rather than doing many loads in a single day which would require heat from your backup water heater.

 

starQ: How does it work in cloudy weather or if there’s no sun for several days?
A: The sun must be “out” in order to gather maximum solar energy, however, the backup system always insures that you have plenty of hot water. Running out of hot water is not an issue for solar users. In fact, with the lowest cost, you can feel free to use hot water lavishly.

 

starQ:Where are the panels installed?
A: In a shade-free location, usually on a sloped or flat roof, although a rack on the ground is an option. South-facing panels are ideal, but East or West-facing panels are also possible.

 

starQ: What is the proper orientation of the solar collector? ?
A : Collectors should be mounted on an un-shaded area of a south-facing roof. They can face up to 45 degrees east or west of south without a significant decrease in performance. Additional equipment can be added to respond to the needs of homes whose roof is closer to east and west.

 

starQ: Since there are several different types of solar water heating systems, how can I compare their performance?

A: A solar-certified contractor, such as Energy by Choice, will provide the necessary engineering, documentation, and analysis to aid in your selection.

 

Economics

starQ: How much does a solar water heater cost?
A: On LI, an installed solar water heating system can range from $8,000 to $11,000 depending on hot water usage, roof type, number of solar flat-plate collectors. Financial incentives such as rebates and tax credits will significantly reduce the price. Savings will increase as a greater percentage of your domestic water is heated by free solar energy. For more information on solar hot water costs and savings click here.

 

starQ: Is a solar water heater a good investment for me?
A: A solar water heater is designed to supply over 2/3 of the domestic hot water needs for a Long Island home with no fuel cost. The monthly savings from installing a solar water heater depends on your domestic hot water needs and your current water heating fuel. Customers who currently use an electric water heater will see the greatest savings with solar and may qualify for LIPA incentives. Let the designers at Energy by Choice help you determine the savings.

 

starQ: Are solar water heating systems reliable?
A: Properly designed and installed systems with glass-covered collectors should perform well for more than 25 years with minimal servicing. The solar collector panels unique to a solar hot water system have no moving parts and should last for 25 years or more. Maintenance and replacement schedules for water storage tank and conventional backup heating system are no different when used with a solar hot water system.
Energy by Choice offers service contracts that can assure optimum performance and extend the life of the system.

 

starQ: Are there any financial incentives in addition to the fuel savings?

A: Federal and State tax credits, incentives and rebates from utilities have been created to encourage the use of solar technologies. Some apply only to residential installations and some are intended for commercial and government use. Funding, incentives and expiration dates change frequently. Contact Energy by Choice for updates and advice on the latest programs. For more information on solar hot water costs and savings click here

 

Getting Started

starQ: How do I decide which solar water heating dealer to contact?
A: Energy by Choice has recommendations for choosing a qualified contractor for solar technologies.

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