Solar Water Heaters a great way to be green while saving in sunny Hawaii
Well with all of the price hikes on gas, food and electric it would be nice to save some money. Helco (Hawaiian Electric Company) has given some guidelines and tips on how you can create a long term supply of hot showers and baths whle relaxing after a busy day at work or play.
How does the solar water heater work?
Sunlight is absorbed by a solar collector (usually located on the South Facing) heating the water circulating through the collector. The heated water is then stored for use throughout the day and night in a hot water storage tank.
What types of systems are available?
Two types of systems are available through the Residential Efficient Water Heating Program:
Passive (thermosiphon) systems Passive systems have the hot water tank mounted above the collectors (usually on the roof) and do not require a pump
Active (pumped systems) Acitve systems have the collectors mounted usually on the roof, with the hot water tank commonly placed at ground level , and a small pump to circulate the water.
What are the Pros and Cons of solar water heating?
Positive ++++
Solar can significantly reduce the water heating portion of your electric bill (if you currently have an electric water heater)
35% state tax credit (subject to individual qualification)
30% federal tax credit (subject to individual qualification)
Anticipated system life of 15 years
Highest potential savings over life of the system, compared to other efficient water heating technologies
Over 60,000 solar water heating systems in use in Hawaii
Proven technology, reliable with low maintenance requirements
Most environmentally friendly wat to heat water
Negative —-
Collectors must be placed in an unshaded location, often on roof tops
High initial investment cost
Requires minor annual maintenance
Reduced efficiency during cloudy weather
How can the program benefit you?
Systems are installed by licensed contractors in accordance with HELCO standards and specification
High quality , reliable system installations
Inspected by a HELCO representative to ensure that the installation meets the highest standards , as well as protect the customer
Individually designed to provide most of you family’s yearly hot water needs
Savings will vary from household to household based in part on each customer’s hot water usage.
Consult you tax advisor , IRS, or state tax office for eligibility.
Save money Save energy Save Resources —–
The Hawaiian practice has always been to conserve and protect resources. We need to follow that successful long term way of living in the islands , nothing makes more sense than taking care of the Aina ( Land )
Mahalo for your time.
Jonathan Ditto
Hawaii Vacation Rentals Inc.
800-332-7081
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Comments
Good job, buddy!!! You are on it…
Aloha,
Cath.
Posted by: Catherine | April 4th, 2008 11:00
Many people overlo0ok much less expensive ways to conserve electricity that turn out to be preferable to solar in cost effectiveness. Every time you see a sales push to justify the cost of a solar system, it is based on the assumption that you will have your hot water heater running 24 hours a days and do nothing to inexpensively increase the efficiency of the sytem. A $30 water heater timer used in conjunction with a plan to expend as much of your hot water needs as possible during a short period of time (take your showers close together) can save as much as 75% of your water heating bill. Adding insulation to the water heater (about $20 with a 100% tax rebate) can save additional electricity. Using flow restricters and aerators on the faucets and shoer heads can reduce hot water consumption by more than 50%. Solar water heaters seldom are 100% effective and need electricity to heat water some of the time (try and buy a system that has no heater in the tank), so they still consume some electricity, and as pointed out, they only have a fifteen year life expectancy, and no one knows how much the equipment will cost or whether there will be rebates when it needs replacing. If it doesn’t pay for itself in comparison to the $30 dollar timer over the 15 year period, it isn’t economically justifiable. And the money used on buying a solar heater could be used to purchase a Paloma (very energy efficient and only about $900), fluorescent lighting or other energy conservation devices. Before investing thousands of dollars, one should try and see how much they can save by doing all of the little, inexpensive things. If you dry most of your clothes, you may find, after installing a timer, that your biggest energy hog is your electric clothes dryer, or that old, inefficient side-by-side ice box (top and bottom mounts are more efficient).
Vacuum the coils of your refrigerator and if you need an extra freezer get rid of the wasteful upright freezers that lose all of their cold air every time you open the door, and get a chest freezer (they cost less anyway).
Posted by: Roy T. | April 8th, 2008 17:08
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