Solar Water Heater System Cost

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. QUESTION:
   Is solar water heater cost effective?
   We are considering solar hot water to suppliment our LP gas water heater. Will the costs of a solar system significantly reduce my LP gas consumption? Will the solar heated water be hot enough to not even use the gas heat?

   • ANSWER:
     I have often thought about building a pre-heater to assist my electric heater and cut down on costs. They will only work in certain locations with lots of sunshine and may be unattractive depending on where they are placed.
     You can build one with a metal tank with a pipe fitting on each end. Build a three sided box that the tank will fit into with glass on one side. Paint the tank and inside of the box flat black. The box is positioned so the the glass side is exposed to maximum sunlight. Connect a water supply to one side of the tank and run a pipe from the other side to the cold water supply of the gas or electric water heater. The water coming into the gas heater will be pre-warmed. Just something I think would be interesting to try. Good Luck.

2. QUESTION:
   solar water heater cost in india?
   i want to install solar water heater system at my hostel for 30 student . i want to know what capacity will be ideal for that and how much will it cost in jaipur city (rajasthan) india

   • ANSWER:
     My grand uncle has one and for him he says its an equivalent to about ,000 in the U.S. Since its about 50 rupees to a dollar, it could be costly but the pay off is great. Think about it. Would you rather be paying a monthly fee for electricity or have your own way of generating electricity with a one time fee?

3. QUESTION:
   Does a solar water heater really save you 30% on your electric bill? What is the average cost for a system?
   With all the rebates and tax incentives, which help with the cost, are these guys marking up their prices? How long will it take to pay for itself in an average 4 person household? Also, does anyone know anything about a VAR box that supposedly stores some electricity and help with the startup on your central air and other things? Lots of questions on this stuff, I appreciate your responses.

   • ANSWER:
     According to the US Dept of Energy, your water heater (don't call it a hot water heater) is responsible for approx 15% of your total energy bill. Solar heaters will save money and you should calculate the actual cost, the savings and the payback (ROI is return on investment) for your particular home. Get 2 or 3 quotes from a licensed contractor in your area. I'll use layman's terms here: The "Var" box as you put it, does reduce your electric bill and make any appliance with a motor last longer. Also known as a "soft start" device. Any motor, at start-up, uses at least double the energy than it needs to continue running normally. If a meter is hooked up, you will see an initial "spike" in the energy wave, then that will drop to normal running levels. The "Var" box feeds only what the motor needs and "lowers" the initial "spike" of electricity. The one we are familiar with also serves as a "whole house surge protector". Let me know if you are in the Chicagoland area! Hope this helps.

4. QUESTION:
   can a solar water heater be hooked with a tankless water system?
   i am thinking about saving cost and energy. want to get a tankless water heater. i would like to have a solar water heater too, but heard that u need a stoage tank for the solar heater. not sure if i can combine the two. anyone got an answer for me?

   • ANSWER:
     you could have a 2 panel 80 gallon tank solar thermal system backed up by a tankless. but if you have a tankless, you dont need anything else, it wont work with solar panels, you must have a storage tank. if you have the money, do it. (roughly ,000) installed with a heating element in your air handler to pre heat your air in the winter. payback around 5 years pending tax credits. if thats to complicated, just do tankless, they are awesome. do both if you have the dough. your neighbors will be jealous.

5. QUESTION:
   Solar water heater system in India?
   How much a solar water heater for average daily water requirement of 10,000 liters capacity with all required components will cost in Mumbai India?

   Who are best suppliers of same?

   • ANSWER:
     Try:

     http://www.esources.co.uk/search-international-suppliers/solar-water-heater/India/

     Or

     http://www.esources.co.uk/international-suppliers/584/India/

     You will find all the verified solar water heater suppliers you need there. They only list legitimate and reliable wholesalers and dropshippers from all over the world, including the USA, Canada, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Australia, Hong Kong, India, China and so forth.

     Best wishes to you and your business.

6. QUESTION:
   How to calculate electricity saving by using solar water heater?
   Please give detail steps and formulas on how to calculate electricity kWh saving per month, if I install a Flat plate / panel open loop Thermosiphon solar water heater systems with 1.64 m2 absorber size and 300L tank in Abu Dhabi UAE, if the average monthly heat in Centigrade and insolation in kWh/m2/day is known. Also How do I calculate the pay back if the system cost AED 8,000 and maintenance is AED 800 per annum.The number of house holders are 6. The Tank water is set to 60C.

   • ANSWER:
     A Thermosiphon open loop system is a good choice for an area that does not have freezing.
     Higher operating temperatures and larger storage could be done with an active, closed loop system but it would also add to the complexity and cost.
     Depending on lifestyle and age, a person will average 50 to 75 liters of hot water per day.
     Not all of it is for personal hygiene, washing dishes, laundering dirty diapers, cleaning the house etc. all figure into that.

     To calculate the payback take a look at the historical energy use in the household (Look at old power bills). If this information is not available you may find statistical averages for similar homes and household size in the same region. With this information add in the projected maintainance cost of the traditional hot water system and you will get an estimated per annum to get hot water.

     If this number is less than AED 800, then financially the system will never pay for itself.
     If the numbers are close, then it will eventually pay for itself.
     Historically, energy costs have always become more expensive. They may fluctuate a little week to week, but year after year, on the average, they are higher.

     If the cost of traditionally heating the water is more than AED 800, then divide the AED 8,000 by the difference. This will give you the number of years (at todays’ energy cost) that it will take for the system to financially pay back the cost of installation.

7. QUESTION:
   which is the best water heater system ?
   which is the best water heater system based on the safety, cost, and usage ?
   gas ? solar ? or electric ?

   thanks

   • ANSWER:
     Tankless... It only makes hot water on demand so you are not wasting energy when your not using hot water.

8. QUESTION:
   Would You Like To Save /mo. with DIY Solar Water Heater?
   I save /mo. on our water heating bill by installing a solar pre-heater made of 200' of garden hose on my roof. From Amazon I bought two 100' GILMORE 3/4 inch FLEXOGEN hoses (withstands 500 psi pressure), laid it out n garage roof, hooked it to the cold water pipe that goes to gas waterheater. Now all cold water to the waterheater is solar pre-heated. I installed 3 shut- off valves, in case I want to take the solar heater out of the system. One at the beginning of the garden hose loop, one at the end, and one in the coldwater line between the beginning of the solar heater loop and the end. It cost me 0 for the hose and less than for the rest.
   At savings in gas a month, it will have paid for itself in l0 months. To use mostly solar-heated water, we don't use hot water before 10 or after 4.
   I did this 3 months ago and the gas waterheater hasn't been on since. The solar heated water is 135F, and the gas waterheater is at 125F. We always get 135F water at the faucet

   • ANSWER:
     so you designed a heat exchanger, not too shaby. however it is time restricted and therefore not functional.
     >when do most poeple shower?, before 10, and after 4
     >great idea but ill pay the 0.65$ a day to shower at my leisure

9. QUESTION:
   Should you install a solar water heater?
   Should you install a solar water heater? The average home has a 200 liter (50-60 gallon) hot-water tank, which is effectively drained and replenished three times per day. Assume that the entering tap water is 15 degrees C and is heated to 50 degrees C. Given an average energy from sunlight of 1.53 kJ/cm2 per day, how large would the collection area (in m2) of a solar water heater need to be if its efficiency is 28%? Assume that the price of a solar collector is 5/m2. How much would it cost to install this hot water system?

   • ANSWER:
     I don't see how you can go rwong installing it, be it for economic -, environmental reasons or otherwise. In time, the system will undoubtedly pay for itself. There is also the safety factor. Propane can be volatile, something you don't have to worry about with solar. Hot water haeting systems aren't as high tech ( at laest not some) as you might think. You could probaly even install some pretty primitive ones of your own making. You could put a flat rectangular box with a large surface area on you roof, paint it a flat black , and you'll be surpriced at how much it can heat water. And you could just buy the standard hot water heating panels, witha pressure relief valve, and a mechanical heat expansion solar tracking device, or a computer controlled tracking. Pool heating systems , for the most part are pretty primitive, consisting mostly of lots of small rubber tubes bunched together in a mat, all connected to a larger supply , feed and circulation tubes. You could even coil a bunch of metal tubes , and paint them a flat black for maximum absorbtion of solar heat. I'd go solar. All around it's a good idea.

10. QUESTION:
    Is a solar water heater worth installing on the roof of my house?
    I live in Birmingham UK and have a south facing house roof.Considering the technical requirements and the significant capital cost of installing such a system , will it provide useful hot water in reality. I am interested to hear from people who are not purely eco-evangelists?

    • ANSWER:
      * Judging from what I understand about your local climate, I'd say it's a waste of time and money.

11. QUESTION:
    Price to instal a solar water heater?
    Should you install a solar water heater? The average home has a 200 liter (50-60 gallon) hot-water tank, which is effectively drained and replenished three times per day. Assume that the entering tap water is 13 degrees C and is heated to 55 degrees C. Given an average energy from sunlight of 1.53 kJ/cm2 per day, how large would the collection area (in m2 of a solar water heater need to be if its efficiency is 20%? Assume that the price of a solar collector is 5/m2. How much would it cost to install this hot water system?

    Calculate energy required to heat 1 mL of water. Convert this to tank volume. area=heat required/(solar heat/area)/eff. Installation cost = area x solar collector cost.

    I'm getting 34x10^6 m^2
    12x10^9 dollars to install

    Apparently this is wrong but I can't find my mistakes. Anyone?
    I have 4180 J/Liter giving 837,200 J to heat up 200 Liters of water 1 degree C. I multiplied that by 3 because it's drained and filled 3 times a day giving me 2,511,600J per day. I multiplied that by 42 (55-13) giving me 105x10^6J per day, altering for the change in temperature of the tank. I took that and converted it to kJ = 105x10^3kJ per day. Took 1.53kJ/cm^2 and divided by 1000 to get m^2.

    105x10^3/(.0153kJ/m^2)-----> Divided by .20 for efficiency factor and got 34x10^6 m^2

    34x10^6 m^2 x 375 to get 12x10^9 dollars

    I know this is wrong, but I just can't seem to find the mistake.

    • ANSWER:
      Eyeballing it, about 50 m^2, and 000, which is way out of line with the real world, at least, for Hawaii. Without that 20% efficiency number, the answer would be reasonable for me. I would think 10 m^2 and 00.

      Look up the "specific heat of water", and find out how many joules are needed to heat a gram (= 1 mL) of water by one degree C. That's the same number of kJ needed to heat a liter.

      EDIT:

      "kJ = 105x10^3kJ per day. Took 1.53kJ/cm^2 and divided by 1000 to get m^2."

      105 x 10^3 kJ per day. I agree. But you should take 1.53 kJ/cm^2 and *multiply* by (100 x 100 = 10,000) to get kJ/m^2. So that's 1.53 x 10^4 kJ/m^2.

      Dividing that figure into 105 x 10^3 kJ, you'll get 105/15.3 = about 7 m^2. Then divide by 0.20 to get 35 m^2.

12. QUESTION:
    Which hot water heater is best for this application?
    Have a boiler hot water heater. It is ok in the winter but it really stinks in the summer. Last spring I built a solar heater to preheat the water (it cost me about 300 bucks) It has almost paid for itself in addition I have more hot water. I would like to just shut the boiler down in the summer and run it in the winter. What kind of hot water heating system can someone recommend for the summer? I thought about tank less, electric or LP or a small electric tank.

    • ANSWER:
      It will depend on how much hot water you will be using if you have more than 3 people in your house I would go to a regular heater. or if you have a high demand for such as a jet tub if it is just you and your other I would get a tank less. I have one in my cabin and it is nice and care free system.

13. QUESTION:
    Solar water heater for my home?
    We've been considering purchasing a solar water heater to save on ridiculous oil costs (we already use a pellet stove to heat our house but need oil for our hot water). We live in New England and have roughly a 1500 sq ft home. Does anyone have informnation we can use to buy the right solar water heater, such as types, pirces, backup systems, etc.

    • ANSWER:
      i use solar convection for 100% of my homes heating/cooling. basically think of a big green house on the south side of your home with black walls and black floor. there are vents on the top and bottum of the inside wall going into my house. when the air in the room heats up the hot air rises up threw the vents in the house, pullling in cooler air from my house. then at night i simply close the vents.

      i also use solar aic conditioning in the house. i have a big black metal box on the top of my home that heats up supper hot in the summer time. as hot air rises it sucks the warm air that's collecting in my cieling, which creates a suction inside the house. i have vents on the floor that are pipes threw the dirt in the front yard which draw in the cool thermal air into the house.

      If you interested I offer several DIY alternative guides to walk you step by step threw Greener living, how to run your car on alternative fuels and being self-sufficient, at agua-luna com or

      www agua-luna com
      Hope this helped, feel free to contact me personally if you have any questions if you’d like assistance in making your first self sufficient steps, I’m willing to walk you step by step threw the process. I’ve written several how-to DIY guides available at www agua-luna com on the subject. I also offer online and on-site workshops, seminars and internships to help others help the environment.

      Dan Martin
      Alterative Energy / Sustainable Consultant, Living 100% on Alternative & Author of How One Simple Yet Incredibly Powerful Resource Is Transforming The Lives of Regular People From All Over The World... Instantly Elevating Their Income & Lowering Their Debt, While Saving The Environment by Using FREE ENERGY... All With Just One Click of A Mouse...For more info Visit:

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      Stop Global Warming,

14. QUESTION:
    Supplemental water heater/solar conversion?
    We currently have an oil-fired coil type hot water heater - built into the furnace. With only two people in the house, we still can't get more than two minutes of a hot shower before it goes cold. The heat kicks up again in about 5 minutes, but it makes for a very uncomfortable shower.

    Does anyone have experience with this type of water heater? Can we purchase a supplemental tank? The furnace is pretty old so we don't want to invest much right now.

    Also, any thoughts on converting oil heat to solar energy? If we were to convert our energy source, we'd do the whole system - water, HVAC and heat. Estimated cost on 1500 sf house? We froze our butts off this winter keeping the heat in the low 60's and still paid about ,500 - ,000 for oil. We'd like to avoid a repeat next year.

    Your input is appreciated! Thanks in advance.

    • ANSWER:
      If I were you I would look into getting the newer " on demand" hot water heating system. There are no tanks, and therefore water is not constantly heated day and nite whether it is needed or not. Especially since now you need to use a boiler to keep it that way.
      They make whole house models and models that you can put in just one application . Like a "on demand" water heater for the bathroom only or just the kitchen sink.
      They are either electrically heated or gas heated.
      The initial cost is higher BUT the moment you install it ,,,it starts paying for itself because it only operates when you turn on the hot water faucet. Your monthly bill willl drop like a stone.
      Also it never runs out of hot water.
      Its a win win situation.

15. QUESTION:
    Does anyone know how many kwh an electric hot water heater uses per month?
    Wondering if a solar hot water system is a cost effective alternative?
    I use 2333 KWH per month?
    I use 2333 KWH per month?

    • ANSWER:
      depend on how much usage

16. QUESTION:
    How many solar panels (PV) for a 1500 sqft off grid home?
    We use about 400 to 500 kwh per month. We have a tv, computer,microwave, and of course fride, washer/dryer, and back up water heater. (solar water heater is the main one)

    Also how much would such a system cost, including batteries and inverters? Rough estimate okay.
    I try to use very little energy, and those are the figures on our current electic bills

    • ANSWER:
      I use about 500 kWh a month and have a 1600 sqft home. It is two years old.

      500 kwh divided by 30 days is 16.6 kwh a day. I don't know where you live so I can't say how many peak sun hours you get so lets just use five.

      16.6 divided by 5 = 3.3 kwh in solar modules. You said the home was off grid so ,263.70 for parts. Add in 10% to 15% for the install and you got it .

      Really there is no way to know without asking you a lot of questions.

      What is the total wattage that will be on the system at any one time.. (tv set, freezer, coffee pot and hair drier and a few lights) that will tell you how big of an inverter you need. Then you will need a battery bank that will only be drained by 50% by the end of the day before re-charging. Which you can find because you know you use 16.6 kWh per day. 16.6 divided by 48 volts battery bank is 345 amp hours in battery power plus like said above you need to double that so 700 AH should do it.

      There is still more to it because you need to make sure that the 3.3 kWh in solar power will give you a 5% to 10% rate of charge. At 48 volts you would have about 68 amps so you are close to 10% so all is good so far.

      If you plan to do it all your self you should start out by buying the parts for a small system and teach yourself all about it. Or talk to a dealer.

      Here is a good info page to help you out.

      http://www.oynot.com/solar-info.html

      And here is a price list of complete systems. http://www.oynot.com/solar-grid-tie-backup-by-array-size.html

17. QUESTION:
    Which water heating system is the most efficient, realistic, and price effective?
    I am looking into water heating systems and I am looking more between a regular storage tank water heater that is insulated to prevent heat loss, has factory installed heat traps to prevent escape of hot water, and has an electronic ignition and a solar powered water heater with a regular water heater for a back up (because I have heard they usually aren't able to provide as much). Which is more efficient, cost wise and energy wise?

    • ANSWER:
      It can vary by where you are. If you are in a cold climate, a solar water panel is not the most practical at certain times of the year.

      A website with good information, http://www.builditsolar.com He is in Montana, where it gets really cold. So you can find some useful info there as well.

      In general, the water heaters in the stores have a tag that indicates what the estimated cost to operate it each year based on a certain rate of cost for fuel, and you can use that as a guideline in calculating what your annual cost to operate it will be, then add the cost of the heater and the cost of installation if you are not doing it yourself.

      You can expect a storage tank water heater to have a tank last 6 to 12 years depending on water condition, and maintenance of the anode rod.

      Most on demand heaters have a jacket tank of about a gallon capacity, and most manufacturers have a warranty on those of 10 years.minimum.

      The better solar water panels have a 10 year warranty at a minimum, but you have reduncy with the back up. And you may have extra issues with storage tanks, isolating the collector plumbing, etc.

      It may not pay to have the solar panel heater installed at this time, but it can be used as a way of avoiding the likely carbon taxes of the future.

18. QUESTION:
    How much should solar hot water and radiant heat cost in Maryland, USA?
    I'm getting quotes for a replacement for our hot water heater. So far I've gotten 22K for materials and installation of a solar hot water heater (3-4 collector panels) with heat rejection and single zone open direct radiant heating to one floor (accessible through drop ceiling underneath). Both quotes include a backup hot water heating system; the expensive one would involve installing a new backup high efficiency heater by converting our propane tank to use for heating. This would be either the Polaris or 2 Takagi Jrs, one for the solar hot water and another to power the radiant heat.

    Another quote is for 12K for only the solar hot water and heat rejection using the Velux system.

    Are these really high? I've already contacted 3 companies but it doesn't look like too many people are installing them in Maryland yet. I'm still waiting on a quote from one final company. Thanks!

    • ANSWER:
      Without information of how big the footprint of the house is, and how many people the domestic hot water (DHW) is for, it is hard to say.

      You said you got a quote for 3 -4 collectors, so I'm going to make some assumptions based on that. Four 4'x8' collectors = 128 sq ft of collector. A general rule of thumb for space heating with solar is 1 sq ft of collector for every 5 -10 sq ft of house footprint (depends on heat storage, heat loss in the house, climate, etc). So, if we say 1200 sq ft house, 1200 / 10 = 120; 128 sq ft of collectors could work (again, depending on above variables). Depending on the brand, each flat plate collector could cost about 00, so 00 for the four collectors (evacuated tubes cost more). You then need a controller, storage tank, pumps, heat exchanger, plus all of the copper pipes and fixtures. Then a couple of days for a plumber to install. ,000 installed seems about right without the backup heater. Here's a heating system that costs that just for the equipment http://www.altestore.com/store/Solar-Water-Heaters/Climate-freezes-Closed-Loop-Systems/Combined-Solar-Hot-Water-Space-Heating/Heliodyne-Solar-Hot-Water-Space-Heat-1500-sqft/p6731/.

      Note, gas on-demand water heaters like the Bosch Aquastar make great backup heaters for solar http://www.houseneeds.com/shop/HeatingProducts/WaterHeating/AquaStar1/aquastar1600psmain.asp. I don't know what size you'd need.

19. QUESTION:
    Anyone know about installing solar panels to heat a small swimming pool?
    I have a small, outdoor "Endless Pool" in California which uses an electric heater. I want to hook up a solar panel heating system to reduce costs. I use the pool for physical therapy and need to keep the water at about 88 degrees year round. I need to know hhow to get information about hooking it up.

    • ANSWER:
      Take a look at solar swimming pool heater on the Internet. Good information there. You will want to decide whether to go photovoltaic, or "waterbag" heating. I think you will find waterbag heating the most economical.

20. QUESTION:
    Is it best to turn a hot water system on and off or leave it on continually?
    We are running a 125 litre hot water heater for only two people. Its 15amp and single element I think. When we had solar heating, we got into the habit of turning the booster on and off accordingly. I'm wondering now, if we are energy saving by turning the current system off during the day and only flicking it on at night for a time? Or would it work out less expensive to let the thermostat regulate a permanent hot water temperature and in so doing, be using less energy overall? Its a balancing or juggling act I know but over a period of time, which approach makes more sense as far as costing less in power? Hot water usage is generally fairly conservative too and we don't really need the scalding temps when its on all the time, even in the middle of winter. (Thermostat not adjustable)

    • ANSWER:
      I think its best to leave it on, because if you turn it off, the water will get cold again and then take more energy to heat it up again... just a thought.

21. QUESTION:
    Is solar power an answer to my high electric bill?
    I live in the state with the highest electricity cost (.24 per kWh). Last month I turned the electric hot water heater temperature down down, bought a new energy efficient clothes washer, I didn't use my clothes dryer, I have a gas stove, I don't have air conditioning, and I didn't run any fans in the house. I just received my bill. It is over 0.00 again! Could a solar electric system really help save me money?

    • ANSWER:
      the initial hit to the pocket book is still staggering but is going down. eventually it will pay for itself. tv's computers use alot of electric if left on all the time. as well as all the lights on in the house hope this info helps you :0)

22. QUESTION:
    What Would The Cost of A Renovation Be?
    We are currently looking to buy this wonderfully crappy home around the corner from us for around ,000. It is a 3 bed, 2 bath ranch style house that is a total of 1100 sq. ft. Prior to purchasing we are trying to figure out what a gut and redo of this place will cost. We know the following has to be done:

    - Gut of all walls
    - New plumbing
    - Update wiring
    - New kitchen
    - New baths
    - New floors (hardwood)
    - Some carpet
    - New roof
    - Redo siding & front fascia

    Here are some items that we are trying to figure out that I have not found a ton of reliable data on:

    - Tank less water heater cost & install
    - Bamboo hardwood cost and install
    - Foam/blue jean insulation cost
    - Green shingles
    - Solar install
    - Gray water system install

    Has anyone done something similar in their area? We are looking to budget about ,000 for all of the items needed, and need to know if this is reasonable or just plain crazy.

    Thanks for anyone's help. We are in the burbs of Chicago if anyone has good contacts as well.

    • ANSWER:
      I would estimate at least ,000-100,000 to have it all done. I think it will be the higher, judging by my previous experience. It could be more if you are installing solar...solar alone will run you minimum ,000 for an average family of four usage and all the panels, batteries, inverter..etc needed. I would skip this part or add it on top of the hundred thousand.

23. QUESTION:
    I want to plan solar power systems for following? pl suggest cost, availability and other details.?
    1. For ground floor single home (2BHK)
    2. Lighting points 14 to 15.
    3. Water Heater.
    4. Calling Bell
    5. Mobile charging
    6. To run TV.
    7. To run Computer.
    8. If possible grinder other kitchen items.

    • ANSWER:
      For local solar power info in the US go here:
      http://www.installeco.com/local/solar-power/

      Wind Power Info: http://www.installeco.com/local/wind-power/

      Info on pricing, viability, energy concentration, ect in your city/state

24. QUESTION:
    What kind system could I make with these 12 v recharable batteries.?
    I have 8 12v rechargeable batteries that came out of some pallet jacks. What low cost energy system could I create to help with my power bill. I have no solar system currently. I may can get my hands on some rechargeable forklift batteries....Key words low cost but simplistic. Maybe hook them up to run an electric hot water heater? Looking for ideas...
    The batteries are 600 ah for 6 hours. Pretty big batteries off a 1000 # pallet jack. 4'x4'x1' weigh a couple 100 pounds.

    • ANSWER:
      There are quite a few older solar panels from the 70s & 80s that are now being replaced... they are the ones with the brown glass. They are only about 5% efficient and if you can locate any near your location most people will just give them away (so don't pay anything for an older brown glass PV panel !!!). PV works on 12 volts so you don't need an inverter to recharge those batteries, but coming up with things that can run on a 12 volt DC system can be a challenge... if your on the coast, a lot of marine surplus stores have cool stuff for boats, or an RV dealer might have some things to ponder. I'm thinking a green Man Cave in the garage with a 12 volt TV or stereo (nice car audio systems run on 12V). Because you already have the battery back up system you could party on into the night for free!

      I run my weather station on a 10 Watt PV panel and a single rechargeable ATV battery that someone left at a camp site...

      You could also look at anything that has a voltage step down box on it, like when you connect your lap top to AC, there's that box between the computer and the wall outlet... and hook it up direct. But make sure the box says 12 Volts on it!

      There are also a lot of low voltage outdoor lighting system that could be adapted to a direct 12 volt connection, they use those step down boxes too. Now you can have disco lights in the Man Cave dude!

      I have an uncle that's been into hamm radio for decades, we set him up with a solar panel and a recycled battery system, so now he can talk for free... form his Man Cave in the garage.

      The only other thing I could add to help you make something work is watch your wire size. DC needs more copper than AC, so don't use telephone wire or small speaker wire to try and hook stuff up with, solid cooper works betterr than braided.

      Good Luck

25. QUESTION:
    Cost to build pool to Central California? salt water? heating? operating costs? builders?
    I am thinking about putting in a pool within the next 2 years and I have a few questions. If you live in Cali in the Fresno - Bakersfield & Porterville - Lemoore area, you can really help me out.

    1) Whats the cost of putting in an in ground pool that is a basic - average with the features listed below? I am looking at a rectangle shaped pool thats 4-8 ft deep, with a C shaped seating area in the shallow side of the pool. Similar to how spas are attached to pools, but just a seating area to hangout in the pool. Other features would be 2 multicolored lights, salt water system and just basic decking.

    2) Is a salt water system worth it? The Good? The Bad? Costs? We have hard water and red/orange algae that grows quickly. I have heard that salt water systems are better at keeping the algae away, any truth in it?

    3) Is solar heating worth adding to the pool? Costs? I don't want a gas/elect heater for the pool, its just too $$$ to run. In the summer there are many 100+ days, so the heater would only be used in the spring/fall but not in the winter. Is it better to just have a dark pool surface instead?

    4) How much would my electric & water bill go up with having a pool? Right now my elect bill ranges from in the Winter to 0 in the Summer (all those 100+ days).

    5) Pool builders- who's good? Bad? How long will it take to build?
    One pool builder in the area is having a special for ,900 you get a 250 sq ft pool with pump, D.E. filter, cleaner, timer, tile, white plaster and 400 sq ft deck.

    Is that a small or average size pool? Is white plaster the same as Gunite?

    How much should I expect to save if I get a pool in the off season?

    What is the average tier 1 rate for loans for a pool? note: I refuse to use home equity.

    • ANSWER:
      I can't answer all of your questions, but I can help you out with some of them. I live in Sydney Australia so the climate is similar to your climate. I husband and I had a pool built about 10 years ago.
      This is what we got.
      Lagoon style below ground concrete pool and spa.
      Gas heating.
      Solar heating.
      Saltwater chlorinator system.

      First up, when you get a quote be prepared to pay a lot more money than the quote says. It shouldn't happen but it does.
      I have been though 2 Saltwater chlorinator's and I will never buy another one again. They work fine until your have a few people in the pool. They don't chlorinate the pool fast enough to handle the load. It doesn't take long before the pool starts to go green while your swimming in there and then you have to run the pool filter for about 7 hours after everyone gets out to fix it up. If you have noise laws like we have here it makes it really hard to keep it clean.
      For example if you have a evening pool party that goes late into the night you are not aloud to run the pool pump because of the noise. So the next day you come out to a pool going green and you have to wait hours for the pool Chlorinater to work. So what I have to do is top it up with real pool Chlorine to fix it up.

      Solar Heating.
      I have the type that is made of black hose rubber and laid all over the roof and glued into place.
      Like the one in the site below.
      http://www.zane.com.au/html/home.htm
      We have lots of hot sunny days like where you live so the sun really takes it toll on the black rubber panels. I am always having to pay someone to plug holes and re-glue the rubber back down. The glue doesn't last long, very time we have a storm the wind blows the panels all over the place.

      Maintenance is very expensive. Pool equipment doesn't last a long a you think it should. So far we have gone though 3 pool filter pumps, 2 pool cleaner pumps, 2 gas heaters, 2 Saltwater chlorinator's, pool lights and that just what I can remember off the top of my head.

      The pool is a lagoon style so there are a few shallow ledges around the pool. Because of that the water evaporates faster than normal swimming pools and that cost more money on water bills. Depending how long you run the pool pumps its going to cost you a lot of money on your electricity bill. In winter when the pool isn't being used it's not to bad but in summer it costs a lot of money. In my case the bill makes my wont to cry when I see it.

      I don't want to put you off getting a swimming pool because we have a years of fun in our swimming pool and the kids have loved having there friends over for pool party's but it is going to cost you good hard earned money to run your pool. If you can afford it you are going to love your pool.
      from Noelene Sydney Aus.

26. QUESTION:
    Would u support a solar energy utility run by the government..Do u trust solar energy?
    Frustrated by a lack of control over local energy issues, Sarasota County leaders are considering the creation of a government-run solar electric utility that would provide cheaper electricity bills and a free solar hot water heater for everyone.

    The county would pay for and own solar water heaters in residents' homes. The only cost to consumers would be a monthly bill for the solar energy.

    That would mean two electric bills for participating homeowners. But the customer would still save money on electricity because Sarasota County would charge less than Florida Power & Light for a home's hot water.

    A citizens' committee asked by county leaders to develop local solar incentives formally recommended the solar utility idea this week.

    The proposal will be considered by the County Commission on April 14. If adopted, the system will put Sarasota County in rare company; only 35 communities in the country have solar hot water incentive programs.

    Larry Altman, who headed Sarasota County's advisory committee, touted the concept of having the county absorb the cost of installing solar water heaters in homes.

    "This is a guaranteed savings on your electric bill: no money down, no mainten

    • ANSWER:
      Yes, solar energy is the best.

27. QUESTION:
    How much power an electric pumpset (0.5 hp capacity) will consume in units per hour?
    I intend to install solar water heater system on rooftop of my flat (top floor). Unfortunately, the fresh water tank is also situated on floor level, which means I will have to install a pump set (0.5 hp) capacity to supply water for solar heater tank (200 ltr.), which may take at least half an hour or so for filling it up almost every day. The cost of electric consumption of this pump in unit is important otherwise the very exercise of saving electricity will be in vain. Please help.

    • ANSWER:
      0.5 HP is about 400 watts. For 1/2 hour, that is 200 watt hours, or 0.2 kW-hours.

      I don't know what you mean by "units" or "units per hour", but I suspect you mean 0.2 kW-hours, which would cost about 2¢ US per day, or 60¢ per month. You have to look up your electricity cost and make your own comversion.

      .

28. QUESTION:
    Physics question help with steps?
    A solar water heater costs about 00 more than an electric or gas hot water system. However, there is a government rebate of 00. If asloar heater saves 70% it woud take for the solar heater to pay for itself (Assume electric or gas water heating costs are about 0 per year)

    Thanks in advance

    • ANSWER:
      No. of years to pay for itself (solar water heater)—x:
      ,500 - ,000 = x(0.7[0])
      5x = ,500
      x = 1,500/245 or (1,500/5)/(245/5)
      x = 300/49 or 6 6/49

      Answer: 6 6/49 years OR 6 years 1 1/2 months (approximately)

29. QUESTION:
    My pool heater is a lemon, what should I do?
    Situation:
    -15' round above ground pool in Lisle, IL (30 miles west of Chicago)

    -Like to keep the pool open June - August and maintain at least 85F water temp

    -7 year old Natural Gas pool heater has broken down again

    -Spent nearly twice the price of the unit in repairs over the years

    -Nicor insurance will pay 0 towards repairing the old system or buying a new system.

    -Repair will cost 0 (assuming the repair works the first time)

    -My budget is 0 out-of-pocket or 0 total.

    -Calculator at solardirect.com says I would need 166 square feet of solar panels (about 8' x 20') to solar heat my pool, which I can't accommodate without it being an eyesore.

    Should I get the lemon unit repaired or is there another fairly dependable unit that will suit my needs for under 0?

    • ANSWER:
      I'm in the middle of a similar project for a neighbor. A decent new pool heater will cost you about 00 not including installation. However, if you live in an area with a lot of swimming pools, you might be able to find a used heater on craigslist. In Southern California, a lot of people are filling in their pools to save money on water and electricity, so a free heater will pop up online every couple of days. Just check the rating plate on your existing heater and look for the thermal input. It should be measured in kiloBTUs or kBTUs. It can range from 55 kBTUS (55,000 BTUs) up to 400kBTUs (400,000 BTUs.) With that number in mind, look around and see if anyone has a natural gas pool heater with a similar rating. If you can't find something for free, you ought to be able to find something for 0 or less. Good luck!

30. QUESTION:
    Could a home in upstate NewYork be self sufficient in regards to energy?
    Could a standard sized 3 bedroom home go "off the grid" by using solar panels on the roof and wind turbines in the backyard? Heating during winter could be produced by wood burning space heaters and cookstoves, and solar water heating systems. If a 3 bedroom bungalow in upstate New York could become wholly independent of the power grid, what would it cost? Assume the household uses 20,000 watt hours per day (space heating exempt from calculation, as is water heating)

    • ANSWER:
      The energy necessary to run a house in that area is certainly obtainable from wind and solar. But a more important factor than the location on the earth is how the home is situated on the site. If it's an existing home it can be retrofitted to some extent.. Building from scratch makes it possible to maximize energy availability. New technology is being developed, literally, daily.
      As for cost, you'll need to have someone visit the site who can make recommendations and give you an idea of that. Alternative energy depends so much on the exterior setting of the home that it is far less 'one size fits all' than traditional systems.
      Keep in mind that once you become energy independent, any excess energy you produce can be sold back to the power company- your meter runs backwards- at the same price they charge you. Also, consider the length of time it will take the system to pay you back and any tax benefits your state may offer. And, remember than 'green' homes are seen as more valuable on the market.

31. QUESTION:
    Break Even point CORRECT ANSWER WILL GET 10 Points!?
    A new homeowner is debating between installing a solar or a gas water heater. The gas water heater should last 20 years and will cost 5 to purchase. The estimated fuel use, based on a family of four is 0 per year. The solar water heater is more expensive: the equipment costs 00 to purchase and install. Additionally, the homeowner estimates that the annual fuel cost will be in electricity to run the pump and to heat the water on cloudy days. He also estimates for annual maintenance. He does not know how many years the solar water heater will last, but he estimates that the equipment should last at least 10 years.

    a.How many years would the solar water heater have to last to break even with the costs of the gas water heater?
    b.What is the cost of both systems at the break-even point?
    c.If the solar water heater lasts for 20 years, how much will the homeowner have saved?
    i need answers to question b and c please and thank you

    The answer for part A. is shown below=
    gas water heater:
    345 + 450x

    solar water heater:
    1900 + 135x

    set them equal to find the breakeven point:
    345 + 450x = 1900 + 135x
    315x = 1555

    x = 4.9365 years

    • ANSWER:
      b.) All you need to do is plug in the x value into one of those equations.
      345 + 450x = 2221.425
      It costs 21.43

      c.)You plug in 20 to both equations and find out the difference.
      345 + 450(20) = 9345
      1900 + 135(20) = 4600
      9345 - 4600 = 4745

      He saved 45

32. QUESTION:
    Math break even point question?
    Hi, guys i am having trouble solving this question, if you can help it will greatly be appreciated.

    A new homeowner is debating between installing a solar or a gas water heater. The gas water heater should last 20 years and will cost 5 to purchase. The estimated fuel use, based on a family of four is 0 per year. The solar water heater is more expensive: the equipment costs 00 to purchase and install. Additionally, the homeowner estimates that the annual fuel cost will be in electricity to run the pump and to heat the water on cloudy days. He also estimates for annual maintenance. He does not know how many years the solar water heater will last, but he estimates that the equipment should last at least 10 years.

    a.How many years would the solar water heater have to last to break even with the costs of the gas water heater?
    b.What is the cost of both systems at the break-even point?
    c.If the solar water heater lasts for 20 years, how much will the homeowner have saved?

    • ANSWER:
      Let t be time in years.

      The cost of the gas water heater at any given time t is:

      5 + 0t

      The cost of the solar system is

      00 + 5t

      345 + 450t = 1900 + 135t

      315t = 1555

      t = (1555 / 315) = 4.93651 years is the break even point. <---- Answer to a
      -----------------

      b) 66.43 <----- Answer to b
      -----------------

      The gas water heater will cost 345 + (20 * 450) = ,345.00
      The solar system will cost 1900 + (20 * 135) = ,600
      In twenty years the solar system will have saved:

      ,345.00 - ,600 = ,745 <--------- Answer to c

      .

33. QUESTION:
    Solar + Batteries + Grid Tie questions for Solar experts?
    Hi, I want to run my house without using my power company via "Solar". I of course need batteries for rainy days, and night time use. I have been told that it is "MUCH MORE EXPENSIVE" to run batteries instead of my power company at night, but with only 7 hours of peak light I would be using a power company for the remaining 17 hours of every day (even worse, depending on weather conditions). I didnt think solar was only for hours of power. This seems strange/counterproductive since the clothes & dish washing is at night, and Im sure the Fridges compressor gets a workout being opened frequently at night while its most idle during the day while no one is home to open it.

    Things ON when the Sun is NOT OUT:

    Hair Dryer
    Dishwasher
    TV (s)
    DVD/Blu-Ray
    Video game consoles
    Surround Sound + 300 Watt RMS Subwoofer
    Computers
    Interior Lighting
    Stove Use
    Oven Use
    Crockpot or any other standalone cooker
    Refrigerator/Freezer Compressor working overtime
    Charging a Fully Electric Car for 100 miles of use (.50 a night)
    Phones, and anything else that must be constantly recharged at your home
    Water Heater (consumes lots of power, is not used in peak Sun Power hours, and used for Laundry & dishes)
    Bathroom Exhaust fan/Heat
    Portable Heaters
    Microwave
    Iron
    Heating Pads (Haha!)
    Sauna
    Water Ionizer
    Not discluding anything else you can imagine you may run when it isnt between 11AM to 6PM every day.

    Why is it more costly to run batteries than pay my power company for the remaining 17+ hours on average, each day?
    Also, how much (as a basic explanation of any given scenario) does it cost in addition over simply continuing to pay for power at night (instead of my own battery bank)? I know many explain the A/C is used mostly in the day, and in their "Opinion" you "dont need batteries at night if youre grid tied". I only want the grid for backup. Seeing as only the AC gets heavy use during the day I would like to know I dont have to rely on the grid for "Heat" on cold winter nights (of course), whole house air purification running thru duct system 24/7 (iQair), and a list of other things below that we (people...) all run when there is no Sun. name whatever else you can imagine you use at night, or morning. Lets not forget the 2,000 Watt Hair Dryer running (running) by multiple people in an average home before the sun is supplying power. Also, if running an "Electric Water Heater" the Sun is "never" peaking for the average persons time of showering during the day. All of these Very BIG electrical devices are in constant use every hour the Sun isnt going to be peaking, if I do not run a battery bank. I need power at night & feel "Going Solar" should mean "Capable of Going Off Grid". Dont you?
    (If you feel your limited in Characters to respond you can message me on Facebook. The extension to find me is "BATurner3D" & you may still send me a message even if we arent "friends")

    We have to stay tied into the grid here by law & I would like help and suggestions from all Solar & Wind powered guys different "Clear Explanations" of different scenarios to not have to "tap into my grid" unless my batteries drop below their percentage level. I only want my Grid as a backup. This would only happen if there were a terrible storm or whatever else you already know is common to be a cause of total power depletion, off grid.
    If there is good reason to only run 7 hours of solar power into a grid tied home per day, please help me understand by explaining as clearly as possible, or giving me any clear reference you may know of.
    Thank you to the person who took the time read and respond!
    Please, anyone give any info you have. Together we can have this answered and closed as a solid response so people can finally get an answer to this without having to go thru what I am. I of course cannot question a solar company or they will just say "We'll do the installation for you. Dont you worry about it".
    MANY thanks from Many people that I can help with the answer to this question, and will help the rest of the public understand if searching this particular thing.
    Thank You!
    Edit: I understand I will still absorb some Sun during Non-Peak Sun Power hours. The thing is my family (most people) are not using any of their electronics during the day since they are in School, and at work. A lot of people think their Computer/Laptops rated power consumes a lot over the course of a day, but they dont come close while idle & is like running a blow dryer for 15 minutes to let a PC idle for 7 hours. Basically Solar would mean nothing without batteries, but everyone tells me not to run batteries. That is why I asked this question. I dont know why someone would NOT want to run on batteries at night to save money or the Environment. I want to "Go Green", but need a LOT of clarification. I have seen countless youtube videos, but either someone experimenting without the ability to decipher/explain, or a Solar Company that simply explains "Power from the Sun".
    I use "Alabama Power" and is my only option. They do not pay any money for power back to the grid, This makes Solar only during peak hours of no use in my location I am guessing?
    I believe I was wrong. It appears Alabama Power will FINALLY give credit back for the next month.
    Thank you all for your help, honestly. I know it was unwise to not research more thoroughly, because Alabama Power starts off by saying you MUST have 100K to run Solar, which is a complete lie. They do their best to get everyone Not to run Solar.

    • ANSWER:
      >I dont know why someone would NOT want to run on batteries at night to save money or the Environment.

      Because under most circumstances, it would cost significantly more and the environmental benefits would be questionable. For most people, if they have a reasonable grid tie option the only justification for batteries is as a backup in case of power outage.

      Even in that case one should look at the cost of a whole house gas/LP generator as backup compared to the rather large battery bank that you would need for your heavy electrical demand.

      The advantage of the grid tie system is that the grid acts like a "virtual battery". For very little money you get the advantages of having the equivalent of an infinite battery bank while avoiding the capital/replacement expenses of a large bank of environmentally questionable batteries. And the energy loss in charging real batteries.

      With the large amount of electrical usage you describe, just the equipment for a grid tie system would be high. If you are serious you need to pay an expert who is familiar with your area to crunch the numbers for each option.

      You never know, maybe some factor like low payment for the electricity you generate would make your situation unusual.

      Variables include weather, site location, electric rates, how much they pay for your generated power, subsidies.....

      At the same time the expert could look at your questionable use of electricity, for example your electric hot water heater/stove. Reducing your electrical usage will reduce the size ($$$$) of the solar system you would need. Electric resistance heating is an expensive way to heat water & air.

      Of course, if you too rich to worry about the money away, just pay someone to build it they way you want.
      ---------------------
      edit
      I've added some links that are pertinent to AL.

      Some key points if you are trying to save money are:

      1. The return on solar hot water is a lot better than solar electric. A good place to start.
      2. The return on being smart about using less electricity is much better than brute force solar electric.
      3. 0K might not be too far off if you followed your original plan.

34. QUESTION:
    Central Heating System?
    I've just bought a house that only has electric storage heaters working off an economy 7 supply. Hot water is from immersion heaters in the hot water tank.

    I would like to perhaps install a different system that will be more cost effective, and am wondering what the best options might be in the UK.

    The house is a 1940's semi-detached in Glasgow (so solar power might not work, though rain power might!!), has a main fireplace downstairs and one up stairs that can be opened up (good condition, just need the metal work and wood to burn), large front and back garden. Nearest gas supply is 200m away so will cost a few thousand to install gas main plus a few thousand to install gas appliances. The house has cavity wall insulation and double glazing, loft insulation is about 100m deep (haven't had chance to check yet) and can put additional insulation in there (I want to board out the loft, insulation can also go under the tiles). I have no idea about underfloor insulation - probably none. Instant heat will have to be from electric fan heaters.

    So there it is. What are the best options for me - I want to make the house warmer, have hot water and cost less over the next 5 years or so.

    If you can give me an estimate of cost and potential savings that would be even better.

    The answer might be to leave it as it is and have higher electricity bills but not spend thousands to reduce the power costs

    • ANSWER:
      Air source heat pump and water filled central heating system.
      Will be more economical.
      Alternative is air conditioning units in heat pump mode. Will cool in the summer too.

35. QUESTION:
    unit 4 study guide questions?
    1. Automobiles that use more than one source of power are called ______________. (Points: 1)
          

    2. Harnessing this energy, ___________   __________  can only be done currently at a few shorelines on the Earth. (2 words) (Points: 1)
          

    3. Fine sedimentary rock containing kerogen (Points: 1)
          

    4. 
    Using heat energy derived from the Earth's interior (boiling water, steam) to drive turbogenerators or to heat buildings directly is referred to as use of ________ energy.
    (Points: 1)
          

    5. The clustering of many wind turbines at one location is referred to as a wind (Points: 1)
          

    6. This is a product of decomposing manure and/or sewage sludge and can be used as a fuel. (Points: 1)
          

    7. ________ __________ is a method of coal extraction that uses large pieces of earth-moving equipment to remove huge amounts of soil and rock to expose coal deposits. (two words) (Points: 1)
          

    8. List two alternative fuel sources to Fossil Fuels. (Points: 1)

    9. List three categories of energy use. (Points: 1)

    10. List two disadvantages of nuclear power. (Points: 1)

    11. Describe three energy sources used to power turbines in the generation of electricity. (Points: 1)

    12. What was the main fuel used for energy generation during the 1700's to the mid 1800's? (Points: 1)
          

    13. _________, _________, and _________ are three examples of fossil fuels. (Points: 1)
          

    14. _____________ Power does not directly contribute to greenhouse gases, is an alternative to fossil fuels, the waste is radioactive. (Points: 1)
          

    15. With 75,000 dams in the United States, only __________ percent of rivers are still free-following. (Points: 1)
          

    16. The development of the steam engine sparked the __________ Revolution. (Points: 1)
          

    17. __________ ___________ is a primary fossil fuel that releases the fewest pollutants when compared to other fossil fuels. (Points: 1)
          

    18. This European country depends on nuclesar energy for apporximately 75% of its electricity generation. _____________ (Points: 1)
          

    19. Which of the following is true of hydroelectric power. (Points: 1)
           Fish migration can be impeded.
           Resevoirs created by dams are usually wamer water.
           Reservoirs created by dams may submerge previously dry ecocsystems.
           Water flows uphill to generate electricity.
           Water flow downstream is inconsistent.

    20. Electricity is a ___________ energy source because it relies on a primary energy source such as coal or water power. (Points: 1)
          

    21. Only 30% of the total energy is transferred when ___________ is generated. from burning coal, for example. (Points: 1)
          

    22. The decomposition of animal plant remains over a long period of time results in the formation of __________ ___________. (Points: 1)
          

    23. The initial cost to install a solar hot water system is 5 to 10 times more than gas or electric heaters. (Points: 1)
           True
           False

    24. Melting out is the process used to extract __________ from oil sands. (Points: 1)
          

    25. The United States currently produces about 20 percent of its electricity by __________ __________. (Points: 1)
          

    26. Most of the poorer nations of the world rely on ___________ as their major fuel source. (Points: 1)
          

    27. Thirteen oil-producing countries are members of this organization which acts to coordinate their oil production policies in order to help stabilise the oil market. ____________ (Points: 1)
          

    28. ____________ __________ is excess heat discharged into rivers lakes and oceans. (Points: 1)
          

    29. Growing crops for producing this fuel may result in undercutting food production. (Points: 1)
          

    30. Oil Shale is sedimentary rock containing __________. (Points: 1)
          

    31. In 2005, __________ _________ provided 8,900 MW of electricity from heat within the earth. With today's technology 10 times this amount could be generated and if you consider new technologies as much as 138,000 MW of electricty could be generated each year. (Points: 1)
          

    32. Coal fired plants release 100 times more radioactivity than nuclear power plants due to the natural presence of thorium and uranium in the coal. (Points: 1)
           True
           False

    • ANSWER:
      DO YOUR HOMEWORK YOUR SELF! anyway these questions aren't hard just look in your text book.