Hawaii Energy, Conservation and Efficiency Program | ENERGY STAR® Appliances. Solar Water Heaters: Gov info. Solar water heaters -- also called solar domestic hot water systems -- can be a cost-effective way to generate hot water for your home. They can be used in any climate, and the fuel they use -- sunshine -- is free. How They Work Solar water heating systems include storage tanks and solar collectors.
There are two types of solar water heating systems: active, which have circulating pumps and controls, and passive, which don't. Active Solar Water Heating Systems There are two types of active solar water heating systems: Direct circulation systemsPumps circulate household water through the collectors and into the home. Passive Solar Water Heating Systems Passive solar water heating systems are typically less expensive than active systems, but they're usually not as efficient. Integral collector-storage passive systemsThese work best in areas where temperatures rarely fall below freezing.
Storage Tanks and Solar Collectors Most solar water heaters require a well-insulated storage tank. Solar water heating. Solar water heating (SWH) or solar hot water (SHW) systems comprise several innovations and many mature renewable energy technologies that have been well established for many years. SWH has been widely used in Australia, Austria, China, Cyprus, Greece, India, Israel, Japan and Turkey. In a "close-coupled" SWH system the storage tank is horizontally mounted immediately above the solar collectors on the roof. No pumping is required as the hot water naturally rises into the tank through thermosiphon flow.
In a "pump-circulated" system the storage tank is ground- or floor-mounted and is below the level of the collectors; a circulating pump moves water or heat transfer fluid between the tank and the collectors. SWH systems are designed to deliver hot water for most of the year. However, in winter there sometimes may not be sufficient solar heat gain to deliver sufficient hot water. In this case a gas or electric booster is used to heat the water. Overview[edit] History[edit] Mediterranean[edit] Solar Water Heating Contractors (Hawaii Energy) Hawaii Energy’s solar water heating Participating Contractors are pre-qualified by our program and must abide by strict standards. Contractors must be insured, licensed, in good standing with the Better Business Bureau and have all systems pass inspection. Hawaii Energy Participating Contractor Standards When you work with a Hawaii Energy Participating Contractor, you can be assured that your contractor’s home visit will include: An analysis of your hot water usage A calculation of your anticipated energy savings A bid/cost estimate for a complete installation An instant deduction of the Hawaii Energy $1,000 rebate from the installed cost of your system A FREE 100-point inspection after installation ensuring your system was installed to rigorous standards and specifications.
Tips on Choosing a Contractor Choosing a contractor can be a difficult process, but it is a key step in making your home more energy-efficient. Obtain at least three (3) quotes. Honolulu City & County Hawaii Island Maui. GE GeoSpring Hybrid Electric Water Heater: Good Investment? I’m normally not excited by water heaters, but I do love the idea of investing small money upfront to lower my expenses and save big money in the future. We currently have a 10-year old electric water heater which I’d like to replace soon due to age and inadequate size. We live in a warmer climate and thus considered a solar hot water heater, but the combination of cost and having to cut and install water pipes through our roof didn’t sound especially fun.
I just saw that until October 5th, Lowe’s is selling the GE GeoSpring 50-Gallon Hybrid Electric Water Heater for $999. Currently, both GEAppliances.com and Sears also have it at $999. If you can get free delivery in your area, one may be cheaper than the other. Both Lowe’s and Sears offer another 5% off if you have their store credit card. Tax credits. Potential $2,400 in savings. What’s a hybrid water heater? Inside Consumer Reports Test Labs: Review of the GE GeoSpring electric heat-pump water heater. Solar Hot Water | Water Heaters | This Old House - 1. Hybrid electric water heater vs. solar water heater. BBB on solar energy scams. As sure as the sun rises in the East, the home improvement scammers come knocking on doors in Spring promising top-notch improvements at cut-rate prices. This year’s favorite flimflam is green, specifically solar, according to the Better Business Bureau. The solar scams borrow from the more tried-and-true home improvement ripoffs.
“They may show up at your door, advertise in local papers or deliver fliers to your home,” said the BBB in a recent scam alert. “Like the typical contracting scam, solar paneling scams can range anywhere from issues with the installation and costs to the actual solar panels themselves.” The fraudulent contractors prey on homeowners who are unfamiliar with solar energy, which is most of us. Learn how solar energy works. Consumer Reports recently tested four solar water heaters at our Yonkers, New York, headquarters.