Solar hot water system started!

[Jagmandave]

The major problem I have with doing this is the ugly panels standing up on my roof........

In California, I had a friend with enough acreage that he set his solar panels on the ground (angled up at the appropriate angle of course) rather than on his roof - I would go this route if I were doing this. He used his to heat his pool, and it the summer it almost got too hot. How would you regulate that? Must be able to plumb a thermostat in there somehow to shut off the pump if the temp's too high. But then I wondered if those panels would overheat if they didn't have any water running thru them to cool them............

 

[bloody_peasant]

Jagmandave,

Although a lot more expensive, they do have new thin film panels that can actually be installed (and look a lot like) shingles, in fact they replace your normal shingles, but they are more $$$ big time.

They can even be installed over skylights.

 

[Doc_Bob]

Thanks Bob. However, something does not make sense to me, I think your math is a bit off. A $1900 federal tax credit does not give you an extra 6,000 in your pocket at end of the year. It reduces your federal tax by $1,900, which in turn, increases your net take home income by exactly 1,900.

You are right. Thanks for pointing out my math/logic error. But for me, (I hope this makes sense) I get an instant 2K profit on my 6K, since I don't pay tax on it. 30% return on 6K is a deal. Sort of like when I put 6K in a 401(k). I get an instant 2 K profit, since I get to keep 2 k versus giving it to Uncle Sam in taxes. And, even better I get to keep the 8K in this nice investment on my roof, which no one can tax now or later (unlike a 401(K). I add 8K to the value of my home today, (property tax free) year after year after year. And when I sell the home, the 8K qualifies as an improvement, therefore I will not be a taxed capital gain on it when I sell the house. Does that sound right? And, I get to reduce my natural gas bill $$$ for the next 10-20 years, all tax-free.

The entire process makes my head spin. I would do it every month if I could. I could retire if I could get this kind of return on my investments. Instant 30%, all tax-free now and in the future. And the thing makes me (saves me) money every day. And if natural gas prices rise 10% year, darn, that can be some serious money.

What is really cool is that anyone can do this, anyone! The folks at TBN generally have the money to do this kind of investment. You don't have to be some highflying financier to do this or have connections.

Bob

PS Corrections welcomed.

 

[Doc_Bob]

I'd like to see the pic of the set-up within the house; showing the circ. pump, anti-syphon, expansion tank, etc. Are you using a heat exchanger external to the HW heater, or did you invest in an indirect HW heater (heat exchanger contained within the tank)?

I will post pics soon!
Bob

 

[Doc_Bob]

More pics. views from ground. With the trees in leaf, cannot be seen from the road. Three panels 4x8, x3 = 96 sq ft.

Pics from backyard.





Pics from front of house...........

 

[scesnick]

DocBob,

Thanks for the links. I have checked out afew of those sites previously. I would like to do this exact same project but I think I am going to do the Micro Hydro project first ( in the next year or so ) The only problem is that my state does not offer ANY rebates or tax credits for micro hydro. Just on wind and solar.
I already heat my hot water with my multi fuel ( coal/wood/oil ) boiler in the winter. So, after seeing the incentives my state offers and doing some math I think I would rather make electricty from my stream first and look into this in the future.
Great topic and post !!!!!!

 

[Doc_Bob]

A fellow TBNer found this. Looks like a great approach for those with mechanical skills (I have none) and the time.

http://kingsolar.com/catalog/mfg/pac...osed-ecl4.html

Bob

Nice pic of system,

 

[Doc_Bob]

DocBob,

Thanks for the links. I have checked out afew of those sites previously. I would like to do this exact same project but I think I am going to do the Micro Hydro project first ( in the next year or so ) The only problem is that my state does not offer ANY rebates or tax credits for micro hydro. Just on wind and solar.
Great topic and post !!!!!!

If I had a relaible water source with a good pressure head, I would go with MicroHydro. I know homepower magazine has many good articles on the subject. You can buy old issues in PDF format if you need them.

http://www.homepower.com/archive/
Bob