If you have been reading up over the last few years about alternative energy sources, you will already know that the technologies are getting better and the costs are going down. You can now realistically develop a plan to save money on electricity while being a planet-friendly homeowner, and you don’t have to start out with a major roof installation if you don’t want to (or aren’t ready for it). Besides the roof systems, there are cost-effective solar projects for getting your hot water, heating your pool and warming your home. Let’s take a look at four common installations.
1. Solar PV roof installation
Installation cost: $20,000 and up
Cost per watt: $10-12 installed
Project completion time: Several weeks to months (for commercial)
ROI timeframe: 20-25 years
The average home in the U.S. uses 750-900kWh monthly at a cost of 10¢ per kWh. The amount used can vary considerably with the use of high-demand systems like hot tubs or continuously running appliances, and the cost ranges from a low of 7¢ in West Virginia to over 20¢ per kWh in Hawaii. With current photovoltaic (PV) technology, you will get some 10 watts per square foot, which means 100 sq. ft. of PV panels yields a kW. Unfortunately, the sun does not shine 24 hours a day, but more like three hours in Seattle and Pittsburgh, five or six in California and Colorado, and perhaps seven hours in Arizona. To offset your energy use with solar power, you will need a solar panel array of 400-800 sq. ft. (to output 4-8kW). Your total cost, which will be offset by incentives and rebates, pretty much gets you energy independence, too.
2. Hot water system
Installation cost: $1,000-1,500
Project completion time: Varies
ROI timeframe: 1.5-2 years
When estimating annual operating costs for solar water heaters, you need to know the system’s Solar Energy Factor (SEF), the type of auxiliary fuel type you will use (gas or electric) and your local utility rates. A typical solar water heating system, with electric backup and current electricity rate of 8¢ per kWh, averages $1200 to buy. With an SEF of 2.0, annual operating cost is $176, yielding a savings of $56 and a payback period of 1.5 years.
3. Solar pool heating
Installation cost: $3,000-4,000
Project completion time: 1-3 weeks
ROI timeframe: 1.5-7 years
Solar pool heaters will last longer than both gas and heat pump heaters, although your installation cost and payback time depend on numerous factors. You will have to evaluate the site’s “solar resources” (how much sun), determine the right system size and efficiency, consider various costs and investigate all the local codes and regulations governing the installation. However, once properly installed the system should run smoothly for 20 years. In many climates, solar pool heating is the best and most cost-efficient use of solar energy.
4. Solar home space heating
There are so many ways, large and small, to “tap into” the sun’s energy for home and space heating (without roof panels). You can do everything from installing heat-collecting windows and passive structures, to converting south-facing walls to what is called a “Trombe wall.” The wall stores heat and then releases it gradually later in the day.
Conclusion
A major roof installation lives up to its name in various ways. It is a source of major power, sometimes all you will need, while it is also a major expense that often must be planned. However, there is plenty that you can do while you are saving toward that PV roof system. You can tighten up your home to be more energy-efficient, switch to “smart” appliances, institute new energy-saving habits and start taking steps toward “total solar power” with a few space-heating projects, a pool heater or a solar water heater.
There is always more you can do, and technology keeps advancing so you are able to do it better and cheaper. Set your goals realistically, update all your cost assumptions by checking today’s prices and stick to your plan. With time and commitment, you can reduce your lifetime energy costs and help the earth stay green at the same time.