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978-56-SOLAR (978-567-6527)
FAQ: Solar Hot Water
Solar Hot Water Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What hot water services do you provide?
A: In addition to solar electric systems, New England Clean Energy specializes in solar hot water systems that produce hot water for laundry, bathing and dishes. These systems require a lower upfront investment and less space, and are more shade-tolerant, than solar electric systems. Also, they qualify for interest-free loans from the state. Solar hot water systems typically meet two-thirds of a home’s hot water needs. We also occasionally install solar hot water systems that tie in with your heating system to provide space heating.
Q: What is solar “domestic” water heating?
A. That’s just another term for solar hot water.
Q. What are the components of a solar hot water system?
A. Solar collectors mounted on the roof, a hot water storage tank in the basement, piping between them and a circulator pump to move the heated fluid from the roof.
Q: What size system do I need?
A: We recommend two collectors (32 square feet each) and an 80-gallon storage tank for households of four or fewer people. For households with 4-6 people, we recommend three collectors and a 120-gallon storage tank.
Q: How much does it cost to install a solar hot water system?
A: Before rebates and incentives, a two-collector system is approximately $10,000; a three-collector system is about $12,000. A state rebate pays for about 10% of the system cost. Then the system is eligible for a federal tax credit in the amount of 30% of the total out-of-pocket cost. This brings the net cost closer to $5,500- $6,500.
Q: What financing is available for solar hot water systems?
A: Your solar hot water system may be eligible for a 0% interest loan for up to $15,000 for 7 years. Contact MassSave.com at 866-527-7283 and ask about the HEAT loan.
Q: How hot does solar heated water get?
A: The sun can heat your water to about 150-160 degrees in the summer, which is actually hotter than you need! But don’t worry, every system has a tempering valve to make sure water leaving your storage tank never exceeds 120 degrees. In the winter, the sun gets your water to around 90-100 degrees, and your traditional heating system gives the final boost to around 120 degrees.
Q: What happens when it isn’t sunny?
A: There is always a ‘backup’ to solar hot water. Your solar-heated water is stored in a large, well-insulated storage tank. From there it passes through your existing storage tank for the final heating, if needed. If you have a one-tank solar solution, the solar storage tank will have a back-up electric heating element.
Q: Can the panels be installed flush to the roof?
A: Yes. In fact, more times than not, a flush mount installation is appropriate, particularly if the roof faces south. In other instances where the roof is not ideal, we have mounted the solar collectors in an attractive awning-style.