millerx Posted July 24, 2009 Share Posted July 24, 2009 (edited) I had a rep from FAFCO come by the house and give me a presentation and some information that show potentially huge savings on energy bills. Besides the "saving the environment crap", is there truly any substantial savings to be made? He did bring up a good point about when the cap-n-trade goes and jacks up everyone's energy builds , it would have virtually no effect on me... which would be nice! Knowing that this board is filled with a broad range of expertise, experience and intelligence, I thought I see what the people on it had to say.... So whatcha got? Edited July 25, 2009 by millerx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Footballjoe Posted July 24, 2009 Share Posted July 24, 2009 (edited) I saw a show where someone put in solar hot water. It cost him a bundle and the pay pack was like 20 years. Just doesn't seem worth it to me. Edited July 24, 2009 by Footballjoe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chief Dick Posted July 24, 2009 Share Posted July 24, 2009 Just do the math. Look at your water heater to see what it's estimated cost to run per year is. Most 40 gallon natural gas are about $250 per year. What's the cost of the solar heating system and it's lifespan? Based on FAFCO's web site, it will save you 50% in costs in heating your water. So you save about $125 per year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaP'N GRuNGe Posted July 24, 2009 Share Posted July 24, 2009 Check to see what tax benefits you may get for doing it. I know they are doing stuff for solar panels, I'd assume the same for a water heater. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmarc117 Posted July 25, 2009 Share Posted July 25, 2009 whne the sun burns out, you are skrewed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avernus Posted July 25, 2009 Share Posted July 25, 2009 whne the sun burns out, you are skrewed. I hope it doesn't get cloudy ::crosses fingers:: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
muck Posted July 25, 2009 Share Posted July 25, 2009 I grew up in a house that used solar for water. I have no idea about the economics, but the sun did a great job of making sure that my showers were hot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Holy Roller Posted July 25, 2009 Share Posted July 25, 2009 Solar...good. Wood heater...better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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