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2 Responses to I am looking into a installing solar water heating system. Any concerns I need to be aware of ?

1. Check prices and try to estimate if it will pay for itself..My gas bill for water heating is about $ 6 per month. I live alone, so take that into consideration. At $ 72 per year savings, it would never pay for itself.

   If you want solar for a pool, though, that changes the picture. Initial cost is less, and savings are greater.

   

   Ed
   May 17, 2014 at 8:37 am
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2. Most solar installers are fairly regional, covering a couple of states at most due to travel costs.

   I’d start by doing a google search with your town or state and the words “solar water heater”. You may also find some help on the web site for the magazine “Home Power” http://www.homepower.com

   Installers can sometimes also be found in the yellow pages.

   As for price that varies too, my guess would be about 2-5 thousand dollars. You need to “do the numbers” and calculate the pay-back time. Odds are that it will take many years to get your money back.

   Warranties are a function of the installers and are usually only good for as long as that installer is in business.

   Things to be concerned about are: 1) You must take care of the system, they require yearly maintenance (mine needs 3-8 hours each year). 2) You will usually be cutting holes through your roof, this adds a bit of risk and, as with #1 can require more maintenance. 3) Hail, you will now have a large sheet of glass (or two) on your roof, don’t forget to check you insurance and upgrade it if the collectors are not currently covered in your policy.

   

   scott h
   May 17, 2014 at 9:21 am
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