American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

Last week was quite a week of developments in the United States, especially for anyone interested in solar energy. The following is a notice from ASES (the American Solar Energy Society): “With the stroke of a pen President Obama has rewritten the future of solar energy.” Now signed into law, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provides billions in investments to increase the use of solar energy, promote energy efficiency, improve financing options and remove market barriers. This legislation provides powerful investments to accelerate the U.S. towards a sustainable energy economy. Key provisions of this legislation include:

• Solar and energy efficient improvements for federal buildings
• Solar water heating incentives, removing the $2000 cap on the 30% personal tax credit (excludes pools and hot tubs)
• Green-collar job training programs
• Ending the state and municipal ’subsidized financing penalty’
• Smart grid investments
• Expanding research and development programs for renewable energy and energy efficiency

This legislation also funds solar and energy efficient upgrades for schools, solar grant alternatives to the investment tax credit, solar manufacturer incentives, and other historic investments. You can read or search the text of this legislation (HR 1) here. We applaud the incredible efforts of our colleagues at SEIA, Solar Nation, and the many passionate individuals throughout the solar community who added their voices of support in the weeks leading up to the signing of this legislation. There’s still a long way to go, but this legislation provides a tremendous step forward that will help generate green jobs, reduce energy costs, tackle climate change and power the new energy economy for years to come.

Solar Tax Credit Updates

Here is an update from SEIA (Solar Energy Industries Assoc.)…note the removal of limits on solar water heaters. It’s looking better and better for Maryland homeowners considering solar energy.

Yesterday, congressional conferees reached a deal on the final language for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The final cost of the bill is $790 billion. Once the final language is released, SEIA will complete a more detailed analysis of the final Recovery Act. Based on our conversations with congressional staff, we expect our top priorities to be included in the bill as follows.

Renewable Energy Grants: Offers DOE grants (as an alternative to the ITC) equal to 30 percent of the cost of solar property. To be eligible for the program, the project must commence construction in 2009 or 2010 and be placed in service by January 1, 2017. Applications must be filed by October 1, 2011.

Repeals Penalty for Financing Solar Projects: Allows businesses and individuals to qualify for the full amount of the solar tax credit, even if projects are financed with local development bonds or other subsidized energy financing.

Loan Guarantee Program: Establishes a temporary DOE loan guarantee program for renewable energy and electric power transmission projects. The program is available for any renewable technology that commence construction by September 30, 2011. The program is funded at $7 billion for renewable energy, which will be used to pay for the credit subsidy costs.

Manufacturing Investment Credit: Provides up to $2 billion to fund 30 percent investment tax credit for facilities engaged in the manufacture of advanced energy property. Projects must be certified by the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, through competitive bidding.

Remove Limits on Solar Water Heating: Repeals the $2,000 monetary cap, making solar water heating property eligible for the full 30 percent tax credit, like other solar technologies.

Government Procurement: We are still tracking down details, but there appear to be billions of dollars available for the installation of solar on government buildings, military bases and schools.

AtisSun- Certified Solar Installers

Meet Norman Logan. Norman is a South African native. His interest in solar energy started at an early age; growing up, his family had a solar water heater on the roof before they had electricity. In South Africa, he worked as a game ranger and safari guide among other things. After moving to the United States, he came to the Annapolis area to work as a home improvement contractor while pursuing his solar installation certification. Norman’s first installation was on his own home; he and his family have been pleased with the benefits of solar hot water. Norman and Rachel, his wife of 15 years, enjoy spending time hiking, biking and camping with their children.

Maryland Energy Independence

Most of the products we buy like groceries, shoes, clothing, etc are purchased through some sort of store or retailer therefore we are paying a retail premium for these goods and services. If you live in Maryland you are probably purchasing most of your energy (gas and electric) from Baltimore Gas & Electric, Pepco, Washington Gas, Delmarva Power, etc…Like any other product or service, when we buy energy we are purchasing it through a large company or what can be thought of as an energy retailer.

Like many things in our lives, the more work we do ourselves the more money we save. For example: If your dishwasher breaks you have the option to pay a retail premium to make the repair or to handle the entire repair yourself. Depending on your do-it-yourself skill level completing a repair like this may or may not be an option, but in the end a dishwasher is a dishwasher and the output from this repair is basically the same whether you pay retail for the repair or make the repair yourself.

Solar energy home improvements are in a league of their own. The successful do-it-yourself completion of a solar PV or solar water heater installation requires a high level of skill and can be a daunting task for even the most experienced do-it-yourselfer. Saving money by completing the project yourself is not always the best choice. Solar energy improvements are in a league of their own because whether you complete the project yourself, or pay a premium for a professional installation, the output from such an improvement has been fundamentally changed unlike a dishwasher replacement.

The value is much deeper than simply going green or saving money on your electric bill every month. You are no longer purchasing energy at a retail premium. You are taking control of your spending, energy consumption and giving yourself a new level of independence in a marketplace where all to often we are forced to pay retail prices for everything.

There is no doubt that generating your own energy is a commitment. After all, what significant worthwhile changes in your life have been anything but a commitment? Real change means taking an active role in the education, investment and implementation of things like solar energy, wind and geothermal.

What are your thoughts on energy independence?

Solar Hot Water Simplified (Recorded Version)

Here is a recorded version of Solar Hot Water Simplified our live, interactive webinar. This is a large file but worth the wait. Solar Hot Water Simplified covers everything from the basic benefits of solar water heaters to pricing and long term planning. Wait for the entire video to download and you will be able to fast forward and rewind between the different sections. Check it out and let me know if you would like to attend the live version.

Click here to download

Share Your Success

Over the past several weeks I have been collecting information from AtisSun clients and other Maryland homeowners who have installed and are using renewable energy to power their homes. Solar PV (for electricity), solar water heaters, geothermal, etc…

I’ll be posting this information in the Share Your Success category on this site. We will be covering what works, what doesn’t and what to expect when upgrading to solar energy and other systems. This information will be very helpful for those of you who have yet to make the switch.

If you are currently using renewable energy to power your home I would love to talk to you. Your personal experience could be very helpful to someone who is still on the fence about upgrading to a more sustainable lifestyle. Please contact me or leave a comment sharing your story.

Maryland Tax Credit News

This is exciting news for anyone in Maryland interested in energy efficient home improvements. This article was written by H. JOSEF HEBERT. Note the highlighted paragraph below.

WHO GETS WHAT: Tax breaks for energy conservation

WASHINGTON (AP) — Looking to buy a new furnace or air conditioner or replace drafty windows? Congress may soon give you a break that could save you hundreds of dollars.

There’s also money to install solar panels for the water heater, or add insulation to the attic — maybe even put up a small windmill.

The $900 billion economic recovery package before Congress includes more than $50 billion in energy-related grants, tax breaks and loan guarantees to spur solar and wind energy development and to cut energy use in everything from government buildings to schools and homes.

“This far outstrips any previous federal funding for such programs,” says Kateri Callahan, president for the Alliance to Save Energy, an energy conservation advocacy group.

While the recovery package is touted as a stimulus to create thousands of “green energy” jobs, the average homeowner could be among those who will reap major benefits.

Both the House-passed stimulus package and the Senate version include $4.3 billion in tax breaks for residential energy-efficiency improvements including the purchase of more-efficient furnaces, heat pumps and air conditioners as well as for energy-tight windows and more insulation.

There’s another $300 million to go to states as matching grants to promote utility-sponsored rebates for the purchase of more energy-efficient appliances, and tax breaks for people wanting to install solar panels to power water heaters.

On Thursday, President Barack Obama directed the Energy Department to end long-standing delays in more stringent energy efficiency standards for an array of consumer products, including dishwashers, lamps, ranges and ovens, demanding they be issued by August.

“This will save consumers money. This will spur innovation,” Obama said.

Unlike past efforts by Congress to use taxes to spur energy efficiency, the proposals in the stimulus package are substantial: A credit of 30 percent of the cost of the equipment with a maximum for a household of $1,500, triple what Congress enacted four years ago.

The improvements must meet a minimum efficiency standard, generally 15 percent to 20 percent higher than the base standard. But that kind of equipment could cost $1,500 to $2,000 more than models that would not qualify, with the total price tag of a unit coming easily to more than $5,000.

Will people invest in these improvements in today’s dire and jittery economic times, tax break or not?

“People are still going to have to come up with the other two-thirds” of the cost, says Lowell Unger, policy director of the Alliance to Save Energy. But he says the credit could pay for the energy-efficiency improvement. “If the furnace goes out, hopefully they’ll replace it with a good one.”

“It will get some people to buy,” says Steve Nadel of the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy. “Other people just aren’t going to be able to come up with the money.”

The 30 percent tax credit also could be used by people looking at solar energy — or even a small wind turbine — to provide power for their homes. The stimulus bills would remove the current $2,000 (solar) and $4,000 (wind) caps on the tax credit.

And that could help businessmen like Jeffery Wolfe, founder and chairman of GroSolar, a distributor and installer of solar panels, based in White River Junction, Vt.

Wolfe would benefit from more residential business, but he’s more interested in several provisions in the stimulus package that would help him get access to cash in these times of tight credit so he can continue to expand his business and hire more people quickly.

“We’ve been growing fast, but it’s been difficult to get lines of credit. It’s hard to grow when the economy is in such turmoil,” Wolfe said in an interview.

Maryland Solar Installation

Filed in Discover Solar Hot Water, Energy News on Feb.07, 2009

Maryland Solar Installation

AtisSun just installed this solar water heater a few days ago.  This Anne Arundel County homeowner decided to include a solar water heater in his complete home renovation project.  His new Schuco flat panel solar energy system will last for decades an provide substantial savings over the years. He has also dramatically reduced his carbon footprint. Way to go!

How Solar Hot Water Works

Solar hot water systems are relatively easy to understand. These are the basic functions:

-The sun heats fluid in roof mounted solar collectors.

-A pump circulates the hot liquid between the collectors and your water tank.

-The hot liquid heats the water inside your water tank.

-The hot water is now available for household use.

This video, provided by Velux, explains the basics of solar water heating for your home. Check it out…

Electric, Gas Water Heaters vs. Solar Water Heaters

Electric Water Heaters

Electric hot water systems use large coils that hang down into the tank to heat the water. The coils are similar to the ones in an electric oven. Generally, electric water heaters aren’t as efficient as those powered by other fuel sources, and electricity is more expensive than natural gas and propane. However, they’ve remained popular in the U.S. mostly because they are less expensive and don’t require venting.

Natural Gas Water Heaters

Natural gas hot water systems use a gas burner at the bottom of the tank, with a venting chimney that runs through the center and out the top. The carbon dioxide and water vapor byproducts are vented through the chimney and then run outdoors through your house chimney or side wall vent. A gas pilot light or electric spark produces the flame. While natural gas models cost more than electric heaters, they are the more efficient option to operate between the two.

Solar Water Heaters

A solar water heating system can save you quite a bit of money each year. Solar water heaters use energy from the sun to create heat and produce hot water. The heat is harvested by an “absorber” panel that typically sits on your rooftop. Tubes inside the panel either directly heat the water flowing through them or a transfer fluid that warms a heat exchanger. This exchanger heats your home’s water in a storage tank. Solar water heaters can be used in conjunction with a conventional system; much like a hybrid car uses both gasoline and electricity, to cut up to 80 percent of your water heating bill.

Tankless Water Heaters vs. Solar Water Heaters

Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless heaters don’t store and heat water, they heat it on demand as you need it. Tankless water heaters are energy-efficient in large part because they have virtually none of the “standby” heat loss that is inherent in the standard tank- or “storage-” type water heaters in this country.

One complaint some have about these devices is that if they aren’t sized properly, they aren’t capable of delivering enough water to serve several uses at the same time. Both of these problems are usually due to the unit being undersized for the anticipated usage. Another complaint is that when multiple people in a house attempt to use the hot water simultaneously, nobody gets enough of it.

Tankless heaters also require 5-15 seconds to heat water to its desired temperature. In large homes where there are already long waits for hot water, the additional time it takes to reach the user may seem interminable, and it also wastes water.

Solar Hot Water Heaters

With many people in Maryland and across the country now focused on reducing their carbon footprint, there has been increasing interest in renewable energy. Arguably the best and most cost-effective way to do this is to install a solar-thermal water heating system. Solar-thermal means using the heat of the sun directly, rather than turning the sun’s energy into electricity then using the electricity to do the work. Most people use lots of hot water for washing and cleaning, so this is an excellent place to start reducing carbon emissions.

Solar-thermal water heating systems are becoming more and more cost effective due to recent rises in energy prices. Depending on the levels of sunshine where you live, and how much hot water you use, the system will generally pay for itself within a short period of time. In addition, houses with eco-friendly features tend to stand out in the market and sell more quickly. You should notice an immediate fall in your fuel bills, particularly in the summer. Costs can be offset even further by government grants which help people install solar water heating.

Things to Keep in Mind…

Solar water heaters are a reliable and economical appliance for heating domestic water. Systems typically consist of solar collectors, storage tank and a controller. Here are a few points to think about as you consider the investment of a solar hot water system.

Rebates, tax credits, and other financial incentives

Incentives vary from one region to another and between the types of solar system that is installed. Here are some sources for financial incentive information:

DSIRE (Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency, www.dsireusa.org)

Energy efficient mortgages

Energy efficient mortgages are available in all 50 states, and can make solar homes more affordable for buyers by including reduced monthly energy costs in the qualification process. Solar hot water systems are allowable expenses under the federal guidelines for energy efficient mortgages.

The cost of electricity and gas or propane

At current price levels for electricity and gas, homeowners can often achieve immediate savings on a solar hot water system financed with a home mortgage from the first payment.

Solar Hot Water Around the World

Heating water with solar systems is in no way a new concept. While solar hot water systems in various forms date back hundreds and even thousands of years, the twentieth century introduced solar as a leader in the energy industry all over the world. Japan, for example, has used solar hot water systems since the end of World War II when obtaining oil was difficult. Although the price and importation of oil eventually stabilized around the world, today more than 10 million Japanese households use solar to heat their water.

In Israel, the majority of homes have used solar hot water systems since the 1960s. Even when oil became affordable for most of the world in the ‘80’s, Israel made the decision to commit the country to the solar model: all new homes are required to install solar hot water systems. Today, 9 out of 10 homes use solar for their hot water needs. Spain in 2005 followed in Israel’s footsteps and made the installation of solar hot water systems mandatory in all new homes.

By some estimates, 60% of the world’s solar thermal hot water capacity is in China. Most urban residents in China consider a solar hot water system a necessity; 30 million units are currently installed in the country, thanks to low equipment and installation costs and abundant solar resources. Combined with Europe, Japan and India, China dominates the global solar thermal market.

What promoted the above-mentioned countries to go solar? Many were driven to adopt solar hot water systems because more conventional systems (at least by American standards) were impractical or expensive due to limited access or affordability of oil as an energy source. This is the predicament that Maryland and the rest of the United States is currently experiencing.

As energy prices spike, so does mainstream interest in solar hot water systems. Fortunately, we have the benefit of years of proven research and success all over the world as we begin to explore the advantages of solar. Everyday, people are looking up for relief on the global energy crisis we are facing and finding solar to be a viable solution for any homeowner.

Solar Water Heaters Worldwide

Did you know solar water heaters are incredibly efficient and will save you thousands of dollars in water heating costs? The rest of the world seems to know this according to the chart to the right. Why is the United States lagging so far behind?

In the coming months we will be addressing this issue in detail, so stay tuned. In the meantime…What is your opinion? Why do you believe the U.S. is so far behind?

Leave your reply below.

Financial and Environmental Benefits

In these uncertain economic times deciding where to invest your money can be a real struggle. Investing in renewable energy technology for your home or business is worth considering. Think about it like this…you will have recurring energy expenses for the rest of your life. This is money that is constantly being given to your utility company month after month, year after year with no personal financial benefits and even worse, no environmental benefits.

Most of us would consider hot water, electricity and heating and cooling basic needs. Do you? This web site is here to help you gain knowledge about profitably investing in things like solar hot water, solar PV, wind, geothermal and many other technologies.

Imagine…Instead of giving your money to the utility company month after month, year after year, you could be…

• Generating your own energy
• Creating personal financial gains
• Helping to save your environment

This is just plain smart.

Solar Water Heater History

The earliest methods of heating water using solar energy were, not surprisingly, tubs placed in direct sunlight during the day. In the late morning, the water would begin to heat and provide hot water into the late afternoon. Naturally, the water quickly cooled with the sun’s setting. People primarily used cook stoves to heat water. The stoves were fueled by wood, coal or gas manufactured from coal until the turn of the century when modern technology started to come into play.

Solar hot water systems, taking advantage of the sun’s free energy as opposed to expensive, imported, and inconvenient fossil fuels, became extremely popular in the early 1900’s. This was particularly true in regions like California and Florida. It was the beginning of a popular pattern, in the US especially, of solar supply-and-demand based on the increase or decrease in fossil fuels costs.

In the United States, solar hot water systems became less and less common in the 1920’s and ‘30’s. Technology such as thermostat-controlled gas and electric water heating systems and inexpensive natural resources became the norm. When the end of World War II brought decreased electric rates and forceful corporate power companies with big marketing budgets, the solar industry nearly became a thing of the past all together.

Once again, in the 1980’s, the cost of energy drove Americans to search for a dependable and less-expensive solution. Solar shone once again as government incentives and public support rallied early in the decade. By some estimates, a solar photovoltaic system was installed at a rate of 1 a day in 1985. Many of those systems are still in working order nearly 25 years later. But by the next year, the industry all but collapsed as fuel prices declined and government support and tax incentives disappeared.

Now, nearly a decade into the 21st century, the world is turning once again to solar as an integral part of a sustainable, clean energy solution. Some experts believe that in decentralizing the energy crisis—that is, putting control in the consumer’s hands as well as the government’s—is key to solving our energy demands. One way Maryland residents are choosing to do this is by making changes slowly, such as replacing their electric water heater with a solar water heating system. According to the Maryland Energy Administration, the response to their Solar Energy Grant program in 2008 has been staggering: over 200 Maryland residents applied for the purpose of installing a solar hot water system. The outlook for 2009 is equally promising—many people are lining up their solar installations for the re-opening of the MEA’s grant program in July of ’09.

The Sustainable Mindset

We usually experience more positive results when we take an active role. Changing the way we consume energy requires a different mindset.

The Average Mindset (Passive)

• I can’t do anything about my energy consumption
• Rising energy prices are out of my control
• I’ll wait for someone else to fix the energy problem
• Cutting back on energy use will hurt my lifestyle
• Renewable energy is too expensive

The Sustainable Mindset (Active)

• I must do something about my energy consumption
• Renewable energy investments work for me
• Taking control of my energy consumption will improve my lifestyle
• My long-term financial and environmental future is dictated by decisions I make today
• It’s my responsibility to leave behind a clean planet

Black Mountain Ranch Community

Earlier this year, I was in California with my family attending a solar conference and we had the opportunity to take a tour of the Black Mountain Ranch community about 40 minutes outside of San Diego. Among the many awards the community’s garnered, it was the 2008 NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) Green Building Award Winner for Development of the Year.

The flagship building is the Ranch House welcome center located at the entrance of this gorgeous neighborhood. The Ranch House is a certified Platinum LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) building and a net-zero energy consumption facility, thanks to a combination of a photovoltaic (PV) solar energy system, EnergyStar appliances, efficient ductwork, and the use of wind credits to offset any remaining energy use. Might sound like it could be an architectural step-child, but the design itself was extremely appealing, as you can see in the photos.

The products and techniques showcased in the Ranch House were just downright cool. For example, the permeable concrete driveway provides groundwater filtration and meets storm-water management requirements. Why wouldn’t we use this in Maryland on our next waterfront project where storm-water issues are crucial? And the Ranch House’s insulation? Recycled blue jeans! Countertops? Sunflower husks! Other aspects are more common, but were used beautifully, like cork flooring and exposed salvaged timber beams.

The landscaping in the entire community is striking as well and runs on a weather-based satellite irrigation system, although most plantings were native to the area and draught-resistant. At the end of the tour, the group spent about an hour outside the Ranch House, enjoying the breathtaking scenery and admiring the ultra-sleek solar panels that were completely integrated into the tiled roof!

If you’re in the San Diego area, I’d strongly recommend stopping by the Black Mountain Ranch community and the welcome center in particular. It’s a groundbreaking community in many ways and very inspirational to anyone interested in green building technology. Complete information including directions are available here: http://www.blackmountainranch.com/.

What Are Your True Costs?

While contemplating an investment in a solar water heater or other renewable energy technology it’s important to understand your true costs. For example…what is cable T.V. costing you? $40…$50…maybe $100 per month?

Are you sure?…

Cable television, like many other services we buy is a recurring expense. Chances are you will have cable television for the rest of your life, but let’s take a look at the next 25 years…

$50 (your monthly payment)  x 12 months = $600 per year

$600 x 25 years = $15,000

Price increases in your service plan are quite certain, but to keep things simple for this example I excluded them. $15,000 is a lot of money. It’s also just the service expense (operating cost). You need a T.V. to utilize the benefits of the cable service therefore you must include the cost of 25 years worth of television purchases, repairs, upgrades to have a better understanding of your true cost. We could figure (3) new, $1,000 television purchases over 25 years. Maybe more or less for you.

$1,000 x 3 = $3,000

$15,000 (monthly operating costs) + $3,000 (T.V. purchases) = $18,000 over 25 years!

So, in this example your cable television cost would be more like $18,000…not $15,000. We also did not include the electricity required. Taking into account the detailed costs over a long period of time is very important with investments like solar water heaters or solar PV. What are the true costs involved in heating your water? We will get into this in more detail shortly…stay tuned.

The Not So Distant Future

Today, most households are addicted to fossil fuel consumption. Many of our every day comforts are currently dependent on the consumption of fossil fuel. As energy prices rise, the costs involved in maintaining our lifestyle will increase dramatically, both financially and environmentally. The time will come when the price gets too high and we will be forced to change rather than taking control.

Don’t wait for the price to get too high and force you to change. Forced change is never pleasant.

Our children, grandchildren and beyond are the beneficiaries of not only the environment we leave them, but the habits and behaviors we instill in them over time. The world is changing so we must begin adjusting and teaching our beneficiaries more sustainable ways to live today.

If you are a young person reading this your have a tremendous opportunity to educate yourself and begin to adjust in preparation for a very different world.

Don’t wait for the price to get too high and force you to change. Forced change is never pleasant.

Your Cost of Living and Retirement

Happy New Year!

Depending on where you are in your life retirement may not be too far away. Financially speaking the typical definition of retirement or financial independence is having enough income being produced by your investments to support your cost of living. Whether your investments consist of stocks, bonds, mutual funds, real estate, etc…you could be considered retired if the income from these assets is paying your bills and maintaining your desired lifestyle.

Preparing for retirement is about goal setting, taking control of your spending, saving more money and investing. When you choose to not do anything about changing your fossil fuel based energy sources you are committing to a path of uncertainty, constantly rising prices and guaranteed negative environmental side effects.

It is a fair to say energy costs make up a sizable portion of your cost of living. The price will only go up from here. It is extremely important to realize you have options when it comes to controlling your energy costs and consumption.

Something to think about.

Solar Hot Water Simplified.

Join us for Solar Hot Water Simplified.

Thinking about a solar water heater? You have found the right place to discover everything you need to decide if a solar water heater is right for you or someone you know. Take a moment and review the information below. If you like what you see register for Solar Hot Water Simplified today!…and yes, it’s free.

Solar Hot Water Simplified covers…

• What a solar water heater can do for you

• How a solar water heater works

• Common questions and concerns

• Tax rebates, credits and incentives

• Cost vs. traditional water heaters

• How to get started

What is Solar Hot Water Simplified?

Solar Hot Water Simplified is an online presentation (webinar). You can attend for free by registering below.

How Do I Register?

To attend the live presentation click on the date and time that works best for you.

Fri, Jan 16, 2009 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM EST

Wed, Jan 21, 2009 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM EST

Fri, Jan 23, 2009 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM EST

Wed, Jan 28, 2009 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM EST

Fri, Jan 30, 2009 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM EST

If you do not see a date/time that works for you contact us and we will send you a recorded version that you can watch anytime.

What will I get?

You should get enough information to decide if a solar water heater is right for you. This is a live event so we will be available to answer any questions you may have.

Who should attend?

Are you considering  a solar water heater for your home? Maybe a clients home? Then Solar Hot Water Simplified is for you. If you live in Maryland…even better! (We are based in MD).

Typical attendees are…

• Home owners considering a solar water heater

• Those planning to including a solar water heater in a future home

• Builders, remodeling contractors, architects or designers

• Anyone with an interest in solar

What kind of information is presented?

Solar Hot Water Simplified is exactly what the name implies. We take what can be a complex topic and make it easy to understand. Solar Hot Water Simplified is a great introductory to solar water heaters.

What does it cost?

Solar Hot Water Simplified is completely free.

How long is the presentation?

Solar Hot Water Simplified is approximately 55 minutes. The question and answer period time varies.

What if I can’t attend the live presentation?

No problem. Sign-up for e-mail updates and you will receive a recorded version of Solar Hot Water Simplified. Click here.

Will you try to sell me something?

If after attending Solar Hot Water Simplified you feel a solar water heater is right for you we can talk further, but only if this is o.k. with you. For those truly interested we suggest a Free In-Home Consultation if you live in Maryland. If you live in another state or country we can still help guide you in the right direction.

Register Now…

Click on the date and time that works best for you.

Fri, Jan 16, 2009 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM EST

Wed, Jan 21, 2009 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM EST

Fri, Jan 23, 2009 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM EST

Wed, Jan 28, 2009 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM EST

Fri, Jan 30, 2009 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM EST

Calling All Solar Water Heater Fans!

Do you have a solar water heater on your home? Maybe you know someone who has a solar water heater. We want to here about your satisfaction or dissatisfaction with your system. Here are a few questions to get this post started…

• How would you rate the overall effectiveness of your solar water heater?
• How long have you been using your solar water heater?
• Given the choice would you purchase on again?

Leave your comments or questions below.

Change is Hard, But You Are Not Alone

Financially speaking you are currently on track to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars over the course of your life in energy expenses. This is money that you could be using to help achieve long term financial goals like college funds, retirement, or putting the money to better use in other investments to help build wealth.

Maryland Solar Water Heater Installation

From an environmental standpoint the energy we currently use requires the consumption of fossil fuels. This consumption is directly responsible for things like global warming, pollution and many health problems.

Changing this pattern is hard, but the good news is that it is entirely possible for you, your family and friends to reverse your current course and create very dynamic positive results in your personal finances and simultaneously benefit the environment.

This Annapolis, Maryland area family made the change.

These are pictures from a recent AtisSun solar water heater installation in the Annapolis, Maryland area.

Is Saving Money the Only Reason?

“Is saving money the only reason why I am interested in solar?”

This is a good question to ask yourself if you are considering a solar water heater for your home. While the savings benefits are significant over a long period of time a solar water heater corrects one of the least efficient areas of your home. By using the sun’s clean, 100% renewable energy to heat your water you have made a positive impact in helping the environment. You are reducing tons of CO2 emissions which means less pollution and damage to your world. This is a wonderful benefit!

Making the decision to switch to a solar water heater does make financial sense, but should that be the only reason? There are a lot of things we buy that don’t save us money and don’t help the environment. Maybe it’s time to take a closer look at why we are truly interested in renewable energy investments…like solar water heaters.

Why We Should Care

This short video sums up why we should care about solar water heaters. Click the “Play” button to start the video.

New “Sustainability Heroes”

Every time someone chooses to install one of our solar water heaters I feel it’s my duty to highlight them as “Sustainability Heroes.” After all these are people who have chosen to take action and do something about their energy consumption.

This couple in Howard County, Maryland installed a solar water heater a couple weeks ago and here’s what they have to say…

“We decided on a solar water heater because we feel it is the right thing to do. We believe everyone needs to do their part to reduce the energy crisis. Our gas and electric bill is $260 per month…we already heat our home with a wood stove and the solar water heater will help to reduce our bill even more.”

“A good friend of ours argued that our money would be better invested in an IRA, but this doesn’t matter to us…it will be more satisfying to see our energy bills go down.”

Way to go!…Congratulations on taking action.

Maryland Solar Giveaway!

Our Maryland Solar Giveaway is officially underway! We are giving away a free, professionally installed solar water heater to a lucky Maryland homeowner. Imagine watching your energy bills drop while with your new solar water heater. The sun provides 100% renewable energy and it creates no pollution of any kind, making it completely safe for the environment!

Bang for Your Buck with Solar

If you live in Maryland and have completed any research on solar PV (photovoltaic) for home you probably know it can be pricey. I will be writing more posts on the detailed costs of solar PV in the near future, but for now let’s look at a quick solar PV – solar thermal comparison.

Now, I am a huge fan of solar PV and truly believe if you are able to make the investment you will not be disappointed but, solar thermal systems or solar water heaters will get you the most bang for your buck. If you just can’t bring yourself to make the larger investment in a solar PV system to produce electricity for your home it is definitely worth considering a solar thermal system.

Your existing water heater is likely the least efficient use of energy in your home. Solar water heaters are incredibly efficient and do an amazing job of offsetting this poor use of energy. Even if you install a complete solar PV system it is wise to install solar thermal collectors for the water heating portion of your energy usage. Solar water heaters are so efficient that is does not make sense to heat your water with electricity generated by a solar PV system.

So, if you are considering a complete solar PV system, but are concerned about the cost you really should look into starting with a solar water heater/solar thermal system. You will get the most bang for your buck and it will compliment a future solar PV installation.

Thank You!

Just wanted to say thank you to everyone who has entered in the Maryland Solar Giveaway. So far, the response has been great. If you have any questions about your Giveaway Handbook or something else let me know by leaving a comment below.

If you know anyone who may be interested in the Maryland Solar Giveaway send them an e-mail with the www.MarylandSolarGiveaway.com link to let them know. Have a great day!

Quick Reminder

If you are registered in the Maryland Solar Giveaway please watch this quick video. If you have not entered the giveaway…click here.

If you have any questions or comments about your Solar Water Heater Assessment or your Giveaway Handbook please use the comment box below.

Al Gore: Carbon Free by 2018

This is from last July, but I thought it would be worth posting again. What do you think of his goal?

Solar For Maryland Homeowners- Evacuated Tubes

Evacuated Tubes- Simple Overview For Maryland Homeowners

This post is designed to be a very basic explanation of evacuated tube solar collectors. If you would like more technical details simply leave a comment or contact me by e-mail.

Evacuated tubes absorb solar energy converting it into heat for use in your household water heating. Many countries such as Canada, Germany, China and the U.S. have been using evacuated tube systems successfully for many years.

Each evacuated tube actually consists of two glass tubes an outer tube and inner tube. A special coating is applied to the inner tube to absorb more solar energy.  As you can see from the picture (from Apricus) there is space between the outer and inner glass tubes. During manufacturing the air in this space is evacuated forming a vacuum. The number of evacuated tubes in a residential installation varies, but the typical residential Maryland installation consists of 30 evacuated tubes.

As you can see from the picture each evacuated tube is hollow. Inside this space is a small copper tube called a heat pipe. As the sun shines on the evacuated tube the copper pipe inside heats up. This heat is then transferred to your hot water storage tank heating your water.

A fully assembled evacuated tube solar water heater looks like this…

Tomorrow we will take a look at flat plat solar collectors.