Jan
27
Written by:
Andy.Loschiavo
1/27/2009 6:52 PM
What you need to know about installing Solar Power and Heating Systems in your home.
One exciting way to reduce your dependency on non-renewable energy and reduce your carbon footprint is by installing solar power and solar heating systems in your household and/or business. When you think of going green or just saving money on electricity, you think of Solar Panels providing power to your house and maybe even your neighborhood. After all, one of Florida’s most abundant natural resource besides water is the sun with an official 222 days of full to partially sunny days each year (Sorry Seattle, Wa, and Columbus, Ohio!).
Solar installations do cost more than other actions to conserve energy ($3,500 for solar water heater to $20,000 for solar electric generating system), but often come with the biggest reward (potentially zero use of JEA’s coal generated electricity [which reduces your carbon footprint significantly, as well as the release of harmful pollutants like sulfer dioxide and mercury]). However, don’t be too discouraged about paying for such a system. The state of Florida currently offers a generous rebate, as well as U.S. government (thanks to ? California/Florida Congress people?). Combined with the fact that you will save money on your electricity bill by turning the electric meter backwards (called net-metering), they systems are likely to pay off in the long-run (5-12 years). I’ve done the research for those who wish to install solar systems in the Jacksonville, Fl, area, and discuss the following in this blog:
a. Pros and cons of going with JEA’s (Grid-Tied)
b. Pros and cons of going solo (Not Grid-Tied)
c. How to get your rebates
d. How to install for both Grid-Tied or Not Grid-Tied
e. Contractors in the area
f. Other policies that are better than JEA’s
2. Solar Water Heating Systems (Household and Pool Use)
a. Pool Heating (So you want to swim in January)?
Solar collector panels can be attached to your house to heat water that is routed through them and is used in your pool. It runs partly on the power and plumbing of your current pool pump, as well as additional plumbing and pressure created by the solar heater water. I won’t spend much time on this, but I do encourage interested readers to visit this website for more information: http://www.fsec.ucf.edu/en/consumer/solar_hot_water/pools/sizing.htm
The website has a great table for calculating how quickly the $2,500 - $3,500 dollar system will pay for itself in 0.6 to 1.5 years.
b. Hot-Water Heating (Would you like to cut your energy bills by up to 30% [40% if you like hot baths like my wife!])?
Solar hot-water heaters step up the technology used for the heating water used in pools by applying solar energy collectors (special glass that concentrates the suns rays on black fanned metal that increases the surface area being heated). There are many versions and types that can be used depending on whether there is a risk of freezing or not. This of course means the cost can vary slightly from $3500 to $6000 dollars for a typical household. With rebates and tax incentives, the cost comes down to between $1150 to $3400, which is well worth it if you are looking to replace your hot water heater anyways. For a full list of options please visit this website: http://www.fsec.ucf.edu/en/consumer/solar_hot_water/homes/system_types.htm
1. Direct Pump Systems (differential controller operated system [pump powered by home’s electric system])
2. Direct Pump Systems (photovoltaic powered system [pump powered by the sun])
3. Indirect Pump System (for climates with frequent freezing weather [ antifreeze solution to avoid freezing and heat exchanger system to transfer heat from antifreeze solution to water])
4. Drain Back System (drains system if sun fades and temperature approaches freezing, and uses pump to fill system again when sun is strong again [differential controlled pump]).
5. Integral Collector Storage System (simple system that doesn’t use pumps or controllers, but is primarily only for Central/South Florida)
6. Thermosiphon System (simple system that causes water to pull from a solar collector tank into the system, which gets heated and moves through to the water heater): Pros – doesn’t require pump (not a lot of extra energy), cheaper; Cons – requires manual draining during times of frequent freezing.
c. How to get your rebate and tax incentives:
· Keep in mind all rebates and incentives require that licensed contractors install the systems, i.e., roofer and electrician, or a solar installer, and keep your receipts!
· JEA Rebate Incentive-
o JEA gives $800 off for solar water heaters, if done by local contractors. $450 off if done by non-local contractors.
· State Rebate-
· Solar pool heaters give a state of Florida rebate of $100, while Solar Hot-water heaters receive rebates of $500. However, the current rebate funds are exhausted, and required additional authorization by the Florida Legislature to ensure this program continues (http://dep.state.fl.us/energy/energyact/solar.htm). I will update this information when I hear whether the state will be able to receive and is willing to accept Federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds for this program to recharge the fund.
· Federal Tax Incentive-
· Federal Tax credits are available for existing homes in 2009-2010 and cover 30% of the cost up to $1,500.
d. Contractors in the area – Please see the second page on this list maintained by JEA. As I receive more word about new contractors and also reviews about individual’s experiences with specific contractors, I will revise this list:
JEA Solar
Net metering
Positives:
- Residential yes, meter runs backward to subtract electricity used when not producing. Could potentially reduce your dependency on JEA electricity depending on size.
- Florida Rebates
- Federal Rebates
Negatives:
- If JEA goes down, you go down as well.
- No Feed in tariff.
- If you produce more than JEA sends to you, then you pay basic service charges and nothing more. However, you are not paid for extra energy produced that can then be sent to your neighbor???? And sold by JEA???
Green Built Homes of America
Florida Water Star
Energy Start
Florida Green Building Commission
[AL1]I will fill this in the next couple days.