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Frequently Asked Questions
What are solar water heaters?
Using ‘free energy’ from the sun, solar water heaters can be designed to generate hot water for your home, swimming pool or spa. Solar energy is collected by a solar collector panel, which is connected to your existing water heating system.
Why solar water heaters?
We believe solar water heaters offer the best alternative in renewable energy with real payback opportunities. By choosing our solar hot water systems, you will be making a long and lasting investment which will save you money for many years to come.
Does your solar water heater generate electricity?
No, our solar water heaters do not generate electricity; however, our affiliate, Ambassador Energy of North Texas provides systems that generate electricity. Please check their web site for details.
What about Texas weather?
We receive more than enough exposure to sunlight in Texas to benefit from solar water heaters. Developments in solar technology means that solar water heaters harness the power of the sun, not only in direct sunlight, but also with diffused radiation emitted on cloudy or overcast days. Our solar panels consist of evacuated ‘tubes’ which can collect energy 360° and can turn this ‘light’ into heated water with remarkable efficiency. Even when outside temperatures are below freezing, they will still collect the sun’s energy and provide a great source of free hot water!
Go here to see the percentage of your hot water that will be solar heated depending upon the amount of sunlight striking the collector tubes.
What are the environmental benefits of solar energy?
By choosing solar energy you will be helping the environment. By not using expensive and depleting fossil fuels you can save up to 2.5 tons of carbon emissions per year and help reduce global warming for years to come.
What savings can I expect with a solar water heater?
With rising prices of oil, gas, electricity and other fuels, solar water heaters will save money now and well into the future. Solar collectors will harvest the sun’s free energy automatically and reduce your energy bills providing around 70% of your hot water for free. As a rough guide, the average Texas home owner spends 30% of their utility bills on hot water, and the other 70% for heating, cooling, etc. So, we can substitute that expense by using the sun’s free energy generating substantial saving you for many years to come. Also bear in mind that in the long term energy prices will continue to rise so in the future you stand to make even greater savings with our solar water heaters!
How much will a solar water heater cost?
Because we are buying direct from the manufacturer we can offer outstanding prices! Size matters! A properly sized solar water heater system is very important with the amount of collectors based upon a number of factors. Each system is designed individually, and the price will depend on many factors, such as size of collector, number of occupants in a home, number of bath or shower rooms, positioning of collectors and associated pipe runs. We use extremely powerful collectors which can be sized and adapted to suit your requirements. Sun Save Solar will always find the best solar hot water system for your needs.
Can I power my appliances with your solar water heaters?
No, our system heats water for your home, office or pool and does not generate electricity that can be used to power your appliances; however, our affiliate, Ambassador Energy of North Texas provides systems that generate electricity. Please check their web site for details.
What payback can I expect with a solar water heater?
As well as contributing to the environment, the cost of financial payback is dependent on a number of factors. Although payback is one way of looking at the cost of your system, it is perhaps more accurate to look at the return on your investment. Typically, the financial savings of solar water heaters will be equivalent to a tax free return on investment of between 8% and 12% which far exceeds the return on current market investment plans, plus it will grow year after year. Increasing evidence is showing that a solar water heater installed in your home will increase its value.
What about home values?
The average consumer is now recognizing the value of green technology and is looking for homes that have energy saving improvements therefore making them more attractive in the marketplace. We are seeing evidence that investments made in green technology --- such as solar water heaters --- will increase the value of your home.
What about a tax credit?
Our solar water heaters are eligible for a 30% tax credit which make this technology more affordable than any other type of water heating. Click HERE for an explanation of tax credits and tax deductions plus state and federal incentives.
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