Solar Energy Benefits Homeowners in the U.S.
The sun provides energy year round in many parts of the world. If your local climate provides a steady supply of sunlight during most of the year, there may be immediate benefits to tapping into solar energy as an alternative home energy source. When you discover how to harness the power of the sun in your home, you will cut your household energy costs such as electricity and gas and protect the planet’s nonrenewable resources.
Solar Powered Water Heater
In the United States, homeowners can realize a one-time benefit by buying solar powered equipment that meets federal requirements for an income tax credit. In 2009-2010, the U.S. government awards homeowners a tax credit of 30% of the cost of a solar powered water heater. The total amount a taxpayer can claim in one year for the solar equipment is $1,500. Before assuming you qualify for a tax credit, research how much heaters cost and whether the one you can afford will meet the hot water demands in your household. Your goal is to purchase the right ENERGY STAR solar heating system to meet your needs.
In a solar heating system, solar photovoltaic cells or another mechanism will collect the sun’s energy and convert it into heat. The heated liquid is run through your new super hot insulated water tank and stored for later use. Every time you take a shower with solar-powered hot water, you will enjoy the experience even more knowing that you have saved on electricity or gas costs.
EnergyStar.gov is the best place to explore the federal income tax credit for solar heaters. As a program of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Energy Star has published consumer resources such as Frequently Asked Questions and equipment requirements. For example, homeowners should know that many products are available in the solar equipment market, but the federal government specifies the energy requirements. A solar water heating system must meet criteria such as a specific level of BTU input. DOE has published criteria for five types of home water heating systems—high-efficiency gas storage, gas condensing, heat pump water heaters, whole-home gas tankless, and solar water heaters.
If you choose a solar water heater, you need a rating of OG-300 from the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC) and a residential-class auxiliary tank. A solar water heater collects solar energy in one of three ways—through the use of a batch collector, a flat-plate collector, or an evacuated tube collector. According to EnergyStar.gov, the most efficient collector available is the evacuated tube collector. It works like a Thermos. “A glass or metal tube containing the water or heat transfer fluid is surrounded by a larger glass tube. The space between them is a vacuum, so very little heat is lost from the fluid.” The evacuated tube collectors are also more expensive.
Once you choose the type of collector equipment, you also need to choose from the four types of circulation systems that circulate heated water into the home—direct, closed, active, or passive systems.
Choosing a solar water heater or another solar heating system is a big decision. Don’t forget to consult the EnergyStar.gov website and find out exactly what equipment will qualify for a one-time income tax credit. As a homeowner, you make wise green consumer decisions to save money after doing your homework. You should buy equipment that will meet federal guidelines and heat your home for many years to come. Think of all of the money you will save and the amount of energy you won’t waste during your tenure as a homeowner.