What are my options?
Solar Domestic Hot Water uses the sun’s energy to
heat water. Solar hot water systems typically supply 50% to 90% of a
household’s hot water demand. A typical system can cost as little as $3,000 –
for a family of four that means your system can pay for itself within 10
years.
Photovoltaics (PV) use the sun’s energy to generate electricity. Most
systems today are grid-connected – when the sun is shining, you’re making
your own power, but at night or when it’s cloudy, you can rely on
electricity from the electric grid. Systems CAN include batteries, so that
even during a blackout you’ll have some power. But consider your needs
carefully because batteries need regular maintenance and will need to be
replaced occasionally.
A PV system costs upwards of $20,000 – more if you include
batteries. The Sustainable Development Fund’s Solar Grant program
has increased the amount of its PV grant to a maximum of $25,000 for
qualifying systems, but that fund has been exhausted for the time being - see SDF's notice of
program changes. The Energy Cooperative will purchase output
from a PV system under one of two pricing options.
Learn more about our buy-back program.
Learn more about solar hot water systems. Download the U.S. Department of
Energy's “Solar Water Heating” booklet in pdf format (or
call or
email our office and we’ll
mail you a copy).
|
