Solar water heaters, often referred to as solar domestic hot water systems or thermal systems, may be a good investment for your household. The most popular reason families invest in a solar domestic hot water system is so that they have an abundant supply of hot water. Families with four or more people will not have to wait for a hot shower. The reason for this is that domestic hot water systems provide backup hot water.

Solar hot water systems are cost competitive in many applications when you account for the total energy costs over the life of the system. Although the initial cost of solar water heaters is higher than that of conventional water heaters, the fuel (the sun) is free.

Using energy from the sun to heat water is one of the oldest uses of solar energy. Today, several million homes and businesses use solar water heating systems. These systems are providing consumers a cost-effective and reliable choice for hot water. How you heat the water for your home is an important consideration.

Currently, SDG & E Customers are eligible for up to a $1,500 rebate via the Center for Sustainable Energy’s Pilot program. Additionally, All residential homeowners can use the sun’s energy to heat a solar hot water heating system on their home and receive up to a $2,000 federal tax credit for each system installation (does not include solar pool heating).

A solar water heater will not only save you money but it will also help protect our environment. One to two tons of carbon dioxide are generated by a single conventional water heater every year. Other pollutants, such as sulfur dioxides, carbon monoxide and nitrous oxides are also displaced when a homeowner decides to go green and tap into a cleaner source of energy - the sun.

How Active Domestic or Residential Hotwater Systems Work

The solar collectors, usually located on the rooftop, absorb the sun’s heat and directly heat the water. An electric pump circulates the water from a hot water storage tank (usually located in the garage or utility room) up to the collector and back. The tank then holds the heated water for when the household needs it. A differential temperature controller ensures that the maximum available thermal energy is collected from the sun to heat the water.

Vasco Solar Energy uses the SunEarth Empire Solar Collector in domestic hot water installations. SunEarth has been manufacturing Solar Collectors since 1978 and have solid thermal performance ratings.

For a no-obligation custom installation estimate, click here.

Vasco Solar domestic water systems are reasonably priced. Average costs for a single panel system range from $3,500 to $5,000, and two panel systems range from $4,000 - $6,000. Their paybacks are typically five to seven years, depending upon the fuel displaced (electric or gas). It includes two SunEarth Collectors, a Rheem Storage Tank, insulation, a pump, and an automatic control. It is easily maintained, is reliable and does not pollute the environment.

With new federal tax incentives, the costs of the systems may be less and the payback period may be shorter. Additionally, All residential homeowners can use the sun’s energy to heat a solar hot water heating system on their home and receive up to a $2,000 federal tax credit for each system installation (does not include solar pool heating). Currently, SDG & E Customers are eligible for up to a $1,500 rebate via the Solar Water Heating Pilot Program.

A Bright Investment

• Protect Yourself Against Rising Utility Costs:
  You are no longer at the mercy of the rising costs of utility companies. As gas and electric rates continue to rise, the value of your solar investment also increases.
• Enjoy decades of savings:
  Our solar hot water systems have a proven record of heating water for almost thirty years. They are low-maintenance and efficient.
• Increase your property value:
  Having a solar heater is an attractive feature for your home. According to the National Remodelers’ Association, adding a solar water heater to your home raises its resale value.
• Return on Investment:
  With tax credits now available, you will realize your savings even sooner.

Vasco Solar individually designs each solar hot water system. Many factors need to be considered when contemplating solar heating and each installation is unique. For a free, no-obligation estimate, contact us today.