Why Solar?

Today, solar heating is becoming more important than ever before. Natural gas and oil, which are burned to heat our homes and water, are limited. As reserves of gas and oil shrink, these fuels become more expensive.

Burning natural gas and oil in our heating systems also causes air pollution. Even electric water and space heaters cause air pollution indirectly, because coal and natural gas are burned to produce electricity in large power plants. If more people used solar energy to heat the air and water in their homes, our environment would be cleaner.

Savings

Vasco Solar domestic water systems are reasonably priced. Average costs for a single panel system range from $4,500 to $6,000, and two panel systems range from $5,000 – $7,000. Their paybacks are typically five to seven years, depending upon the fuel displaced (electric or gas).

With federal tax incentives, the costs of the systems may be less and the payback period may be shorter.

The National Remodelers Association reports that adding a solar water heater to an existing home raises the resale value of the home by the entire cost of the system.

Long-Term Benefits

Solar water heaters offer long-term benefits that go beyond simple economics. In addition to having free hot water after the system has paid for itself in reduced utility bills, you will protect yourself from future fuel shortages and price increases. Solar heaters provide additional supplies of hot water for the entire family.

Environmental Benefits

By investing in one, you will be avoiding carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and the other air pollution and wastes created when your utility generates power or you burn fuel to heat your household water. When a solar water heater replaces an electric water heater, the electricity displaced over 20 years represents more than 50 tons of avoided carbon dioxide emissions alone. Carbon dioxide traps heat in the upper atmosphere, thus contributing to the greenhouse effect. (NREL: Solar Water Heating)