Domestic Hot Water Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell how much I'll save on my hot water bills?
The precise amount you will save depends on a variety of factors: The type of fuel you use, the price you are paying for fuel, your hot water usage, and the amount of sunlight that falls on your roof.
How many solar collectors will my house need?
AEEC knows how to determine the number of collectors you will need. When we visit your home, we will base our judgement on several factors such as your home's exposure to the sun, the size of your family, and what your daily hot water needs are. The typical home requires 3 or 4 solar collectors
How will the collectors look on my roof?
The SunEarth panels that AEEC installs have an esthetic advantage over many other collectors because they are slim, flat, and do not require prominent, unsightly external piping. The panels can be mounted on the roof, on an adjacent structure, and even on the ground; and the collectors are available in 2 different finishes to better match your architectural design. You can view our photos page to see how some of our typical installations appear.
Is this the kind of appliance that goes to pieces in a few years?
The collectors that AEEC installs have no moving parts and are designed to serve as durable, long lasting building products. Under normal conditions, they are expected to last well over 25 years.
What happens on cloudy days or at night?
When the sky is slightly overcast, the collectors will continue to work, still picking up some energy from the sun. On days when clouds are dense, or at night, your system still functions by tapping solar-heated water that has been stored in the tank. Your standard water heating system also automatically backs up the solar system, contributing whenever needed.
What if I install a solar system and then move in a few years?
You can expect a solar water heating system to add resale value to your home. It makes your home more attractive to buyers because it means energy savings to them, too. So, even if you move, you'll be getting value from your solar hot water investment. You can also assure prospective home buyers that all warranties continue to apply, even when someone else owns your home.
What is a federal energy tax credit?
A tax credit differs from a tax deduction in this way: A tax deduction is subtracted from your gross income before you compute your taxes owed, whereas a tax credit is subtracted at the end of your income tax; directly from the amount you would pay the IRS.
Will solar collectors be coming down in cost soon?
Because solar technology has long been established, there are not likely to be any radical changes that will bring costs down. Future costs will probably be higher due to inflation and the volatile prices of raw materials used to manufacture the collectors (copper, aluminum, etc).