Sun Power. Solar water Heater
I live in a very sunny place, and have always wondered about solar. Well I bought a house 2.5 years ago, and it has a solar water heater on it.
I have heard many arguments if it is worth it or not. Well here is the math from my unit. The people before me paid $6400 dollars, and it was put on in 2009. It saves me about $40 bucks a month on electricity, and the water comes out super hot. It just recently had one of the pumps go out that shoves water up to the roof. The pump was $389, and I switched it out myself, but I also am a professional, so you can probably figure 250 in labor.
So at 8 years and saving 480 a year, it is 3840 in savings. Still not paid back from what you spent, but some of that was a water heater, which you need so lets say that was 1200, you still are not up to the 5200 that you initially put out.
Problem is if you pay too much, and with repairs it can take up to 15 years to start making money, but if you move into one, and don't take the initial hit it is great. I am way up, so that might be a plus next time you are looking for a new house.
thanks sir@bigram13 I think the win will be in number sun power !!
Great tip. I like when people figure out the math between things. I live in a sunny place as well and the solar sellers have been walking all over the neighborhood touting that you start making a big dent or something in recouping cost after the 2 year mark. I totally agree with the buy a house with it mentality.
Ya it all just depends on your initial costs, and also how much you use it. I want to get solar power too, but there are just so many factors that stick from putting it on your roof. Those panels put out a lot of electromagnet waves, and they are right about you and your family. They are like mini power plants, and you wouldn't live under a power station because of the side effects.
Important math here, looks like it checks out. I got a government subsidy on mine so paid it back within a couple of years. 😀 😃 😄
That is definitely something to take into consideration when buying or building a home. Other than when the pump died, have you ever had any other issues with it?
Nice article, I always wondered about solar. In your case, previous owners "maybe" got a tax credit which factors into the cost/benefit. I am tired and I can't recall the exact rule on it at the moment.
Ya that is true, I never thought about the possibility of that. That would be a difference maker.