Buying a New Home in Raleigh - Saving Energy

Solar Water Heaters

What Makes a Solar Water Heater Work, and How Much Does it Cost?

Solar Water Heaters can save homeowners up to 50-80% on their water heating bills, and reduce dependence on natural resources.  Here's a quick overview of how they work, and how much you might expect to pay for a solar water in the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill area.

How Does a Solar Water Heater Work?

In the Raleigh area, most solar water heaters consist of two large panels on the roof of the home. 

A series of pipes within the walls of the home carry a solution up to the solar panels, which is heated.  

The heated solution is pumped through the heat exchanger in a hot water tank, usually located in the garage. 

The heat exchanger heats the water in the hot water tank, then recirculates back to the rooftop solar collectors. 

This cycle repeats - and heated water in the hot water tank is now ready for use.

What Type of Home Can Have a Solar Water Heater?

 In order for a solar water heater to function properly, there must be a roof area of at least 10'x10' that is south facing.   The two solar panels commonly installed to support a solar hot water heater are each 4'x8', so the two panels together will need at least a large section with nice exposure to the sun. 

Before you purchase a lot or piece of land, talk with your builder to make sure the home can be oriented so that at least a portion of the roof has southern exposure, AND is not going to be too shaded by large trees. 

Once you know you're interested in a solar water heater, your builder can submit the home plans and site location to a sustainable building solutions company like Southern Energy Management, who will work with the builder to determine where, and if, a solar water heater can be installed on this particular home in this location. 

When Do I Need To Decide To Install a Solar Water Heater?

The pipe system for a solar water heater that carries water or a solution to the roof to be heated must be installed at the framing stage. 

After drywall has been installed, there will be additional costs, depending on where the pipes must go (ie how far is the garage from the suitable southern facing section of roof).  Sections of drywall must be removed and then replaced in order to install the pipes - and additional costs will be involved if painting is already completed. 

If at all possible, talk to your builder before construction begins, so that the home can be oriented for the best possible exposure.  And be sure to check with the developer or homeowner's association, to make sure solar panels are allowed in your neighborhood.

How Much Money Can a Solar Water Heater Save, and How Much Does it Cost?

According to Southern Energy Management, a solar water heater can give positive cash flow - even in the first year it's installed.

In the Raleigh area, the most popular solar water heaters are Velux and Enerworks systems.  Both have essentially the same features - your builder can go over any differences with you.

Here's the bottom line:

System Cost:  $7850

10% Deposit: -$785  (represents typical 10% deposit or down payment on a home)

Amount Financed in Mortgage: $7065

Tax Credit Totals:  $3008  (amount you will get back through tax credits)

Total Cost of System: $4842 - plus cash in pocket of $2223 (the tax credit minus deposit)

The tax credit total represents both state and federal tax credits. 

And remember, you'll be reducing your monthly utility bills.  Heating water generally takes about 25% of a homes' energy budget - and a solar water heater greatly reduces that energy cost.

How Can a Solar Water Heater Help the Environment?

Solar Energy is clean, renewable energy that doesn't contribute to greenhouse gases.

Solar Energy reduces your dependence on other types of energy.

Solar Energy reduces your environmental impact.

Why?

In North Carolina, 58% of energy comes from coal, and 32% comes from nuclear power. 

Solar power reduces reliance on other sources of energy - and protects you from future cost increases for these types of energy. 

Southern Energy Management has shared that installing one solar water heating system prevents over 160,000 pounds of carbon dioxide from entering our atmosphere.  That's the equivalent in weight to 36 Ford Explorers!  

Are There Other Options? "Solar Ready"

Not ready to "go solar" yet for your water heating needs? 

Then ask your builder to make your new home "solar ready".  Depending on the size and floor plan of the home, the cost is much lower - usually $600-800. 

Your builder will install all the necessary plumbing within the walls of your new Raleigh home.  Then, when you're ready for solar powered water heating, you can have the system installed - without having to tear holes in the wall. 

Have More Questions?

Contact your builder, or call Southern Energy Management at 919-836-0330. 

You may also be interested in these New Home Green Building Topics:

What is a Green Home? Green Home Builders

What is Geothermal?  Geothermal Heating and Cooling Information

WaterSense Toilets - How Much Water Do They Save, and How do They Work?

ENERGY STAR Homes - What is ENERGY STAR?

Ways to Save Water - Rainwater collection systems

Green Home Special Features - What's Inside a Green Home?

Finding Your New Home in the Raleigh Area 

Stanton Homes makes it easy!  We'll guide you through the entire process - select from thousands of different floor plans, and hundreds of different locations, with a focus on new custom homes in the upper $100s to the $500s. Custom design build options available too!

Call 919-278-8070 or visit www.StantonHomes.com to find out more about new homes in the Raleigh area today. 

Articles copyright Stanton Homes 2006-2011.  Unauthorized use is not permitted.  Provided for informational purposes only, no claims are made by Stanton Homes regarding the validity of any statements.  Please note:  all listing information per MLS, and current as of posting date.  Information subject to change.  Stanton Homes does not make claims to ownership of  any lot listings, but can work with homebuyers to purchase available lots and build.  Home plans to be approved on an individual basis, subject to neighborhood restrictive covenants and lot restrictions.  Ask for further information regarding any community, lot or floor plan.  Photos represent typical homes and details of each neighborhood, to help highlight different options available in the Raleigh/Triangle area.  No claim of ownership is made to homes or land pictured.