Investing in a solar hot water system is an excellent way of saving energy usage as well as making your going green. However, the price of a solar hot water system needs to be taken into due consideration. The solar hot water system price encompasses the solar collector system and cylinder, plus any transportation, installation, modifications, and ongoing service costs.
Your choice between flat plate collectors and evacuated tube collectors will also decide some of your costs. The two options make the variety of materials and construction that your roof needs to have and the installation difficulty, significantly contribute to the solar hot water system cost. In addition, frequent cleaning of solar panels will maintain your system at its peak performance, hence ensuring that the life of your batteries will be as long as possible, while securing the energies saved in the long term. Best methods of cleaning can further enhance systems’ performance and lifespan.
1. Types of Solar Hot Water Systems and Initial Costs
The cost of money you expect to incur in the installation of solar hot water system is highly determined by the type of collector you opt for. There are two major categories: flat plate collectors and evacuated Tube collectors.
Flat Plate Collectors:
They come generally cheap with the price ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 excluding the installation. Their performance is best suited for warm and sunny climates, but they will not operate effectively if one lives in a colder cloudier area.
Evacuated Tube Collectors:
These systems are efficient and suitable for areas with frozen ground, with installation costs between $3,500 and $6,500. The use of many glass tubes raises the absorption of the heat, making them the perfect system for diverse climatic conditions.
2. Installation Costs
Installation costs for a Solar Hot Water System can run anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000. The cost depends on the type of system, how complex an installation is, and local labor rates. This includes mounting the solar collectors, connecting piping, and integrating them with your current water heater. The easier to install, along with better roof accessibility, the final cost for your solar hot water system will be more.
Although some homeowners might find it possible to install it on their own, system optimization and maximization of lifetime need professionals. Easy Solar can help you choose the best system for your location, requirements, and budget.
3. Add-On Components and Their Cost
Other solar hot water system add-ons may add costs to your overall solar hot water price. These components are:
Storage Tanks:
Some need additional storage tanks for the storage of hot water. These can range from $500 to $2,000 depending upon size and material.
Pump:
Active solar systems incorporate a pump that circulates the water. This pump can be from $200 to $400.
Control System:
Modern control units in systems are designed to keep an eye on temperature and flow level and can add an extra $100 to $500 to their costs.
Backup Heater:
A backup heater ensures that you get hot water even on cloudy days; it costs about $500 to $1,500, depending on what type and capacity you want to use.
4. Costs of Maintenance and Cleaning
Maintenance, including cleaning of the solar panels, is quite essential to the proper functioning of your Solar Hot Water System. It ensures that maximum energy is produced while also reducing your energy bill. In Perth, where dust settles in large amounts, professional solar panel cleaning services can cost you between $100 and $200 per session.
For the DIY enthusiasts, a water and dish soap solution will suffice, but for safety purposes, if your panels are mounted on the roof, it is necessary. Easy Solar is affordable and will clean your systems professionally to ensure that the energy your systems generate remains as high as possible and extends the lives of your systems. Neglecting service and cleaning can reduce energy produced up to 20%, so money invested in cleaning pays for itself.
5. Government Incentives and Rebates
Many government initiatives offer some form of monetary incentive to help offset the investment cost of the solar hot water system:
Federal and State Rebates:
The federal program and possibly state programs will offer rebates equal to 30% of the cost of the solar hot water system.
Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs):
The energy produced by your system will earn you credits that actually offset your cost of investment, depending on where you are located.
Easy Solar also meets the existing incentives. It can help you to maximize available rebates and perks to enjoy energy savings and the best possible return on investment.
6. Energy Savings and Return on Investment
Solar Hot Water System can save you as much as 18% to 90% on energy consumption, amounting to an annual saving of 200-600 dollars depending on your usage and rate of energy in your area. A well-maintained system will recoup the price of the Solar Hot Water System within five to ten years. That is, you can live at a specified level without having your standard of living put into shambles just because you want to save money.
For Easy Solar, it is estimated based on the hot water need for your household, which enables you to comprehend the fiscal implications of going solar.
7. Lifespan and Replacement Costs
A Solar Hot Water System lasts for 15 to 20 years if it is serviced regularly, though at one point in its life cycle, some of its parts must be replaced, like these:
Storage Tanks:
Their lifespan is 10 years, and they cost $500-$2,000 depending on the material.
Pumps and Controls:
The components will need to be replaced after 5 to 7 years. Replacement cost will range from $300 to $1,000.
Easy Solar will do the necessary maintenance to extend the usage of your system so that you are unlikely to find expensive replacement .
8. Is Solar Hot Water for You?
Deciding on a Solar Hot Water System depends on lots of factors, such as:
Climate:
Solar hot water systems come with sunny climate.
Roof Orientation:
The collectors should ideally face south to maximize the efficiency of the system.
Water Usage:
Any house with high consumption of hot water will enjoy maximum benefits from solar systems.
Easy Solar offers consultancy to establish whether a house can support a solar hot water system, and it advises you on what to go for.
9. Cost Comparison: Solar Hot Water vs. Traditional Systems
Comparing the cost of a solar hot water system to traditional heating systems, solar proves to be cheaper in the long run:
Electric Water Heater:
In one year, the operating cost is close to $400. For the lifetime of 15 years, it will be approximately $6,000.
Gas Water Heater:
The average running cost of the water heater per month would be $300 and hence the yearly estimated amount would be $4,500.
Easy Solar gives you an idea of the approximate savings for your home and provides a perspective on how solar energy could save you in the long run.
10. Estimated Price of a Solar Hot Water System
The Solar Hot Water System has many benefits for the client, and the cost is slightly higher. Summing up the price range for your reference:
Flat Plate Collectors: $2,000 – $5,000
Evacuated Tube Collectors: $3,500 – $6,500
Installation: $1,000 – $3,000
Extras:
Storage Tank: $500 – $2,000
Pump: $200 – $400
Backup Heater: $500 – $1,500
Solar Panel Cleaning Perth: $100 – $200 per session
It might be expensive at the outset, but one finds a decent return from it, as the long-term saving on energy bills and the positive effect on the environment make it a shrewd investment. Regular cleaning of your solar panels and then choosing the best ways to do maintenance will prolong the lifespan of the system; thus ensure maximum returns.
Conclusion
Proper maintenance through regular cleaning of your solar panels ensures that your Solar Hot Water System runs efficiently and maximises your energy savings. Know how to clean solar panels on your roof for maximum performance. It may extend the lifetime of your system and reduce overall energy costs. Let us keep your system running at an optimum level with our expert installation and maintenance in Perth. Call Easy Solar today and make the move to green energy!
