This article is part 12 of Heat Your Water With The Sun.
Will I need any permits or inspections?
If you live in a community with a homeowners association, check to see if any approvals, permits, or inspections are required. Always obtain the necessary approvals from the association before beginning construction. Homeowners associations, towns, cities, and [...]
This article is part 11 of Heat Your Water With The Sun.
Whether you need a backup system for your solar thermal system depends largely on the type of system you choose and where you live. Solar water-heating systems almost always require a backup system for cloudy days and times of increased demand. This backup system [...]
This article is part 10 of Heat Your Water With The Sun.
It is usually a good idea to get more than one bid for installation of your solar system. Make sure that all the bids you receive are based on the same information and requirements. For example, comparing a bid for a system mounted [...]
This article is part 9 of Heat Your Water With The Sun.
One way to choose a contractor is to check your list of potential companies for the ones nearest you. Ask them what products and services they offer. Here are a few questions you might want to ask potential vendors.
Has your company installed solar [...]
This article is part 8 of Heat Your Water With The Sun.
Depending on your area, the simplest way to find a solar thermal systems contractor is to look in the yellow pages under “Solar Energy Equipment and Systems—Dealers.” Most of the listings will probably be for solar water heating, photovoltaic (solar electric), or electric [...]
This article is part 7 of Heat Your Water With The Sun.
The costs of maintaining your solar thermal system depend on the type of technology you choose and how often temperatures in your area fall below freezing. Properly maintaining your system will keep it running smoothly.
Passive systems do not require much maintenance. For active [...]
This article is part 6 of Heat Your Water With The Sun.
Financing
Financing the cost of your solar thermal system is not as tricky as it may seem. Although some special programs are available to help you purchase solar thermal technologies, most of the financing options are familiar ones.
One common way to finance a solar [...]
This article is part 5 of Heat Your Water With The Sun.
Your savings depend on how your solar system will be used, as well as the size and type of your system. Other factors can include the climate, the contractor, and the system rating. Your state may offer solar rebates or other incentives that [...]
This article is part 4 of Heat Your Water With The Sun.
Some of the answers to questions about system size and features depend on how you plan to use the solar system. Here, you’ll find general information on sizing systems for water heating, swimming pools, and space heating. To locate more specific information, please [...]
This article is part 3 of Heat Your Water With The Sun.
Why should I invest in a solar thermal system?
The first question many people ask when considering a home expense is, “How much will it cost?” The answer depends on the type of system, how you want to use it (water or pool heating, [...]
