We tend not to think much about it, we go to the tap and turn it on before we edge the faucet over to the H for hot water. But really, hot water in our homes is the next thing to magic! Before modern times we really had it rough and so it’s sort of surprising that such a luxury has become so commonplace. One other thing people don’t think about is the fact that the hot water they have come to rely on is one of the biggest impacts on their home energy costs in Idaho!
See, you’ve got not just the cost of the water but also heating it, and then distributing it to the point in your home where you want it. All that means cost! But there’s good news for homeowners in Idaho thanks to SOLAR THERMAL from Renewable Energy NW LLC!
Here’s some of the skinny on facts and figures!
According to the US Department of of Energy approximately 25% of a typical houses energy load is consumed heating hot water. A typical house is heating water 24/7 365 days a year!
By choosing solar thermal application you can supply up to 90% of your hot water needs with energy supplied from the sun! One 20 tube solar thermal panel creates 65 gallons of hot water on a clear winter day regardless of outside temperature (due to the evacuated tube). The circulation pump uses less than .5 amps and costs less than $1 per month to collect the energy from the sun. The system collects energy all day at a gain rate of 3-5 degrees gained through each panel and the water flowing at 2-3 gallons per minute. The hot water is stored in and insulated tank for night time baths and morning showers. Then the process starts all over again. That nice steamy shower will feel even better when you know you heated the water for FREE!
Find out more about all we offer! Solar thermal, solar PV, and much more! Net Zero in Idaho is our focus, lowering your power bill is our goal!
Category: Idaho Solar
Can Solar Add Value to My Idaho Home?
You may have heard us mention in our last blog post that adding solar to your home can not only help you save money on your monthly energy bills in Idaho but also add value to your home… So, how is that exactly? Well, in addition to creating great energy independence the day you turn it on, our Idaho solar solutions can help insulate you against changes to the power grid and local power policies! We do more than just measure your roof to see how many panels it can hold, we look at your whole home energy use and provide a working solution to help you save – net zero is our goal because we know it’s the way homes should be!
Here are some other ways that Renewable Energy NW home solar solutions can increase the value of your home:
- Energy efficiency. Homes with solar panels are seen as more energy-efficient than homes without solar panels. This is because solar panels can generate electricity, which can help to reduce a home’s reliance on the grid. Homebuyers are increasingly looking for energy-efficient homes, so having solar panels can make your home more attractive to buyers.
- Demand. The demand for homes with solar panels is increasing. This is because more and more people are becoming aware of the benefits of solar energy. As the demand for solar homes increases, so will the value of your home.
- Tax benefits. There are a number of federal, state, and local tax benefits available to homeowners who install solar panels. These tax benefits can help to offset the upfront cost of solar panels, making them even more affordable. As a result, homes with solar panels are often worth more than homes without solar panels.
- Appreciation. Solar panels can appreciate in value over time. This is because solar panels are a long-term investment that can save homeowners money on their energy bills. As the cost of electricity continues to rise, the value of solar panels will only increase.
According to a study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), homes with solar panels sell for an average of $15,000 more than homes without solar panels. This means that solar panels can add significant value to your home.
Of course, the amount of value that solar panels add to your home will vary depending on a number of factors, such as the size of your solar pv system, the location of your home, and the demand for solar homes in your area. However, even if solar panels only add a small amount of value to your home, they can still be a wise investment, not only for the future but for the money they can help you save every day until it comes time to sell!
If you are interested in knowing more about our services, or how our fantastic solar thermal solutions can even help you save on heating water for your home, please get in touch! We’re only a call or an email away!
Why Consider Solar Thermal for Your Idaho Home?
Lots of people are familiar with traditional solar power, but may not know what solar THERMAL is! Solar thermal is a renewable energy technology that uses the sun’s heat to generate hot water or to heat your home. Solar thermal systems can be used to provide all or a portion of your hot water needs, and they can also be used to supplement your home’s heating system.
There are many reasons why you should consider adding solar thermal to your home. Here are just a few:
- Save money on your energy bills. Solar thermal systems can save you money on your energy bills by reducing your reliance on fossil fuels. In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that solar thermal systems can save homeowners an average of $2,000 per year on their water heating bills.
- Reduce your carbon footprint. Solar thermal systems are a clean and renewable energy source, which means they don’t produce any emissions that contribute to climate change. By installing a solar thermal system, you can help reduce your home’s carbon footprint and make a positive impact on the environment.
- Increase your home’s value. Studies have shown that homes with solar thermal systems sell for more than homes without them. This is because buyers are increasingly looking for homes that are energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.
- Increase your home’s comfort. Solar thermal systems can help keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. This can lead to a more comfortable and energy-efficient home for you and your family.
- Increase your home’s security. Solar thermal systems can help make your home more secure by making it less attractive to burglars. This is because solar thermal systems are often installed in hard-to-reach places, such as on the roof.
If you’re looking for a way to save money, reduce your carbon footprint, and increase the value of your home, then solar thermal is a great option. Solar thermal systems are a clean, renewable, and efficient way to heat your water and your home.
Here are some additional things to consider when deciding whether or not to add solar thermal to your home:
- The cost of installation. The cost of installing a solar thermal system varies depending on the size of your home, the type of system you choose, and the installer you hire. However, the cost of solar thermal systems has been declining in recent years, and many state and federal government programs offer incentives to help offset the cost of installation.
- The amount of sunlight your home receives. Solar thermal systems work best in areas with a lot of sunlight. If your home doesn’t receive a lot of sunlight, you may need to purchase a larger system or consider a different type of renewable energy technology.
- Your home’s heating and cooling needs. If your home has a high demand for hot water or heating, then a solar thermal system may be a good option for you. However, if your home’s hot water and heating needs are relatively low, then a solar thermal system may not be worth the investment.
Overall, solar thermal is a great option for homeowners who are looking for a way to save money, reduce their carbon footprint, and increase the value of their home. If you’re curious about solar thermal for your Idaho home get in touch! We would love to chat with you about all we can offer!
More Than Great Solar Power!
More than just a source for great solar thermal flooring, solar hot water, and even solar power in Idaho – the RENW team offers more!
While we got our start in providing solar thermal here in the Northwest we’ve grown to offer even more energy saving services for your home and business. We start by taking a look at what your actual energy needs may be, that includes how much power you are currently using as well as prospective future needs, before we ever start measuring your roof or talking about how many panels you need.
Sometimes the solution doesn’t involve solar!
We strive to make our energy options not only effective but affordable because we know how important saving on monthly power costs can be and we also know how even small changes can make a big difference when that power bill shows up.
Once we know how much energy your home or business needs we put together an whole system plan to provide you with the power you need at the best cost possible by combining multiple solutions. This may include solar PV, solar thermal, as well as whole house ventilation, and various small energy upgrades to your overall system.
As we move into the Spring and Summer months our Whole House Fans will become an especially popular solution for our customers!
Few people realize how important the circulation of air throughout your home can be. These powerful – but silent – fans provide unparalleled efficiency in keeping the air in your home fresh as well as regulating the temperature. In cold months your home traps hot air in the attic where you can’t use it to feel warm. In the warm months that same hot attic air keeps your home from venting and being as cool as it could be. Our Whole House Fans keep the air moving where you want it, cutting the costs of adjusting the temperature in your home!
Interested in knowing how you could start slashing your power bills and save well into Summer?
Get in touch today!
Renewable Energy Makes Idaho News
We are passionate about the community we live in, as well as the people we serve, and we love our great country! As such we want to see only the best choices made for the future of all. Renewable Energy NW LLC owner Carl Simpson put together a few personal thoughts in a recent letter to the editor and we wanted to be sure to share it with you here:
The story of energy is one of evolution, and American innovation has always been crucial to it. As consumers, businesses and public governments increasingly look to lower-carbon options, I’m glad the U.S. will continue to be at the forefront of new clean energy technologies thanks to smart thinking from Congress.
In the final days of last year, leaders in Washington passed the Energy Act — a major infusion of cash into clean energy innovation (like solar, wind and storage) over the next five years. It came on the tailwinds of other important progress for American clean energy innovation right here in Idaho: $10 million in federal funding to support a partnership between Idaho National Laboratory and Xcel Energy. Together they’ll transform our knowledge of hydrogen and potentially the nuclear energy industry as we know it.
Clean energy is a powerful economic development tool and job creator here in the Gem State as well as nationwide. Beyond that new advancements have made clean energy among the most cost-conscious options for consumers. Senator Crapo and other leaders’ sustained commitment to innovation will continue its trajectory and contribute to a more resilient and affordable U.S. power system.
With a focused approach towards energy efficiency first then renewable energy we can make sound economic decisions for clean energy that make cent$.
Carl Simpson, Star
*https://www.idahopress.com/opinion/letters_to_editor/letters-to-the-editor-jan-29-students-offer-hope-davis-and-lachiondo-are-a-light/article_5869ea35-68c9-5ddf-9e2f-84b18da6ad70.html
*https://www.idahostatejournal.com/opinion/letters_to_editor/energy/article_74d5b679-08d3-532f-98ef-56506c38ffa2.html
*https://magicvalley.com/opinion/letters/letter-glad-the-u-s-is-at-forefront-of-clean-energy/article_91c1f372-071e-5baf-b43f-a0eba78aef54.html
