Solar Battery Maintainer

An array of solar panels placed on the roof, or windmills generating electric power from the a stiff breeze are the common images people have of clean energy equipment. While these are correct views of how alternative methods create clean energy, it leaves out one of the most cost-effective, and practical of all clean energy systems — solar heating tubes. This solar technology is used to produce hot water.

The applied science supporting this form of clean energy is already so far advanced as to have a variety of applications, not only for commercial or industrial applications but for domestic applications as well. Millions of single-family households and residential  buildings that depend on such alternative energy systems for their supply of hot water are able to significantly decrease their utility expenses. China is the leading user of solar heating tubes, and it has been reported that as many as 30 million residences (both apartments and homes) are able to get their supply of heated water from their solar heating tubes, at least 60% of the time (or achieve 60% efficiency)

Why only 60 to 70% and not all of their heated water requirement? This is really the only “glitch” with clean energy that depends on the sun’s radiant energy, and it happens due to the sun’s nature. Keep in mind that the sun goes up and down everyday. As a result, solar heating tubes are only able to run when sunlight is at its peak, which is generally from around 9 AM to 4-5 PM. But once the sun sets, it is like the energy source of the hot water equipment has been shut-down. However, solar heating tubes still attain around sixty percent efficiency because the huge storage tanks it uses can remain hot for several hours after the sun has gone down. This is the reason why most sustainable energy professionals specify optimal energy savings at the 60% percent threshold.

So what does it actually mean for the property owner or landlord? Primarily, it means that, they still have to avail some electric power from their utility or fuel provider, in order to maintain a steady supply of heated water. What does it mean money wise? Let’s examine this topic further.

You need to take into consideration that you will need to buy the solar heating system and pay for installation costs. It will involve a significant capital investment, and most building owners will utilize the equity in the building to put their equipment purchase on a type of payment plan, such as a second mortgage or business loan to cover costs. However, the solar power system is going to start working shortly after it is installed, which means that electricity expenses are going to drop significantly immediately. This decrease in electric power bills generates money savings that can be used to the repayment on the loan for installation. The good thing is, most solar power systems pay can be paid off in a period of 2 to 5 years, and after this period the savings will go straight into the owner’s pocket. And from then on, hot water can be enjoyed at a significantly lower cost.

In addition to the financial savings and shorter period to receive your return on investment for the solar heating tubes, there is also a great array of tax benefits to be enjoyed from investing in clean energy technologies. These too can help the property owner to recover the cost of the solar technology more easily.

Craig Axelrod is VP of Business Development for Emmy Energy, a NY <A href=http://www.emmyenergy.com/index.cfm”>clean energy</a> operation installing <A href=”http://www.emmyenergy.com/green-energy-products/solar-heating-tubes.cfm”>solar heating tubes</a> & solar pv systems in the Northeast.

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