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| These systems are simpler and cheaper than solar generators that convert sunlight into electricity like the one at Tom Ferrio's home. |
By
CHARLES CHAVES/ecoRI.org News contributor
High
heating oil prices nationwide have been straining family and business budgets
for several years. Heating oil is a petroleum derivative closely linked to
diesel and kerosene.
To
counter exorbitant heating oil costs and global climate issues, more and more
people are switching to economically viable alternatives such as natural gas
and solar thermal to meet energy needs. Solar thermal systems can be installed
in new or existing buildings to provide hot water for schools, hospitals,
businesses and homes, including spas and pools. Such alternative energy
technology can tie into radiant floor heating, baseboard hot water or
forced-air systems.
Evacuated
tube collectors, for example, use a row of sealed glass tubes with each tube
containing an absorber plate to soak up solar radiation. Insulated pipes
connect the collectors to a liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger, which is plumbed
to the solar storage tank. Hot water is drawn from this tank for use within a
building.
In
short, the primary role of a solar thermal collector is to absorb and transfer
heat.
Before
shopping for an alternative heating system, however, consider implementing
conservation and efficiency measures to reduce power consumption and save
money. There are multiple ways to cut energy costs, and many of them involve
changes that don’t require spending much money, if any, such as lowering the
hot water thermostat.
Fixing
leaky hot water faucets is another effective and inexpensive energy-saving
strategy. These simple efficiency measures help save money and reduce the size
and cost of any new heating system.
Buying
a solar water heating system is a sound financial investment for many
households and businesses, instead of the continued use of expensive and dirty
heating oil. Utility rebates and tax incentives offer a rapid payback by
generating free thermal energy.
In
other words, installing a solar water heater is one of the most cost-effective
solutions available to offset high heating bills, according to the U.S.
Department of Energy. Anyone who buys such a system can qualify for a 30
percent federal tax credit with no cap or limit on the total price.
Massachusetts gives a 15 percent state tax credit with a cap of $1,000.
Rhode
Island is looking into bringing back its tax credit for solar energy projects.
The state recently introduced grants and loans for small-scale renewable energy
projects through its Renewable Energy Fund.
Moreover,
solar thermal systems don’t require much electricity to operate their pumps and
electronic controls, and solar hot water technology reduces air and water
pollution.
