We've had a lot of people approach us lately about solar space heating.
Solar heating is a great idea. It’s good for the environment, effective if done right, safe, comfortable and can be extremely cost-effective over the lifetime of the system. It can even have a reasonably short payback, even at today’s prices.
But don’t try to knock high heat bills down with solar heat. Knock them down instead with air sealing, insulation, and better windows and doors.
Why? Because these measures are far more cost effective than putting in solar panels. In fact, every dollar spent on insulation, better doors, etc. will save you four dollars on a solar heating system. That’s because you can get away with a much smaller – and less expensive - solar installation when you have a more energy-efficient home to begin with. (It’s similar to making a car more aerodynamic so that you can put in a smaller, less expensive engine.) And the energy-saving measures will also cut down on the amount you spend on backup heat.
Pare down the amount of heat you're losing first, then let's talk about reducing heating bills with solar.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
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1 comment:
I agree completely, energy conservation much come first. However this is not unique to solar space heating. Photovoltaic systems, micro-hydro, and wind applications should all follow a comprehensive energy conservation program. It is the energy conservation steps that make these renewable energy technologies economically viable. I often find it difficult to make the numbers work, but without these energy conservation steps it becomes nearly impossible. I would recommend that any solar installer bundle there solar products with energy conservation.
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