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The U.S. Department of Energy writes, "Solar water heaters—also called solar domestic hot water systems—can be a cost-effective way to generate hot water for your home. They can be used in any climate, and the fuel they use—sunshine—is free."
Solar hot water makes the most financial sense if you have electric or propane hot water. Hot water is a major expense, accounting for 25% or more of your annual utility bills, according to the State of Texas.. Atmos Energy has a monthly natural gas connection fee that you will pay whether you have natural gas hot water or not. If you have gas hot water, put your green money elsewhere. In the Dallas-Fort Worth area, retrofitting a hot water system with one storage tank will cost you around $5000-$6000. The feds will return 30% of that in a tax credit. If you pay $5000, your tax credit will be $1500, making your total cost $3500. Using figures from State of Texas and Department of Energy (below): If you are saving 50% of 25% of a $4000 annual electricity bill, that is $500 a year or an 14% return on your money and a seven-year payback, assuming electricity rates do not increase. If you are saving 80% of 25% of a $4000 annual electricity bill, that is $800 per year or a 23% return on your investment and a 4.4 year payback, again assuming electricity rates do not increase. Two teen-agers in the home? You are saving more. Only two adults in the home? You are saving less. green builder, or green remodeler in North Central Texas or the Dallas-Fort Worth area? Are you purchasing or building a home? Ready to add renewable energy? Interested in living more sustainably? Contact Terry Jensen Frugal Energy 972 251-1532
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