Reply #3: It's not out of the question [View All]

[Vorta]

A really good family sized solar hot water heater costs ~$5000.

A 0.96 kW PV system costs ~$6500 after federal tax credit...

OK, so a regular electric water heater costs about $500 installed (I just had to do that on this house) so that leaves $4500 dollars in electric cost which needs to be offset by the solar unit. That means it will take 11 years for the solar to pay for itself. Of course, an electric heater never pays for itself.

One of my fears is that just about the time the solar pays for itself, it will be time to replace it. I am currently considering a tankless propane water heater for the new house. I am also concerned about the durability of the solar panels when it comes to hurricane force winds and routine tropical thunderstorms, flying branches and that sort of thing.

It would be really cool to have a solar system, especially if it could be used to painlessly heat the pool in February.

Of course, if Bush has successfully trashed the economy to the point at which I can't sell my house for a good price, all of this could be moot.

BTW, have you seen those concrete dome houses they have in Australia? I have only seen then online, but they look very cool and perfectly suited for Florida.