By Mike Bodeen · 27 September 2021
Yes, But at What Cost?
Having served my industry since 1976, I have witnessed the evolution of solar energy systems that have contributed to clients saving money while taking advantage of something that we Arizonans know so well. Sunshine!
Back in the 70’s there was a big push to put hot water assisted solar systems on the roofs of our homes. The idea was to have the sun heating water in a 3′ x 10′ (or thereabouts) gray metal box, that would be delivered to a special (read: expensive) hot water heater. This would result in $$$ savings through reduced energy costs compared with normal hot water heaters. Seemed good.
But over the accumulated years of witnessing many home inspections that had these systems on the roof, I observed that whereas the system may have saved my homeowner some money on their monthly electric bill, most of the systems had either stopped working, or the owners could not really say how much, if any, money they were saving, especially considering the cost. The long term net benefit was a big negative.
Home inspectors were also skeptical of the benefits, as most of the systems they were inspecting were not working, plus the heaviness of the system was judged to be a liability on the roof, therefore they recommended removal – at another cost.
…per Guinness World Records, is the invention of the world’s “whitest” paint. The paint, developed by Purdue University is said to reflect 98.1% of solar radiation at the same time as emitting infrared heat…could it eliminate air conditioning?”
And then, the final straw for me came the day of a closing of a client’s North Scottsdale home. The happy buyer came to take possession of the home. When they opened the door from the home to the garage, there was water everywhere on the garage floor. The base of the super-duper solar required hot water heater had rusted through. Fortunately for buyer and seller, the home-warranty company agreed to replace the unit (not without a fight) as the cost was $1800 – over 20 years ago! Not surprising shortly thereafter, home warranty companies stopped insuring these solar hot water heaters. With the advent of roof-top solar panels and whole house heating/cooling systems, those former solar systems went the way of the Dodo and Woolly Mammoth.
So, what about current modern systems? How do they fare, economically?
This is the important discussion to have. If you’re looking for long term money savings then you must sharpen your pencil or pull out the calculator and be ready to weigh the short term monthly benefit with the long term costs. If your desire is to ignore the cost factor in order to help the environment, then, go for it. But if it’s about the money, and it usually is, there are so many factors involved in the cost. Are you paying cash or leasing the system? If leasing, the contract you sign will have an increasing monthly leasing cost. Read the fine print and refer to an attorney.
Also, you’d best research the solar company you’re doing business with. Many of these companies have gone out of business, thereby making their warranties worthless, so when it came to repairs, further costs were required by other companies.
If and when you decide to sell before the lease is up, your solar system will not help you get a better price. Appraisers I’ve spoken with call it a wash. If you own the system outright, then there’s a price advantage to that, though perhaps only 25 cents to 30 cents on the dollar (if that) of your total investment. There are plenty of sites/surveys online to get opinions but consider the source. If they have anything to do with a Solar Company, run from the sun.
There was a fascinating article I came across recently that piqued my interest about this solar discussion, per Guinness World Records, is the invention of the world’s “whitest” paint. The paint, developed by Purdue University is said to reflect 98.1% of solar radiation at the same time as emitting infrared heat. Because the paint absorbs less heat from the sun than it emits, a surface coated with this paint is cooled below the surrounding temperature without consuming power. The article stated the possibility of not needing air conditioning. That would be one cool idea to consider. The link is below.
Oh, and congratulations Phoenicians, you’ve made it to past summer. Glory has arrived!
https://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/releases/2021/Q3/purdue-record-for-the-whitest-paint-appears-in-latest-edition-of-guinness-world-records.html