This solar hot water system will save an estimated 175 gallons of propane and 2,500 lbs of CO2 emissions annually.

Dr. Barry Rock has grandkids, as well a first hand knowledge of forest ecosystems as seen from space.  One of his areas of expertise at UNH-Durham is the factors contributing to the changing climate and the effects of atmospheric CO2 pollution.

ReVision employee and NH branch manager Will Kessler recalls lectures at the university that had descriptions of the “atmospheric sewer” produced by the SO2 and NO2 emissions of the mid-twentieth century, and vivid accounts of NASA’s first missions using satellite imaging to map the chemistry of forest canopies from above.

Dr. Rock and his wife Gerrie have shown their commitment to the environment by adding an evacuated tube solar hot water system to their house.  By only calling on the propane boiler for rare backup water heating, the system is estimated to save about 175 gallons of propane, and roughly 2,500 lbs of CO2 annually.

For more installations, see our Solar Projects Map

It’s tax time, and while that’s a cause for groans from many, you can be happy if you finished installation of a solar energy system in 2009!

The Energy Policy Act of 2005 was greatly enhanced in February 2009 by the federal stimulus plan, which eliminated a $2,000 cap on the federal tax rebate for solar electric systems. The current federal tax credit for solar hot water and solar electric is 30%, with no upper limit.

Unlike state cash rebates, you apply for the federal tax credit when you submit your regular 2009 personal income taxes.

Here’s a link to the IRS Form 5695 that you’ll need (PDF): http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f5695.pdf.

While ReVision Energy can’t offer you tax advice, we encourage you to read up about the tax credit at DSIRE and consult with your tax advisor about the best way to file for the tax credit.

Also, this act has been extended through 2016, so you have time in 2010 to take advantage of this great incentive!

Contact us with any questions you have about solar rebates.

Fortunat Mueller, one of ReVision Energy’s resident professional engineers, gave a presentation at the first annual MABEP professional training conference held Jan 12-13 at the Holiday Inn By the Bay.

Fortunat’s presentation was geared towards home energy auditors who want to better understand the economics of solar hot water and in what situations solar hot water can result in tremendous energy savings.

In addition to simply replacing fossil fuels for heating of domestic hot water, a solar hot water system can often enable a home to dramatically reduce the use of a oil burner for water heating – particularly in the summer months, where an oil burner may not need to fire for months at a time.

The above clip shows Fortunat describing why solar hot water works extremely well for domestic hot water, and how boiler upgrades combined with a solar thermal system can dramatically reduce oil consumption.

This 10KW solar electric array will offset nearly 5 tons of C02 emissions each year!

Featured on WGME 13 this week was ReVision’s completion of a 10KW solar power installation for the Freeport Public Library!

You can visit WGME’s website for a video showcasing the solar project, with a word from ReVision project manager Josh Baston.

This clean, renewable solar energy system will offset nearly 5 tons of C02 emissions each year. Real-time system monitoring is available so that the public can see the impact of the system.

Here are some additional pictures taken by ReVision Energy of the installation, from our photo gallery:

Clean solar electricity and solar hot water system installed on a home in Porter, Maine

Many people ask us how solar affects a home’s resale value.  The quick answer – solar can be a huge asset when it comes time to sell your home, though there are a variety of considerations you should take into account.

Lower Utility Costs Equal Increased Value

Let’s look at the purely rational economics of a solar energy system.

In the 1998 Evidence of Rational Market Valuations for Home Energy Efficiency report (link, PDF Download) by The Appraisal Journal there’s a section they call the “Rational Market Hypothesis” which describes the relationship of market value to energy savings.

Using fixed (and very conservative) utility costs savings, compared to the cost of the investment, they are able to project an economic value for energy improvements:

Fuel costs may be considered just one of many complex factors affecting the decision to buy a home, but the same can be said about other determinants of home value—from number of bedrooms to the quality of local schools. In a rational, competitive market, the value of energy efficiency, like the value of any other housing characteristic, should reflect its marginal value to home buyers. If home buyers expect stable fuel prices, then the marginal value of energy efficiency in recent years should be $10–$25 for every dollar reduction in annual fuel bills. (emphasis added)

Note that this 1998 report reflects a very different energy situation than what we face today.  We would now argue that the $10–$25 value increase per dollar of reduction in annual fuel bills is only a starting place, as home buyers should NOT expect stable fuel prices for the future.

Over the life of a 30 year mortgage, the fuel cost/utility savings will rise dramatically as fossil fuel heating and energy resources become increasingly scarce.

In addition, purchasing solar electric is particularly attractive right now because solar panel prices have reached record lows, so the payback time is greatly reduced.

Solar as an Attractive House Feature

There is huge emotional value to a solar hot water or solar power installation in addition to the purely logical economic argument.  A renewable energy system makes a strong statement about your commitment to sustainability and the environment, which is increasingly desirable in the marketplace.

In a down market, a solar system may be the differentiator that makes your house attractive to potential buyers.

An recent article on sunpluggers.com featured a subdivision in Northern California that is using solar panels in its homes as a way to differentiate itself.

How successful is it?

“We are the bestselling project in the market right now,” [Hal Woods, president of privately owned CenterStone Communities] says. “All of our Phase 1 and Phase 2 are sold out. We expect to have the project complete in the spring of 2010. A number of other builders are scouting us and looking at the success that we’ve had.”

While the attractiveness of a solar system will vary depending on your location and potential buying pool, it stands to reason that interest and excitement about renewable energy will only grow in the future as the need to move away from fossil fuels becomes more critical, and all things “green” become more mainstream.

Both solar hot water and solar electricity are proven, mature technologies that will provide a payback for you as long as you live in your home, and a more competitive position should you need to sell your home.

Like all investments, the earlier you put solar on your house, the sooner you will reap the rewards.  As we sometimes say, payback doesn’t actually start until the system is installed!