Solar Hot Water FAQ

Q: "Does solar hot water work in Wisconsin?"

A: Yes!  Every site and system is different, but you can expect your solar thermal system to offset up to 70% of your current water heating expenses.  (It's interesting to note that solar thermal has become a popular option in Germany, where the climate and cloud cover are very like Wisconsin's.)

Q: "How long does a solar thermal system last?"

A: The life expectancy of a solar water heating system is estimated at 30 - 50 years. 

Q: "How does solar water heating compare to using a tankless hot water heater?"

A: With solar thermal you've got a bigger up-front expense, but once it's installed you can count on decades' worth of free heat that's not dependent on supply fluctuations.  Tankless water heaters are inexpensive and more efficient than traditional water heaters, but still leave you dependent on fossil fuel for 100% of your water heating needs.  Which one is best for you depends on many factors.  Contact us for a free initial consultation.

Q: "The south side of our house is shaded by a large tree. We don't want to cut the tree. Does that mean we can forget about solar water heating?"

A: Not necessarily.  Panels can be mounted 200 feet or more from your water heater.  They can be located on a nearby building (like a garage) or on the ground.  Also, east or west-facing panels can still get a significan amount of solar gain and are worth considering in some cases.  You'll want to contact us for a free initial consultation and possible solar site assessment.