Cost of Solar Water Heater Installation
By ProMatcher Staff
Solar Water Heater Installation Cost
The cost of solar water heater installation will increase or decrease based upon a number of factors. This article is intended to provide you with a checklist of questions to ask yourself and your contractor.
This key will serve as your guide:
$0 = No additional cost
$ = Standard cost
$$ = Additional cost
What type of solar water heater do I want to install?
$ - When a passive solar water heater is installed. (This system primarily uses gravity to move water.)
$$ -When an active solar water heater in installed. (This system uses pumps and other controls to circulate water.)
How will the hot water be distributed?
$ - When a direct (or open loop) water heating system is installed.
$$ - When an indirect (or closed loop) water heating system is installed. This system uses a heat-transfer fluid to heat water and to prevent freezing and overheating.
What capacity storage tank do I need?
$ - When a 20-40 gallon tank is installed.
$$ - When a 40-60 gallon tank is installed.
$$$ - When a 60+ gallon tank is installed.
Keep Reading: Water Heater Capacity
Where will the solar panels be installed?
$ - When the solar panels are ground-mounted.
$$ - When the solar panels are mounted on the roof of your home.
Looking to have a solar energy system installed?
Does the roof need to be reinforced prior to installation of the solar panels?
$0 – When the roof deck requires no reinforcement.
$$ - When the roof needs to be reinforced in order to handle the weight of the solar panels.
Does any additional freeze protection need to be installed?
$0 – When the system is installed in an area with a warm climate and no additional freeze protection is required.
$$ - When precautions must be taken to prevent the system from freezing during the winter months.
Does a backup system need to be installed? (Many solar water heaters are installed with a gas or electric backup.)
$0 – When no backup system is installed.
$$ - When a backup system is installed (Without a backup, it may not be possible to heat enough water to supply your entire home on cloudy days).
What type of warranty do I need?
$ - For a standard warranty.
$$ - For an extended warranty.
Questions to Ask the Pro:
1. Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
2. Are all permit inspection fees included in the cost estimate?
3. What type of solar water heater do you recommend?
4. Is there enough sunlight in this area to power my water heater without installing a backup?
5. Do I need to install any freeze protection?
6. Can my roof support the weight of the solar panels?
7. How long can I expect the installation of the water heater to take?
8. Will this water heater supply enough water for the size of my household?
9. Do you have any references that I could contact?
10. What type of maintenance does the water heater require?
11. Is there a manufacturer’s warranty on the water heater?
12. Does the cost estimate I received include cleanup?
13. Is the removal and disposal of the existing water heater included in the cost estimate?
Related: Cost of Water Heater Installation or Replacement
About the Author
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| ProMatcher Staff, ProMatcher
Orlando, FL 32803
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