Solar Water Heater Rebate Program:
Suggested Site Requirements and Analysis

• Most collectors are roof mounted and are usually parallel to and few inches above the roof, held by brackets. Panels require between 60 and 80 square feet of roof space capable of supporting up to 250 pounds.
• Your roof should be in good condition and able to support a solar system installation. If re-roofing is required in the near term, consider the cost of solar panel removal and reinstallation.
• The solar water heater Authorized Installer is responsible for determining the optimal location of the solar collectors on the roof. The proposed location must provide maximum benefits to system performance and operation.
• The property should be free from deed restrictions that prohibit solar water heating systems. Check with your homeowners association to determine if any restrictions exist.
• Do you have access to funds needed to purchase the systems and is the pay back acceptable given some delays that may be associated with various rebates, incentives and tax credits. Several websites are available to provide sample cost projections such as www.find-solar.org.
• What is your typical pattern of hot water use? How many occupants are in the house and how much hot water is used by laundry cycles and dishwater loads. Generally, is the solar project feasible regarding payback, energy savings, practicality, etc.? Have you already done everything you can to reduce hot water usage and conserve heat loss from your existing hot water system?
• The solar panels and system should remain permanently installed for at least 10 years to maximize the investment. Consider the cost of this investment as you would other home improvement projects. Solar water heating systems generally add value and improve resale of most homes.
• Since the sun rises in the East, crosses over the horizon on the South and sets in the West, the collector panel should face as much true South on your roof as possible. Up to 45 degrees East or West of true South has little effect on year round domestic solar water heating. While less desirable, a West or even an East facing collector panel can work well, especially with an extra collector panel.
• The collector panels mounted on the South facing roof need maximum exposure to sunlight for higher efficiency. Therefore it is desirable that there be no form of shading or trees covering the roof on which the collector panels are to be mounted. The proposed area should receive at least 4 hours of sun exposure a day.
• The collector panel angle is known as “tilt.” While a typical roof angle is 22 to 32 degrees, the tilt should be at least 15 degrees up from horizontal. A flat roof adds additional costs to the installation. The roofing material must allow lag screws to be driven into the rafters below. Standing seam roofs are usually acceptable.
• You need a good “path” for your two solar lines and wires to go from your tank to your South facing roof. It is desirable that this “path” be less than 40 feet (one way), but up to 80 feet (if well insulated) is acceptable.
• You will need an electrical hook-up and space for the solar storage units in the same locations as the existing water heater. For a one tank option, you will need a 240-volt, 30-amp circuit. You will also need space for the tank which is approximately the same size as an 80-gallon water heater. For a two-tank option, which preheats into your current water heater, you will need a 120-volt outlet. You will also need space for the tank, in addition to the existing water heater, which is approximately the same size as an 80-gallon water heater.
• A drain line that meets plumbing code will need to be installed in older houses as part of the installation of an additional tank. Newer houses should already have a drain line installed.

Program Description

Eligibility

System Requirements

Application Form

Renewable Energy Certificates Assignment Agreement

Authorized Dealer List

External Links

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