anyone had a solar ENERGY system installed in your house?

[Howard]

Why is energy in all caps?

 

[feralkid]

Originally posted by: Howard
Why is energy in all caps?

OP got tired of the Solar System jokes, I guess.

 

[Howard]

nm

 

[marvdmartian]

I never have owned my own place, but ~20 years ago I rented a house that had a passive solar water heating system installed. Basically, it was an 80 gallon solar heated tank that fed into the 50 gallon electric water heater. Let me tell you, that house NEVER ran out of hot water!! You could literally take a shower while running the washing machine and dishwasher, and still make your shower last 20+ minutes without running out of hot water! :thumbsup:

 

[Whoozyerdaddy]

Solar hot water is a requirement for all new contruction on Maui now. They are debating about whether to require solar power in the new hi-end developments in Wailea too. If they pass it you'd be required to have at least 1000' of roof facing south and carry a 10kWatt solar power array.

 

[dartworth]

Originally posted by: MIKEMIKE
A Tankless water heater may be the first good step towards saving some electricity... just make sure it will work for you, because i live in ohio, most tankless water heaters will only put out 8-10 gpm, which would not be enough for someone to shower, and someone to have the dishwasher on... however in somre warmer states, it will put out 15-20 which is plenty for most... The more expensive ones however... now those are good...

Also, if you want to heat your house differently, put in a radiant heating floor... it will be set at like 55, but because its on your feet you will feel much warmer.

dartworth, where are you located? i think we have discussed this before.

I'm exactly sure what type of system you are referring to that depends on the climate.

Tankless heaters offer plenty of GPM. I have a smaller house with only three of use and 8GPM would be plenty for our use. I like the idea of these units as they efficient and only use gas and water on demand. It also has a very small footprint. I can combine this with my new HVAC system to eliminate the need for a chimney in my house which will free up much needed footage for my kitchen remodel. So I'm solving multiple problems at once.

 

[skyking]

Originally posted by: dartworth
interesting...I'm installing a radiant floor system in my friends new house...

me=jealous 🙂

Don't be😀
It is but a glimmer in our eye, this new house. I don't have any property for it yet.
I purchased Plan 3D and have drawn up a dream home. It is a little too big really, so now I have to figure out where to trim it.

 

[dartworth]

Originally posted by: skyking

Originally posted by: dartworth
interesting...I'm installing a radiant floor system in my friends new house...

me=jealous 🙂

Don't be😀
It is but a glimmer in our eye, this new house. I don't have any property for it yet.
I purchased Plan 3D and have drawn up a dream home. It is a little too big really, so now I have to figure out where to trim it.

I installed a system in another house that is about 4000 sq ft. We put it in the garage floor to which is very nice. I really dislike forced air heat, especially after spending time in his house.

The current house I am doing is not as big but just as nice. The basement floor and foyer are going to be terrazzo. The rest is hardword. Going to be very nice. I just hung the boiler today and finished up the ductwork for the AC. Not looking forward to rolling out all that tube..lol

Just not enough time and money 🙁

 

[skyking]

This is a custom built home for customer?

 

[dartworth]

Originally posted by: skyking
This is a custom built home for customer?

Its a house my friend is building. He just contracted out all the trades. I am doing the HVAC for him.

He is also a bricklayer. He is doing work for me and I do work for him 🙂

Its a beautiful friendship🙂

 

[IGBT]

..if you have lots of sun exposure and surface area a 3 kw lease to own system may help. do the math and see if it makes sense. To make the meter turn backwards to break even on night time grid use you'll have to do a serious load shed to reduce your day time kw hour consumption.