Rows of solar panels lined up on a rooftop are the usual images consumers have of clean energy systems, or a group of wind turbines producing electricity from simple air flow. While these are accurate views of energy sources create energy, it leaves out one of the most cost-effective, and applicable of all clean energy systems ---namely solar heating tubes. This type of clean energy technology is used to provide hot water to homes and commercial buildings.
The scientific and technical knowledge behind this form of clean energy have already matured as to be able to produce a number of applications, not only for comercial or industrial applications but for domestic applications as well. There are millions of single-family homes and apartment buildings that depend on such clean energy systems for their supply of hot water and are able to dramatically reduce their electricity bills. As a matter of fact, the nation of China is leading the way with this particular energy, and it is estimated that a whopping thirty million dwellings (whether homes or apartment units) get from 60 to 70 percent of their heated water through solar heating tubes and not from traditional electric power sources.
Why just 60-70% and not all of their heated water supply? This is the only glitch with clean energy that comes from the sun, and it happens due to the patterns of nature. Remember, the sun rises and sets everyday. As a result, solar heating tubes are only able to operate when sunlight is at its peak, which is generally from around 9 in the morning to 4-5 PM. However once the sun sets, it is as if somebody turned-off the water heater. However, solar heating tubes still get around sixty percent efficiency because the large storage tanks the system uses can remain hot for many hours after the sun has set. This is the reason why most renewable energy experts put maximum energy savings of solar heating tubes at the 60% percent level.
How does the 60-70% efficiency level of solar heating tubes affect the property owner or landlord? Chiefly, it means that, they still have to use electricity from their utility or gas, oil, eletric supplier, to maintain a 24 hour supply of heated water. So what does it mean financially? Let's examine this topic further.
Bear in mind that you will have to buy the solar heating system and pay for its installation. It will involve a substantial cash outlay, and most building owners will use the equity in their building to put their purchase on a kind of installment payment agreement, such as a business loan or second mortgage to cover costs. But the solar power system is going to begin running shortly after it is set-up, which means that electric expenditures are going to drop steeply immediately. This drop in energy expenditures creates money savings that can be used towards loan repayment. The good thing is, most systems can be paid back within 2 to 5 years;but after that the money savings will go directly into the owner's pocket. From then on, the building can be supplied with hot water at a significantly lower cost.
Aside from the decrease in expenditures and short "payback" period for the solar heating tubes, there is also a vast array of tax benefits to be enjoyed from investing in clean energy technologies. These financial incentives can help the property owner to pay off any loan on the solar technology more easily.
Craig Axelrod is VP of Business Development for Emmy Energy, a NY solar power company offering solar heating tube systems & solar panels throughout the North East.
