Solar Water Heating Bob Ramlow

Solar Water HeatingSolar Water HeatingBob RamlowBob Ramlow

Chapter 2: Conservation & Chapter 2: Conservation & Economics of Solar Water HeatingEconomics of Solar Water Heating

Bruce HesherBruce HesherEngineering TechnologyEngineering Technology

Brevard Community CollegeBrevard Community College

Motivation & First StepsMotivation & First Steps Whether you are motivated by fighting pollution, lowering your energy costs or both; the first step is conservation. Weatherization and energy efficiency measures have the fastest payback often less than 6 months. Proper insulation, radiant barrier, window sealing, A/C duct sealing, and etc. should be done before installing any renewable energy equipment. See 338 Emerson Drive NE Palm Bay.

See www.reflectixinc.com

3 General Principles3 General Principles

Reduce Losses: Insulate your hot water pipes. Put a blanket on your water tank.

Increase Efficiency: If you have an electric water heater get rid of it when it is time to get a new one or sooner.

Reduce Consumption: Fix leaky faucets! A leak of 30 drops per minute wastes 100 gallons per month. If the leak is in a hot water pipe, it also wastes energy.

Handout: “Home Energy Conservation Tips”

The True Cost of Fossil FuelThe True Cost of Fossil Fuel

Financial: Gasoline and Diesel fuels are heavily taxed. America imports a lot of oil. It is the single largest part of the trade deficit!

Environmental: Whatever your feelings are about (CO2 / global warming / climate change), I hope you agree we should be good stewards of the Earth.

History of Fossil FuelsHistory of Fossil Fuels Fossil fuels were discovered in the 1800’s and were Fossil fuels were discovered in the 1800’s and were inexpensive. The advent of the automobile created demand inexpensive. The advent of the automobile created demand and the cost rose at or slightly faster than inflation. WWII and the cost rose at or slightly faster than inflation. WWII diverted oil for use for the war effort and the cost rose. diverted oil for use for the war effort and the cost rose. After the war oil was plentiful and the price dropped, but After the war oil was plentiful and the price dropped, but consumption skyrocketed. Until the 70’s most oil used by the consumption skyrocketed. Until the 70’s most oil used by the U.S. was produce by the U.S. Domestic production peaked U.S. was produce by the U.S. Domestic production peaked but consumption continued to rise. In 1996 imported oil but consumption continued to rise. In 1996 imported oil consumption surpassed domestic.consumption surpassed domestic.

““Peak Oil” and Natural GasPeak Oil” and Natural Gas “Peak Oil” means the point where production reaches is greatest point and declines from there. It will occur because oil and natural gas are not renewable resources. Some say it has already occurred. Conversely, demand is continuing to grow. Oil is technologically easy to import; natural gas is not. The U.S. has a lot of natural gas but eventually it too will run out. See http://www.eia.doe.gov/

FSEC Water Heating LabFSEC Water Heating Lab Measures power consumption operating costs of various types of water heaters. Each is on a timed profile that simulates typical usage.

Search “FSEC water heater lab”.

Water Heater Life Cycle CostingWater Heater Life Cycle Costing

The purchase price is only part of the cost! Fuel, maintenance, and depreciation must also be accounted for.

Electric water heaters are the least expensive but have high “fuel” costs and the shortest life.

Electric On Demand water heaters have the highest fuel costs but unlimited capacity.

Gas water heaters are more expensive but have lower fuel cost. Only viable if you have gas service.

Solar Water Heaters are the most expensive but have free fuel and long life span. They also do not depend on any utility services!

Cash Flow AnalysisCash Flow Analysis Instead of focusing on cost/payback, analysis of operating budget can be done. Q: Is the payment on the SWH smaller than the monthly electric savings? If so you are money ahead the very first month. Solar water heaters have long lives. The text says 40 years. Typical installation cost in Florida is about $3-5K.Over 20 years they can save big bucks.