Solar electricity is the most common and widely known type of solar energy available. Benefits of solar electricity include:
- Maximum reduction in electric bill
- Reduced carbon emissions
- Federal Tax credit of 26%
- Increased property value
- Real-time monitoring of energy consumption
- 6-7 year return on investment
Store the energy you produce, and use it when the power goes out unexpectedly. A Battery Storage System stores excess energy produced by the PV system and automatically provide back up power in the event of grid failure or power outage; which have been known to last for days or weeks.
The system can seamlessly switch between solar storage and grid-tied power to ensure zero interruption in your home’s power.
Solar hot water, or solar thermal heating, is an extremely cost-effective way to heat the water in your home using the sun’s energy. Currently, more than 1 million homes and businesses in the United States use solar thermal heating.
- Flat plate collector: located on the roof, it heats the water flowing through the collector
- Solar hot water tank: ceramic lined to keep the water hot (like a thermos), it contains one backup element inside the tank to ensure hot water 24/7.
- Circulation pump: moves the cold water up the copper lines to the flat plate collector, and returns the hot water to the tank.
- Differential controller: reads the temperature as indicated by two sensors on the roof and in the tank to allow customization of the temperate set point.
- Expansion tank: an added safety feature that relieves pressure that may build up in the solar hot water system.
There are three ways to heat a pool:
1. Solar pool heating – Solar pool systems are the most cost-effective way to heat your pool – and the most sustainable. Use the Florida sunshine to thermostatically control your pool system and enjoy year-round swimming at your desired temperature. As long as the sun’s shining, your solar pool system is working; so, there is virtually no cost to operate!
2. Electric Pool Heat Pump – Swimming pool heat pumps function like a reverse cycle air conditioner to extract heat energy from air temperature as low as 45-50 degrees in South Florida’s mild climate. Perfect for year-round swimming and nighttime heating during the colder months.
3. Gas Pool Heater – Burning propane or natural gas, this is the fastest way to heat your pool and traditionally is used in spas. The drawback is that it’s expensive. Heating a 12,000-gallon pool during the South Florida winter months can cost as much as $1,000.00/month.