Hello everyone,
We are currently considering installing a solar system on our roof. We want to use it to heat our hot water. We heat with gas, and the prices have been increasing repeatedly over the past few months. At what point does the system become worthwhile?
We are currently considering installing a solar system on our roof. We want to use it to heat our hot water. We heat with gas, and the prices have been increasing repeatedly over the past few months. At what point does the system become worthwhile?
L
Livestrong5 Jul 2011 07:55Solar thermal energy is not cost-effective for me at all. Calculated savings are 200 per year. Then, after 20 years, I have recovered the costs.
Hello,
The desire of homeowners to receive “grants (MAP)” often leads to a money pit when it comes to the final energy costs to be paid ;-)
Best regards
Livestrong schrieb:It’s not quite that simple. Heating or domestic hot water systems practically never pay off—that is, if you don’t mind feeling cold and using cold water, you save the most! But who actually wants that? The cost-effectiveness can only be shown through a direct comparison. It is also important to clearly distinguish between new builds and existing buildings. Solar thermal systems face the challenge of storing thermal energy versus user behavior. With photovoltaic systems, this major issue doesn’t exist at all, since surplus energy can be sold if it is not consumed directly.
Solar thermal systems are not cost-effective for me at all. Calculated savings of 200 per year. So after 20 years, I break even.
The desire of homeowners to receive “grants (MAP)” often leads to a money pit when it comes to the final energy costs to be paid ;-)
Best regards
We are currently building and have decided not to use geothermal energy, photovoltaic systems, solar thermal collectors, or similar technologies. To still meet the legal requirements, we need to save more on insulation and sealing. Everything else can be added later since the necessary wiring is prepared up to the attic, and underfloor heating will be installed in all rooms.
In my opinion, these calculations regarding economic efficiency are purely theoretical because it is uncertain whether the system will operate without issues until its expected lifespan. Purchase costs + maintenance costs + repairs + performance loss + … make up a total that must be compared to conventional consumption.
Ultimately, it is more a matter of personal preference than an ecologically and economically sensible investment.
In my opinion, these calculations regarding economic efficiency are purely theoretical because it is uncertain whether the system will operate without issues until its expected lifespan. Purchase costs + maintenance costs + repairs + performance loss + … make up a total that must be compared to conventional consumption.
Ultimately, it is more a matter of personal preference than an ecologically and economically sensible investment.
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