Gabriel Draven, Village Technologies
Environmentalists have long insisted renewable energy is sexy. And on Valentines Day it can be, literally. Especially if a solar water heating system’s been used to heat the water for that long, languorous bath shared with that special someone.
While selling solar-generated electricity “back to the grid” has captured the public’s imagination with this past year’s introduction of the Green Energy Act in Ontario, a far more humble - and proven – type of solar energy has largely escaped attention.
The principle of using solar energy to heat water is well-understood by any kid who has played with a garden hose that’s been left out on the lawn in the summer sun. The water in the hose gets hot. Really hot. Solar water heating panels are a slightly higher-tech, and larger, version of that garden hose.
What’s more, the technology is well-developed, mature, stable, and has an international track record - claims that can’t be made as readily by electricity-generating solar technology.
With our short summers and cold winters, there’s a perception that Canada isn’t well suited for solar energy. It’s a misconception. In fact, in Southern Ontario, we get more sun than Miami for five months of the year. We also get significantly more sun than many parts of Germany and Japan, two international solar energy powerhouses.
In fact, a typical Canadian family living in Southern Ontario could expect to have half of its hot water use through the year met by solar. And given that water heating accounts for between 20 percent and 25 percent of all the energy used in a typical Canadian household, the savings can add up.
A high-quality solar water heating system suitable for a family of four will cost between $6,000 and $7,000, fully installed. Like anything else, you get what you pay for; the good quality systems cost more. But, you can expect your system to last between 20 and 30 years with a little periodic maintenance. And, you’ll get $1,250 back in federal grants ($2,500 if you live in Ontario). Further, some municipalities have introduced zero-interest loan programs to help with the financing. Finally, you can expect your system to pay for itself in savings in roughly 12 to 15 years, a payback period that will continue to improve as energy prices continue their creep upward.
So this year, think about installing a solar water heating system in your home and make every day Valentine’s Day by sharing your bath or shower with that special someone. You’ll save money, save water, save the planet and have fun to boot.
