Alternative Energy

[Max]

Does anyone use any type of alternative energy sources? Also, does anyone use any kind of "Green" technology?

 

[stef]

stef

Hi max, I have a SS wash in Warren MI. I don't know of any alternative energys that are available. However I am planning to chang all of my lighting over to a type of flourescent that saves a lot of energy over the Metal Halide or Mercury Vapor, and you can have them illuminate as much as the traditional lights with less yellow hue. A traditional light bulb will consume 175 watts each with a very expensive fixture where as the flourescent will only consume about 60 watts each, with a very inexpensive fixture. All so I have changed my water heaters to tankless water heater which are a LOT less expensive to run and it only heats water when there are customers, but you have to have a extra water heater for your weep system. Also because I am chemically sensitive, I looked into GREEN soaps. I found that there are some companies who make good GREEN cleaning soaps but they are very expensive and you can't dilute them down much at all. So I simply sealed up all my chemical tanks.

 

[washnvac]

I just installed a solar water heating system and a 6.3kW PV electric system. The hot water install was $11k includng a new on demand Rinnai. I have 40 sq ft of solar hot water panels with 120 gallon tank. Solar panels/tank preheat the water going to my hot water reserve tank (35 gal.) then a closed loop Rinnai picks up the remainder of temp to 120 F. I was getting 102 F water heating from the roof on 45 F days. I got $2k back from Maryland. Looks like payback will be 3-4 years. The PV system was $49k. I have (36) 175 watt panels. Got $5k back from the state, as well as a 30% fed tax credit, then four year accelerated depreciation. Looks like pay back will be 10 years depending where electric costs go. Panels have 25 year warranty. So far everything is working great. I am getting ready to put a 12.5kW PV system on one of my washes in Delaware. The cost will be $100k, with the state paying $50k. The payback will be much quicker with this one. Delaware has great rebates.

 

[PaulLovesJamie]

I just installed a solar water heating system and a 6.3kW PV electric system.

I would LOVE to do that!!! Here in PA the state is working on incentive legislation, as soon as it's official I expect to install PV. If you dont mind, please PM me your phone #, I'd love to call you before I jump in.

 

[Waxman]

Cool! I'm in Massachusetts and have heard about incentives for pv panels. I found a contact and have set up a phone interview with him. Basically I want to know the cost vs. savings. If they are financed right with a decent incentive from the state, it may work for me.

My wash is set up with ideal Southern exposure on one entire side of the roof, so I know pv panels would work well. Who knows, maybe we'll see a comeback of the electric hot water heater!!!!!!!

 

[johnny]

pa sucks;i put 10 instant heaters in 2 cw,applyed for there incentive program and was told no,i was 80 on a list of 280+,they used up all the money on the first 30-40 that applied and the went by post marks,good luck

 

[Eric H]

I have 40 sq ft of solar hot water panels with 120 gallon tank.

Is that really 40 sqft or id you mean 400?

 

[washnvac]

It is 40. I have four 2' by 5' panels. I had to have a minimum of 40 sq ft to qualify for the rebate. I wish I had done five or six panels, as the per panel cost was only $450. I may add later. I will see how I make out this Summer when the roof is smokin' hot.