Millions of people worldwide have been enjoying Solar Heated Swimming pools and Solar Heated Water for over two decades. Today the heating of swimming pools and water is the largest use of Solar Energy in the world, and for good reason. And now, with photovoltaic technology improving daily, more and more people are switching to Green, renewable power rather than dirty fossil fuels!
After you are comfortable with the company and their reputation, there are lots of questions you can ask to help you determine if they are right for your particular project:
- Who is the license-holder and where do they live and work?
- What components do you use in your systems? Where are they made? How will they hold up to the Florida environment?
- How are your systems different than other systems?
- What trade organizations does your company belong to and what do you learn from them?
- What is your rating with the Better Business Bureau?
- How do your systems actually perform? What measurements have you taken to validate this performance?
- How many systems have you installed?
- What mounting hardware/system do you use? How strong is it? Who is your engineer and what experience does he/she have?
- Do you pull permits when you install the systems?
- Can you provide me with references?
Do not be afraid to grill your solar contractor! If you do not feel comfortable that they know exactly what they are doing and your system will perform as well as they claim, keep looking!
Florida law allows only those with a CVC (state-certified solar) license as well as those with an EC license or a master electrician to install PV systems. However, PV systems are unlike wiring in your house or business. Most electricians are unfamiliar with PV system characteristics, sizing, siting, equipment, industry trends, or proper installation of PV systems (including the all-important roofing considerations). While PV systems, when installed correctly, are absolutely safe and will provide decades of trouble-free and reliable power, installed incorrectly they can introduce significant hazards to occupants and structures.
Photovoltaic (PV) systems can be extremely affordable! Up-front costs are typically higher than "traditional" solar thermal systems but local incentives, federal tax credits, depreciation, and production incentives will reduce their cost significantly - sometimes by as much as 50-100%! Also, we have convenient financing that may help bridge the gap between installation and incentives. Call us to see what incentives are available for you or visit www.DSIREusa.org for a database of state incentives for renewable energy.
The license-holder is the person who is ultimately responsible for your installation. If you have problems, you will know exactly who to contact and where they are. Don't you want the assurance that you can always contact the license-holder, without hassle or run-around?!
Solar Heating Systems in Florida are extremely reliable. Solar water heaters have no heat exchangers that fail from corrosion, no fan motors or compressors to break down. Pool heaters use decades-old technology to heat the water in your pool for years and years. And PV systems have no moving parts to wear out or replace! All of our solar systems are extremley reliable and require almost no maintenance.
While there are many variables in determining the "financial return" of your solar system, there are some rules of thumb:
- Solar water heating systems will pay for themselves in savings within the first two to four years, depending primarily on how much hot water you use. The more you use, the more you save.
- Solar pool heaters are a financial no-brainer. If you want to heat your pool, solar is the way to go. While the initial cost is higher than a gas or electric heater, they last 3-5 times as long and cost nothing to operate.
- Depending on rebates and incentives, size of system, and other system configurations, PV systems can return their initial investment in as little as one year! Let us us help you determine how affordable a PV system is for you.
While the cost of a Solar Water Heater exceeds those of other heaters in the short term, they return the cost difference in electric savings in 2-4 years which is very good considering the systems have a life expentancy of more than 10-30 years. You always save money with a Solar System from Russell & Sun Solar.
Solar thermal systems have no flames or heat source other than the sun; they just keep heating your water quietly, safely and reliably year after year.
PV systems, when installed correctly, are absolutely safe and will provide decades of safe, clean, reliable power with virtually no maintenance.
Only a licensed Solar Contractor can install your solar heating systems. All systems must be approved by the Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC). Always check for BOTH points.
Awarded "Best Solar Company"
Melbourne Palm Bay Area Chamber of Commerce
