Solar Help in 2016

I own and live in a three-unit building in Greenpoint, and I want to invest in solar energy, for heat, hot water, and/or electrical. In addition, our gas boiler is old, so I am willing to consider upgrading to a hot-water heat pump or high-efficiency condensing boiler.

We have 3 dishwashers and 6 showers. We also have a large roof with full sun 24/7. As the owner, I pay for all hot water and heat. I am assuming that solar hot water makes the most sense for us. On the other hand, I am reading that electric heat pumps combined with solver PV might be the best investment, and I would love to generate electricity too.

If anyone can recommend a contractor or vender here I would greatly appreciate it. Or if anyone can share their experience that would be helpful too. Most places that I call only provide solar electrical.

My main motivation here is to conserve as much energy as possible. I’m confident it will pay off eventually.

Thanks all,

Mike C

mpcmpc

in General Discussion 9 years and 8 months ago

9

Please log in, in order to post replies!

9 replies

Newest Oldest

pythagoras | 9 years and 8 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5046 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5034 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "46501"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(10) "pythagoras"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BkdS6AiAf7vvqOHDTZ7Ylj0dt3hszU1"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(10) "pythagoras"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(24) "caleb@coggancrawford.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(54) "http://www.brownstoner.com/forums/users/calebcrawford/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 13:36:07"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(10) "pythagoras"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(46501)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

The Here Comes Solar program is a good place to start. They can potentially bundle your install with others in your area to bring costs down through scale. I’ve been trying to get PVs installed in projects for years. Aeon Solar is one of the strong ones. Solar domestic hot water is generally expensive in NYC. You are probably better off with PVs, and stick with a mod con boiler as you suggest for your hot water demand. If you are planning to replace your boiler, and also to install central air, switching to heat pumps rather than potentially upgrade your whole system makes a lot of sense. For the gut renovations we do, we are only using heat pumps – we insulate and use high quality windows to reduce loads.

BklnRefugee | 9 years and 8 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5045 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5044 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "65167"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(11) "BklnRefugee"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$Bxd2OCzwz3jXn99DnRQ6tpQgjP51W./"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(11) "bklnrefugee"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(17) "anonhfm@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:29:04"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(11) "BklnRefugee"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(65167)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(0) {
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(0) {
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(0) {
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

I have both PV and thermal systems, the latter paired with a Triangle Tube condensing boiler. The latter has saved me MUCH more money, but this is on a seasonal home wehave in MOntana, where we are dependent on truck-delivered propane. The relative cost of electricity vs fuel really matters (and in Brooklyn I imagine natgas vs elec looks very different that in Montana). I will say that the condensing boiler has been somewhat finicky for us. We’ve had more service visits than we expected. The thermal storage tank/drainback tank/piping all took up a bit more space than I expected, too. Definitely more than a DC inverter…

dezzywilliam1 | 9 years and 8 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5055 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5054 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "194344"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(13) "dezzywilliam1"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BhFDoo2DXmlF5ikDl41eLFYqd0J9Wi1"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(13) "dezzywilliam1"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(23) "dezzywilliam1@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:00:31"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(27) "dezzy william dezzy william"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(194344)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(3) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

If you have “full sun 24/7” I’d be interested in knowing how you manage this. We had great experience in PLG with Here Comes Solar and Brooklyn Solar Works.

Augustiner | 9 years and 8 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5053 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5480 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "45573"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(10) "Augustiner"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$B34SD8yEA6Hi8EPJJfH83mCf4GZmmP0"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(10) "augustiner"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(18) "flo@flat-peach.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(32) "http:///forums/users/augustiner/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 13:35:10"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(6) "August"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(45573)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Evacuated tubes / thermosolar is great.
You will need a dual heat source hot water tank with significant volume.
The there are foldable tanks that allow installation in the cellar.
Equimpment is more affordable than when Gennady last checked, and it’s generally very low maintenance. Significant tax credits for solar hot water are still available.
Earlier comments:
Solar PV is far more expensive. In Europe it is standard to install a combination and PV .
As owner of a heat pump water heater I can tell you it’s not the best solution. You will need two 80 gallon units and a Brooklyn cellar in winter is not the ideal place.
Solar Thermal has a lifespan of 20 years, and in a 3 family you should recoup within 5-7 years. It also makes a lot of sense to heat water with the sun.
On demand water heaters are the chepest solution but work best if each apartment has their own water heater.

lgwlcvqt | 9 years and 8 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5054 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5045 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "209014"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(8) "lgwlcvqt"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$Bco4X0PubGzep2htJkd59TCdDT9PSx1"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(8) "lgwlcvqt"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(23) "brodydude2001@yahoo.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2024-06-21 12:39:37"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(8) "lgwlcvqt"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(209014)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

We’ve been talking to Here Comes Solar, we’re also in Greenpoint

lgwlcvqt | 9 years and 8 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5055 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5481 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "209014"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(8) "lgwlcvqt"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$Bco4X0PubGzep2htJkd59TCdDT9PSx1"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(8) "lgwlcvqt"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(23) "brodydude2001@yahoo.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2024-06-21 12:39:37"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(8) "lgwlcvqt"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(209014)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

We’ve been talking to Here Comes Solar, we’re also in Greenpoint

ellenlourie | 9 years and 8 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5053 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5482 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "209451"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(11) "ellenlourie"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BW7BCPC4MhhU4md6aHcLH/64c1GhM1/"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(11) "ellenlourie"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(22) "ellen.lourie@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2024-06-29 12:47:36"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(11) "ellenlourie"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(209451)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Check evacuated tubes technology

viessmann-us.com/en/commercial/solar-systems/tube-collectors.html

Last time I did calculations, payback time was longer than lifetime of equipment . Rebates will help. Check NYSERDA site

nyserda.ny.gov/Cleantech-and-Innovation/Power-Generation/Solar-Power

absolutemechanicalcoinc.com

JorgeF | 9 years and 8 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5481 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5054 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "160932"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(6) "JorgeF"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(63) "$wp$2y$10$9cwVlu7G2o5hQmdBJ183yeM2GxfZ/UcytiQVSUeyikgC9S6wTixxm"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(6) "jorgef"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(21) "jorgefontan@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(52) "http://www.brownstoner.com/forums/users/jorgefontan/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:38:02"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(6) "JorgeF"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(160932)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Mike,
make your home more energy efficient can be a big undertaking. First thing if you haven’t done already is look into tax abatements for this so you can see how much money you can save.
There are lots of companies that do solar energy less that do solar hot water.
You may want to consider all your options. Are you 100% set on the hot water. If you have a tankless instant hot water those are more efficient than a regular tank heater.
By the way here is an article with ideas for a sustainable homes. https://jorgefontan.com/2016/07/10/sustainable-house-design-21-ideas/

steam_man | 9 years and 8 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5055 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5483 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "176846"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(9) "steam_man"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BwTjqVdzbefHKag0RU5TXaF7tQCivs."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(9) "steam_man"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(25) "heat@moltenmechanical.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(31) "http:///forums/users/steam_man/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:25:50"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(9) "steam_man"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(176846)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Depends on how big your roof is. If you live in a typical 20 x 40 or 2×60 home then you’re more than likely looking at PV only. Be prepared for a large capital investment if you intend to fulfill all your conservation goals. ROI is fairly simple to calculate.