How Much Does It Cost

Solar hot water systems are easier to get a rough estimate than wind power or solar power systems. Solar hot water systems often come as pre-designed systems that then are customized to fit your home. Below is a simple example of a residential solar hot water system.     

Example of Residential Solar Hot Water System 

In this example we use a system that costs $10,000 and will save 2400 kWhs per year. In addition we assume you are a PGE power customer using an electric hot water heater.
$10,000 Generic solar hot water system
($960) $0.40 per kWh saved incentive from Energy Trust
$9,040 Amount home owner pays contractor or finances
   
($2,712) 30% Federal tax credit at end year 1
($1,440) $0.60 per kWh saved from Oregon RETC
   
$4,888 System cost at end of year 1 after all incentives and tax credits