Determining the cost of pool heating is very site-specific. A solar pool heating system has a typical payback period of 2-4 years. There are several factors that affect the savings realized with a solar pool heating system. These include your climate, the size of the pool, your cost for natural gas, the pool temperature you wish to maintain, whether you use a pool cover, the length of your swimming season, your climate zone, etc. A utility company study monitoring the amount of energy to heat a 500 sq. ft. pool in Santa Clara, California, from May through September, at a constant 80° F used approximately 1200 therms of natural gas. For residential summertime tiered gas rates this would approach $1,200 per year. For the same pool, a 400 sq. ft. solar pool heating system would maintain the same or higher temperatures through the same swim season. This system easily achieved a 4 year payback.
GAS POOL HEATER
INITIAL COST: $2,600
5-YEAR OPERATING COST: $6,000
COST OVER 5 YEARS:$8,600
Thats a saving of over $4,100.00 dollars
Think ahead. Come out ahead!
How much does a Solar Water Heater Cost?
The installed cost of a solar water heating system from Solar Depot ranges from $4,500 - $6,500, depending on the system type and the difficulty of installation. Although the upfront cost of solar water heating is more than conventional water heaters, the operating cost is significantly less than electric or gas heaters, saving you 60-70% on your annual water heating bill.
How long do Solar Systems last?
A properly designed and installed PSE solar water heating system will perform well for 30-40 years, depending on the type of system and how well it is maintained. When considering an average 30-year life for a solar water heating system, a 10 year payback really means 20 years of free water heating, and protection against future increases in gas or electricity rates. The real savings occur after the system has paid for itself and you are able to enjoy the free energy produced by your system, when the cost of energy from the utilities will have increased significantly.
PSE Solar Professional Services
Whether its for your existing home or a new construction project, for your domestic hot water or pool heating, a PSE solar authorized installer can help you select one of our economical packaged solar hot water systems. Alternatively, the PSE Solar design team can customize a system that best fits your specific application. .
