Solar / Geotherm (Sussex: credit, new home, roofing)

[Gessa]

I posted earlier but only got 2 responses. So, I'll try again...

Considering the cost of heating and electricity (and the amount of moaning on this site about it ) has anyone looked into solar or geotherm systems for their homes?

Or, any other type of cost reduction / renewable energy??

[wileynj]

Originally Posted by Gessa

I posted earlier but only got 2 responses. So, I'll try again...

Considering the cost of heating and electricity (and the amount of moaning on this site about it ) has anyone looked into solar or geotherm systems for their homes?

Or, any other type of cost reduction / renewable energy??

I just posted a great thread on a new device thats out...it's a cheaper solution as I'm sure alot of people can't afford to spend thousands to convert this year due to the economy. I'm researching corn burning furnaces at the moment. Great concept that has been in use in the midwest for centuties. I'm surprised we don't see more out here in NJ.

[BobKovacs]

Right now solar isn't a viable option for anything other than minor loads- the equipment is too costly and too large. Geothermal is still way too expensive as well- even with the higher cost of oil, the payback period to install a vertical well geothermal system is typically over 10 years, and most people don't stay in their houses long enough to recoup the investment.

[wileynj]

Originally Posted by BobKovacs

Right now solar isn't a viable option for anything other than minor loads- the equipment is too costly and too large. Geothermal is still way too expensive as well- even with the higher cost of oil, the payback period to install a vertical well geothermal system is typically over 10 years, and most people don't stay in their houses long enough to recoup the investment.

Good point Bob... I'm running through the numbers now for the corn burning furnace. For me it makes sense as I can install it myself and it will save me close to 70% on my fuel cost. It'll pay for itself in about 2 yrs.

[CuCullin]

Originally Posted by BobKovacs

Right now solar isn't a viable option for anything other than minor loads- the equipment is too costly and too large. Geothermal is still way too expensive as well- even with the higher cost of oil, the payback period to install a vertical well geothermal system is typically over 10 years, and most people don't stay in their houses long enough to recoup the investment.

Meh.....

BIPV's are not too large; though yes, they are new and still significantly more expensive. However, if you're working on the roof already, your effective costs are lower as the labor is combined - by laying the tiles in, you're roofing.

Geotherm is true, especially retrofit, though new homes being built with geothermal systems included again reduces the effective cost of installation.

[Gessa]

Geotherm - you can get a closed loop system, less space - just dug deeper. Although I have yet to get an estimate.

Solar . NJ, one of the leaders of Solar has switched to SREC - 'green' credits you can sell on the open market. Bought by companies that have to offset their emissions produce.

As for not staying in houses long enough - my personal opinion is that a house (like stock) should be a move you make for the long term. Perhaps this is one of the reasons for the present state of the housing market(?)

[Mattie]

Our builder in Sussex County used geothermal systems over 10 years ago. We had no problems with it, but neighbors did. I believe they had sandier soil, and the system kept getting screwed up because of it. They finally sued to builder to replace it with oil. I thought the whole idea of it made great sense, and am surprised it isn't more widespread in new developments.

[joe moving]

Does anyone know the latest of what is going on with the NJ Solar CORE deal?

Last I read it was $5/watt up to 60% of total cost. Now, for 2009, the Fed is giving a 30% tax credit, removing the $2000 limit. It is unclear if NJ is ACTUALLY paying (last I heard it was suspended and they were no longer taking applicants). Between these 2 things it could change the pay back period from 20, to 15 years, or less.

[doc1]

Originally Posted by wileynj

I just posted a great thread on a new device thats out...it's a cheaper solution as I'm sure alot of people can't afford to spend thousands to convert this year due to the economy. I'm researching corn burning furnaces at the moment. Great concept that has been in use in the midwest for centuties. I'm surprised we don't see more out here in NJ.

Are they outdoor units like the log burning ones?

If so, last night I read an article where people are starting to sue neighbors that have the outdoor systems because of the smoke.

One locality enacted a law which states something to the effect of "no more than 3 minutes of smoke every 30 minutes".

We're killing every type of innovation with our sue-happy society.

[wileynj]

Originally Posted by doc1

Are they outdoor units like the log burning ones?

If so, last night I read an article where people are starting to sue neighbors that have the outdoor systems because of the smoke.

One locality enacted a law which states something to the effect of "no more than 3 minutes of smoke every 30 minutes".

We're killing every type of innovation with our sue-happy society.

These actually go inside your home... just like a normal boiler or furnace!

http://www.cornheat.com/