Northwest Solar Expo 2006

I attended the Northwest Solar Expo 2006 at the Oregon Convention Center on Saturday. It was a good intro to solar. Much of it was over my head, but what I did get out of it was, I think, quite valuable. Currently we are focused on thinking about the direction to go with this Green Plumbing idea. The most relevant workshop at the expo was a presentation on solar hot water heating. Solar hot water systems are apparently not too difficult to install. According to the presenter from Cascade Sun Works these systems are the "low hanging fruit" of the solar energy world for homeowners.

• solar hot water heater is one of the most common first steps to using solar in a residential setting.

• it is a fairly simple system to install. possible for the home owner to do himself.

• it will last 20+ years with regular maintenance

• you will recoup the cost in about 6 years

• it is the most cost effective solar system for your home (most "bang for your buck")

• reduces dependance on other sources of energy (gas/electric)

• State and federal tax breaks and tax credits

• Closed loop glycol system was most efficient and less prone to problems. More attractive/less obtrusive solution.

Links:

Solar Hot Water: A Primer:
http://www.azsolarcenter.com/technology/solarh20.html

Docs on draindown systems:
http://search.nrel.gov/query.html?col=eren&qc=eren&style=eere&qm=1&si=0&ht=815081754&ct=1403524161