Solar Thermal hot water heating systems are some of the most efficient and cost-effective systems you can buy.

Video Link: If you want to see a quick 5 minute video about a recent home Solar Thermal hot water installation, here's one by a Wall Street Journal reporter who just had her system installed:

Click here to download related article on solar hot water

 Solar water heating systems cost 50%-85% less to operate than traditional water heating systems.They are a great way to get started in adding renewable energy to your home, especially since the initial cost is quite low relative to other systems. There are also Federal and State Tax Credits for installing a more efficient "solar thermal" hot water heating system in your home. Wouldn't it be great to heat your hot water year round with just the sun on your roof? See the info below to learn more about the current Federal and State Tax Credits that can save you up to $4000 on a typical system for a family of four.

A typical solar hot water system consists of two 4 ft. x 8 ft. solar panels, a solar storage tank, a heat exchanger and a domestic hot water tank. Most systems will be closed loop filled with glycol for year-round use. Systems are typically designed to meet no more than 80% of winter hot water needs so as to not overproduce hot water in the summer.

Federal Tax Credits for Residential Solar Thermal Systems in New Hampshire and Massachusetts

Federal Tax credits are available covering 30% of the cost, with no upper limit for existing homes & new construction) for solar thermal hot water heating systems.

New Hampshire Residential Programs for Solar Hot Water

The New Hampshire Public Utility Commission is now accepting applications for the residential solar hot water rebate program. Two rebates are offered: a State rebate of $600, $750, or $900 depending on system output, and a federal appliance rebate of $750 per system. The State rebate is funded by New Hampshire's Renewable Energy Fund, while the federal rebate is funded with federal stimulus funds made available by the Office of Energy and Planning. There is enough funding available from both sources to provide rebates for up to 660 systems over the next two years. This program will complement the Commission's existing rebate program for residential solar electric and wind systems.

The rebate applications are posted on the Commission's website and can also be accessed directly with these links:

State Solar Water Heating Application

<http://www.puc.nh.gov/Sustainable%20Energy/Forms/State%20Solar%20Water%20Heating%20Application.pdf>

Federal Solar Water Heating Application <http://www.puc.nh.gov/Sustainable%20Energy/Forms/Federal%20Solar%20Water%20Heating%20Application.pdf>

Step 2 Solar Water Heating Application <http://www.puc.nh.gov/Sustainable%20Energy/Forms/Step%202%20Solar%20Water%20Heating%20Application.pdf>

The N.H. Electric Coop also offers a rebate for solar thermal hot water systems covering 25 % of the system cost up to a maximum of $ 1,500. For more info go to http://www.smallsteps.coop/coop_programs

Massachusetts Tax Credits for Residential Solar Hot Water Systems

State Income Tax Credit

There is a 15% state "energy efficiency" credit available to help cover the cost of a residential, renewable energy system. The maximum limit on the credit is $1,000 and it can be carried forward for three years.

Please note: We at Blue Selenium Solar are experts on solar energy systems, not taxes, and we do not provide tax advice; you may want to consult a tax professional.