SYSTEM COST
Solar Thermal |
|
Low Initial Cost – $5000-6000 | |
Return On Investment | |
Fast Pay Back, 2.5-4 Years | |
Initial Cost | $6,000 |
Hawaii Energy Rebate | -$500 |
Subtotal | $5250 |
Tax Credit 65% | -$3,412.5 |
Net Cost | $1,737.5 |
Avg Monthly Savings | $80 |
Cost/Avg Savings | Approx 21 Months |
Or 1.8 Years | |
To Get Your Net Cost Back |
|
Thermal Solar Saves More |
|
In Years To Come. | |
Here’s Why: | |
Say the typical system can save $50 per month at first., When the kwh rate doubles in 10years, your thermal solar system will save you $100 per month and still makes 120 gallons of hot water a day. |
Photovoltaic |
|
High Initial Cost – $10,000-50,000 | |
Return On Investment | |
Long Pay Back, 8-14 Years | |
Initial Cost, Typical 3 Phase Buildup | $36,000 |
Tax Credit 65% | $23,400 |
Net Cost | $12,600 |
Avg Monthly Savings | $135 |
Cost/Avg Savings | Approx 93 Months |
Or 7.8 Years | |
To Get Your Net Cost Back |
|
Solar Photovoltaics Save You |
|
Less At Time Goes By. | |
Here’s Why: | |
Most P.V. panels come with a 25 year warranty for 80% output. So expect a 10-15% loss in performance in 20 years. The good news is P.V. panels should last about 50 years and still have an output of 65-75% efficiency. Inverters are expected to last 10-15 years; twenty year extended warranties are also available and is probably a good idea. |

So, by the time a photovoltaic system pays you back once for your investment, a Solar Thermal hot water will have paid you back 7 times!
We do recommend photovoltaic systems, but we also recommend that you start with a solar thermal hot water system first. This way you are able to reap the rewards and get paid back while or before you are ready to install a photovoltaic system.