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Using the sun to help meet our energy needs has always seemed like a good idea. Now, it’s practical and economical.
Through your co-op’s partnership with Power Partners Solar (PPS), Walton EMC customer-owners can purchase a state-of-the-art solar water heating system that saves money and helps the environment.
Since water heating is the second largest item of the typical family’s energy budget, using solar energy to do the job will drastically reduce energy bills. That savings is even larger if teenagers are part of your household.
LEARN MORE: How Does Solar Water Heating Work?
Everyone's Chipping In
First, Walton EMC gives a $400 rebate on PPS solar water heating systems purchased through the co-op. The solar system must utilize electric backup or supplement an electric water heater or totally replace a gas water heater.
Next, the Federal government is offering a 30 percent tax credit for solar water heating. On top of that, Georgia has just implemented a 35 percent tax credit.
By the time you add our rebate and the tax credits, the cost of the system is reduced by almost two-thirds. That means you buy the system for about 38 cents on the dollar.
Typical paybacks shrink to less than five years. After that, it’s like the system makes money.
If you don’t want to put out the investment up front, Walton EMC will even loan the money at prime rate through our Prime PowerLoan program.
By coupling the PPS solar water heater with WEMC’s Marathon water heater, you’ll have the most economical production and storage system possible.
The Marathon is the best-insulated water heater available. The Envirofoam insulation inside is produced with no CFCs, so it’s environmentally friendly.
Besides the energy advantage, the Marathon is guaranteed never to leak. Its seamless blow-molded polybutene tank is reinforced with filament wound fiberglass, so there’s nothing to rust.
And if you’re replacing an existing gas water heater, Walton EMC offers an additional $200 rebate. That’s on top of the $400 solar water heating rebate.
1. Take a look at the roof. See if you have a south facing area to mount the panel. The area should be free from shade.
2. See if it’s possible to run piping from the solar panel to the water heater tank. The route may go through the roof, attic and living space (especially if your water heater tank is in the basement). Not every existing home will be a good application. Installation during construction of new homes is preferred.
3. Go to findsolar.com and complete “My Solar Estimator.”
4. Go to powerpartnersolar.com and read the information at the “System 4” and “System 5” links.
If it looks as if a solar water heater is a good fit, call Walton EMC. Cindy Haddon at 770/266-2375, Howard Turner at 770/266-2305 or David Foster at 678/639-3208 can answer your questions and take your order.
Walton EMC will deliver the material to your home. Do-it-yourselfers with plumbing experience should have no problem installing the system using PPS’s extensive installation manual. But if you’re not comfortable tackling the job, experienced installers are available.
After the system is installed, a Walton EMC representative will verify the solar water heater is in place. Then you’ll apply for any applicable rebates and tax credits.
- Light. Power Partners Solar (PPS) panels weigh just 38 pounds–and that’s the heaviest model. Other manufacturers’ panels can weigh hundreds of pounds. That means much less weight on your roof. Installation is easier and safer.
- Durable. While other manufacturers use glass, PPS panels feature dual-walled polycarbonate. Not only does polycarbonate give the panels the strength to stand up to objects like hail and tree limbs, dual walls promote enhanced heating through the greenhouse effect.
- Aesthetic. Don’t worry about the panels spoiling the look of your home. PPS offers 26 different trim colors to match any color scheme.
- Precise Sizing. Since PPS modules come in smaller sizes, collectors can be more precisely sized to your family’s needs. That also means hot water storage tanks are not oversized, saving even more on installation costs.
- Completely Solar. By adding the optional photovoltaic panel to run the circulating pump, no external power source is needed.
- Freeze Proof. PPS’s closed loop design means your plumbing system is not susceptible to freezing in low temperatures.
- Easy Installation. Ultra light panels combined with comprehensive step-by-step instruction manuals make installation a snap.
- Local. Power Partners Solar is a local company, providing jobs and helping our economy, right here at home.
Have questions about Solar Water Heating? Contact one of our Member Service Representatives:
- Cindy Haddon
Phone: 770.266.2375 - Howard Turner
Phone: 770.266.2305 - David Foster:
Phone: 678.639.3208
- Marathon Water Heaters
- Power Partners Solar
- Solar Estimator
- Tax Credits:
gefa.org, irs.gov, dsireusa.org
Solar Water heating Q&A