Going Solar: Options For Homeowners Infograph

September 3rd, 2013 by Adam Johnston

Recently, the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) published an infograph about how homeowners can go solar and reap the economic benefits.

The most well-known is a photovoltaic (PV) solar system. This provides electricity for homeowners. While RMI notes payback on a PV system can range between 0-23 years depending on various concerns (utility, ownership, financing), the cost of panels is projected to fall to $0.74/watt by the end of this year. This will continue to make PV systems more affordable in the near future for homeowners.

Image Credit: Solar Options for Homeowners via RMI

A solar hot water pump may be your answer if you are looking to cut your water bill as much as 50%-80%. The average payback for a hot water pump is 6-10 years, depending on how much solar power offsets the water bill, plus factoring in gas and electricity costs. While there are some suggestions which involve a heavy investment,others can give the most payback with little investment. A clothesline for drying outside, is not the most technologically attractive method. However, it provides quick payback, thanks to the sun’s rays drying your clothes outside.

Out of these solar options in the infograph, which is the best to use?

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Tags: Going Solar for Homeowners, photovoltaics, Rokcy Mountain Institute, Solar Energy Infograph

About the Author

Adam Johnston Is currently studying at the School of the Environment Professional Development program in Renewable Energy from the University of Toronto. Adam graduated from the University of Winnipeg with a three-year B.A. combined major in Economics and Rhetoric, Writing & Communications. Adam also writes for Solar Love and also owns his own part time tax preparation business. His eventual goal is to be a cleantech policy analyst, and is currently sharpening his skills as a renewable energy writer. You can follow him on Twitter @adamjohnstonwpg or at www.adammjohnston.wordpress.com.

Abigail Mae Prescott

utilizing clotheslines to dry up your laundry is certainly economical. Also, it is environment-friendly. – http://www.lifestyleclotheslines.com.au/folding-rotary-clothes-lines/
Doug

I’d add two items:
1. An BEV in the driveway – powered by solar, of course
2. LED lighting – always good to include because it has such a significant reduction to the electricity bill.
greenthumb

I have solar PV on my home, our rates our crazy, and incentives make my payoff 4+ years. I’m two years in and no electric bill since install.

FAR and away the best thing on here, my favorite, is the CLOTHESLINE! I LOVE my clotheslne, clothes smell better, last longer and it saves $1 per load.
Kyle Field

I like them all. I like the low-e film, blinds on windows, trees in yard…though Solar PV is dead sexy and Solar water heating seems attractive.
ThomasGerke

Pretty cute infographic.

I miss the little more advanced modern options, that are gaining popularity in the residential German market:
“PV + Battery-Storage + Energy Management System + Heatpump + Heat-Storage”
- StefanoR99
  
  I want that exact same setup. Pity it costs minimum $50k in california.