Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Fox News on Rehabbing Homes & Solar Thermal

Yes, it's true. Even from the funny pages of Fox News, you'll find "Fair and Balanced" "news" reporting on the benefits of solar thermal hot water.


"...use the sun to rein in utility bills. A solar water heater system will typically cost more than a conventional system to install, according to the DOE. But it can trim your hot water expenses by 50% to 80%, so they can pay for themselves within a few years, depending on your usage. Don't forget the 30% federal tax credit on the purchase, and check to see if your state and local governments offer incentives."

Why would Fox News choose to publish an article on such a liberal-hippie-crack-pot idea such as this? Because the facts are irrefutable, no matter what end of the political spectrum you stand on. A solar thermal hot water system is simply the right thing to do. Now if you’re an oil-tycoon, a self-absorbed zillionaire, or an evil scientist hell-bent on destroying the earth one-bit of [insert your fossil fuel of choice here] at a time, then okay. Maybe this method of saving money while simultaneously saving the Earth is not for you. But if you don’t fall into this category, the get on board, people! Check out the Simple Drainback Method.

Read more: http://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/2010/12/13/handy-ways-save-home-rehab/

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Eagles Going Even Greener

...Well, "going greener" meaning that they already wear green uniforms. But they're really stepping up by implementing wind turbine power generation, solar panels,  low flush toilets and composting in their Philadelphia Eagles Stadium. Since being built in 2003, they've really become pioneers in the sports-arena industry by working to become self-sufficient in their energy usage, as many teams have introduced similar efficiency programs for their stadiums since. Go Eagles!

 Read on --> 

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

10 Million Gallons of Solar Water Heating Act of 2010

Big news: Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont has introduced legislation that would greatly aid in the expansion of rooftop solar energy in the United States. His "10 Million Solar Roofs and 10 Million Gallons of Solar Water Heating Act of 2010" would help fund the installation of solar panels on 10 million American homes and businesses as well as the installation of 200,000 solar water heaters. This would produce about 30,000 new megawatts -- the equivalent of about 30 nuclear power plants -- and help put us on the path toward a truly green energy economy.

Please take a minute and contact your senators and encourage them to join as cosponsors of the "10 Million Solar Roofs 5 and 10 Million Gallons of Solar Water Heating Act of 2010" to help our country move toward green energy. Follow this link to do so.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

New Install Self-Help Videos Now Available


We've started a new series of videos for you contractors, do-it-yourself-ers, plumbers... and well... anyone who has a question about their new Simple Drainback System. Or even anyone who is simply interested in the SHEM  Simple Drainback System.

These videos touch on all the major points of the installation process. Identifying and familiarizing the necessary hardware, proper orientation of the solar collectors on the rack, the correct method of tilt mounting your collectors, properly installing and protecting your fittings, and details regarding the funciton and installation of the flow meter.

This is the first series in our new video section on the SHEM website.  They are meant to help you with any new questions that may come up when you're climbing around on your roof, warming up the torch to do some soldering, or just curious about the process of installing a super-efficient solar hot water system.

Installation Video - Part 1 - Identifying & Installing Hardware
Installation Video - Part 2 - Tilt Mounting Collectors & Orientation
Installation Video - Part 3 - Protecting the Fittings & Understanding the Flow Meter

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Final Weekend of the Month Clearance on Solar Hot Water Systems & Open House

We're hosting an open house demonstration & installation seminar from 9am-4pm this Saturday! Come out to our offices for refreshment and lively discussion regarding solar hot water in YOUR home. "Final Weekend of the Month Clearance" on off-test Solar Hot Water Systems, sold complete! See pricing below:
• $1,750 - 80 gallon drainback with two 4'x8' Novan flat plate collectors.
• $2,000 - 80 gallon "E" drainback with internal electric element: One 4'x10' flat plate collector.
• $1,850 - 80 gallon drainback with new Suntask 30 tube heat pipe evacuated tube array.
• $2,000 - 120 gallon glycol system with two 20 tube heat pipe evacuated tube array
.
System installed value between $5,500 - $8,000. So as you can see, this is a particularly low price for a solar hot water system. This event will be the first "Final Weekend of the Month Clearance" sale. We will hold our open house from 9am-4pm at our offices in Perry, KS. with free demos and installation seminar. Click here for directions »

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

HLN Money Expert Clark Howard Installs Solar Collectors on His Roof


Sure this guy is kind of a goof-ball, and looks a skinny Steve Carell in this screenshot, but he's right on target with this bit on solar hot water collectors. He had one installed at his home this summer and did a special on it to highlight the simplicity, efficiency, and savings associated with installing a solar hot water system in your home. Check the video out right here.

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Solar Hot Water Heater Coming to the White House

That's right -- putting their money where their mouth is on their commitment to U.S. leadership in solar energy, and the jobs it will create here at home! Sounds great. Although Jimmy Carter made the first attempt to jump-start the solar power movement back in the 70's by installing solar panels on the White House. Then the Regan Administration pulled them down when he moved in. Boo. 


Well, we're back, baby. The solar panel system on the White House, which should be installed by next spring, will convert sunlight directly to electricity, while the solar hot water heater will have a solar collector facing the sun to heat water for use in the White House residence. This announcement came on the one year anniversary of an executive order that called on the federal government to lead in the establishment of a clean energy economy. Read the whole article here.