Residential Solar Thermal System Provides Extra Benefits During an Extended Power Outage

The only reason Peter Daws went to the Connecticut Home Show was to research solar thermal hot water systems. With oil heat hovering near $4 a gallon, he was determined to find a solution that would save him money.

C-TEC Solar project manager Dale Johnston gave Peter a demonstration and patiently answered all of his questions. Although Peter spoke with other solar companies that day, he was very impressed with Dale’s professionalism and knowledge of solar thermal systems.

The C-TEC Solar team came out to Peter’s residence for a comprehensive site assessment. After analyzing the property — its roof pitch and orientation to the sun — the C-TEC Solar team recommended a two-panel solar thermal system to meet Peter’s needs and budget. Peter was pleased with the recommendation and contracted C-TEC Solar to install the solar thermal system. When asked what he thought of the panels on his roof he remarked, “People don’t even notice the panels until I point them out.” He added, “The entire process went very smoothly. It took less than two months overall and only two days to install the system.”

“Within a short period of time, I have seen significant savings. I turned off my furnace for the summer and saved a tank of fuel (around $700),” explained Peter.

In October, Connecticut experienced an unusual early snowstorm leaving many residents without electric power for days. But, Peter had hot water for four days because his solar thermal hot water tank efficiently retained heat thanks to its low heat loss technology. He said, “Even though I didn’t have electricity, I had hot water. That would not have been the case if I kept my old, oil-heated hot water system.”

To make the rewards even sweeter, Peter received a 30% rebate from the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund and another 30% rebate from the federal government. Peter concluded, “I am very satisfied with my solar thermal system and C-TEC’s professionalism. I’m glad I chose C-TEC Solar.”