The Always Thinking solar shed is built on site and fully installed. It includes the shed itself, solar panels, a solar plumbing station (electronics, pumps, valves, piping) and all hardware.
How It Works
The system uses a drainback tank. When the pumps turn off, the water in the solar panels and piping drains back into the tank. This simple design ensures there is no risk of freezing in the winter. When the system is on, the heat from the solar panels is transfered your existing water heater. Your existing water heater is used for storing the hot water and remains available and ready as a backup heater. So you are never without hot water, even on the cloudiest winter day.
Where To See One
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Options
The standard model works well for many people and you can select any colors you like. You can also customize the shed in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas:
- Window A window can be added to any side.
- Siding T1-11 siding is a sturdy, standard choice and available in multiple styles. Vinyl siding is an option, too.
- Landscaping Any building is more attractive when it is complemented by professional landscaping. The options we offer are selected to keep from shading the solar panels as things mature.
- Ramp A ramp can be a useful addition, especially when you’re going to store a riding mower inside.
- Size The shed can be lengthened as much as you need.
- Engineered lumber Recycled lumber makes use of smaller pieces and is quite strong.
Comparisons
Solar Electric (Photovoltaic, PV)
Solar electric systems are getting better every year. However, they remain the most expensive solar power option. It is not unusual for them to take most of a century to pay for themselves. It may be essential for a remote mountain cabin, but is not especially practical where there is access to the electrical utility.
KitsSolar kits can be a good alternative for those who are handy with carpentry, electrical and plumbing. Doing it well requires some experience with solar issues, such as freeze protection and sun calculations. Also, be careful when comparing the “payback” timeframes, since supporting hardware, installation engineering and labor are a significant part of any project.
Status QuoThe easiest thing to do is nothing and continue to pay whatever the utility company bills you. Every utility has been facing rising fuel costs and must pass them on to the customers. In the long run, this is certainly the most expensive option.
Solar Water HeatingConventional solar panels deliver more power for each dollar than any other renewable energy technology.
Did you know …
… the IRS allows a $2,000 tax credit for solar equipment. Maryland has more.
… the interest on a home equity loan is usually tax-deductible.
… according to the Appraisal Institute, every $1 of electricity that you save annually through solar, increases the value of your home by $20. A $600 savings for a year means your home could sell for $12,000 more.
… the typical household spends 20% of the energy bill on hot water.
Tax Incentives
The information provided here is meant to be useful, but it is an official source. You should consult your tax advisor.
FederalThe IRS provides a 30% tax credit, up to $2,000 for solar water heating. Other forms of renewable energy have different credits and limits. The form is 5695; make sure you get a copy for the latest year.
MarylandProperty Tax Exemption for Solar Energy Systems. Solar hot water and PV systems are granted an exemption from real property taxes.
Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Solar and Geothermal Equipment. Maryland state sales and use tax does not apply to the sale of solar energy equipment. Solar energy equipment is defined as “equipment that uses solar energy to […] provide hot water for use in a structure”.
Solar Energy Grant Program. Provides financial incentives to homeowners […] that install solar water-heating systems or solar-electric (PV) systems. Provides the lesser of $3,000 or 30% of the cost for solar water heating equipment.
Anne Arundel County - Solar Energy Equipment Property Tax Credit. Anne Arundel County offers a one-time credit from residential county property taxes on buildings that use solar energy equipment for heating and cooling or water heating.
Harford County - Property Tax Credit for Solar and Geothermal Devices. Harford County offers a tax credit for real property taxes imposed on residential or nonresidential buildings or other structures that use solar or geothermal devices for heating, cooling, or generating electricity for on-site consumption. The credit amount is equal to one year of total real property taxes or $2,500, whichever is less.
Howard County - Residential Property Tax Credit. Howard County allows a property tax credit for certain renewable energy devices. Real property owners may receive a property tax credit against the county property tax imposed on a residential structure that uses a solar or geothermal energy device. The amount of the tax credit allowed under this section is equal to the lesser of 50% of the eligible costs; or $5,000 for a photovoltaic (PV) or geothermal heating system, or $1,500 for a hot water supply system. All equipment must meet safety and performance standards set by a nationally recognized laboratory for that kind of device.
VirginiaVirginia has no state incentives supporting solar energy, except that it allows local governments to do so.
Albemarle County, Arlington County, Alexandria, Charlottesville, Chesterfield County, Dinwiddie, Fairfax County, Falls Church, Hampton, Hanover County, Henrico County, Isle of Wight, King and Queen, Lynchburg, Prince William County, Pulaski, Richlands, Roanoke, Spotsylvania County, Warren County, Wise County - Provides property tax exemption equal to the cost of the solar equipment. Property is assessed at fair market value before the exemption is applied.
Loudoun County - Business Regulation and Taxation Chapter 868. Provides property tax exemption equal to the cost of the solar equipment. According to albemarle.org, “Administratively, Loudoun adds the cost, as certified by the Chief Building Inspector, of the qualifying equipment to the value of the property, and then exempts that same cost, resulting in no net addition or reduction for the property owner. As previously noted, this use of the cost approach differs from Albemarle County’s use of the sales approach in residential assessments.”
West VirginiaWest Virginia has no state or local incentives supporting solar energy.
We now offer a Do-It-Yourself Solar Water Heating kit. The retail price is $2,995. Although our fully installed solar shed is only available in northern Virginia and neighboring states, the kit is available nationwide.
The kit includes:
- Solar collector, 20-tube, with mounting frame
- Drainback tank, pumps, valves
- all required fittings
- miscellaneous hardware
- complete instructions with many photos and diagrams
The kit does not include:
- pipe
- lumber
- insulation
- tools
To successfuly install a solar water heating system, you should be good at:
- carpentry
- plumbing
- electrical wiring
If you are interested in a kit, please