Should I remove solar panels or get a solar hot water heater?
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Question by Rich C: Should I remove solar panels or get a solar hot water heater?
I just found out that my homeowners insurance company wants to charge me $ 300 more per year because I have some old solar panels on my roof. They were put on by the previous owners a long time ago I think. They are for a solar water heater but they aren’t connected to anything because I just have a regular water heater in my garage. They are ugly as hell and I would just as soon take them down as I’d rather have a tankless system eventually anyways. My insurance is already $ 3150 per year for a 140K house (Florida) so its high enough as it is. It seems stupid to pay $ 300 a year for something I’m not even using. Who can I call to take them down or can I do it myself or are solar water heaters cheap enough now that I should consider one?
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4 Responses to Should I remove solar panels or get a solar hot water heater?
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yes
Noobsmoke
July 7, 2011 at 7:40 am
yes that would be the best way and cheapest in the lomg run
rich b
July 7, 2011 at 7:42 am
Why don’t you do this first my friend: put an ad in the local paper for someone that wants solar heaters and have them help you, for a price maybe. You can get their help and, have them pay you for them. You’d better check with your insurance company first. They may require a roofer to replace anything for their own purpose. You know how insurance companies are?
cowboydoc
July 7, 2011 at 8:13 am
Yes, get rid of the old solar units. if you are on propane or natural gas, I highly recommend the tank-less water heater, They are expensive to buy and install, but they are 80% more efficient than tank style water heaters. Right now you can get a $ 300 tax credit for one. My electric bill dropped by 60%. I had an electric tank style heater.
axenboots
July 7, 2011 at 8:33 am