A Sun Roof for Your Home

Arlington has been one of the leading counties in the nation for environmental building and planning, so when a citizen approached Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment (ACE) about a program for converting to solar-powered water heaters in place in Plymouth, N.H., a board member for the group began driving the idea. Today, the Solar Raisers program is in place to help Arlington residents convert their existing water heaters to solar ones at an affordable cost. The program is also a way for residents to volunteer and help make their community a greener place.

ACE has partnered with Sunnovations, a local manufacturer of solar-powered water heaters to provide Arlington residents with water heaters at a discounted price. Homeowners get the water heaters at a group discount, and the additional customers allows Sunnovations to reduce their costs as well. Most of the systems are professionally installed by Solar Raisers' other partner, Solar Services. Solar Raisers is also looking to install at least two water heaters per year for low income residents using volunteers to save the approximately $1,400 of installation costs.

Between the 25 percent discount on the heating system and a federal tax credit, Arlingtonians can reduce the approximately $10,000 cost to less than $6,000. The system itself is estimated to reduce water heating costs by about 80 percent, paying for itself within about seven to nine years. A solar-powered heater is also a good long-term investment that can increase the value of a house.

For homeowners interested in converting from electric or gas-powered heaters to solar, they can contact Solar Raisers, and a volunteer will come to their house to evaluate whether it is a good candidate for solar power and answer questions. The next step is a professional evaluation, followed by installation.

According to ACE's Jenn Truong, ACE is hoping that the Solar Raisers program will help push a market for solar power in the greater DC area. She also says that ACE is trying to spread the message that renewable energy is easy and affordable.

For more information, see the Solar Raisers website:

http://arlingtonenvironment.org/solar/index.php