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 1. The Problem:
The air we breathe in Los Angeles is contaminated with pollutants
from exhaust pipes, located on our vehicles and homes. There
are approximately 4 million homes in Los Angeles with a gas water
heater, each with an exhaust pipe, typically on the roof, discharging
gasses that contribute towards our local smog as well as global
warming. California is now vulnerable to natural gas supply shortages
and price increases. Many industry experts predict shortages
of natural gas in the coming years absent significant new natural
gas pipelines and facilities in the state.
2. The Solution:
At today's prices, a typical residential solar water heater
costs approximately $4,000 installed on individual homes, as
low as $2,500 when installed during the new home construction
process, and have an operating life in excess of 20 years. For
all intents and purposes, maintenance and operating costs are
minimal.
3. The Results:
Solar water heating reduces the amount of natural gas extracted,
transported and burned to heat water in your home. Solar energy
increases the diversity of power and adds stability to a fossil
fuel-favored energy structure, while reducing greenhouse gas
emissions, including nitrous oxides and carbon dioxide, while
saving money.
4. The Benefits:
--Solar water heaters save money, by reducing
natural gas consumption from traditional water heaters, by approximately
75%, providing protection against future rate increases, allowing
energy independence and helping create a cleaner environment
--Reduces carbon dioxide emissions by approximately
2,000 lbs per water heater per year.
--Reduces nitrous oxide emissions by approximately
1 pound per water heater per year.
--Homes with solar water heaters have more hot water, instantly
available, allowing for seemingly endless supplies of hot water,
appreciated most by families with kids.
--Once installed, the cost is fixed. In comparison to traditional
sources of energy, the fuel cost is nonexistent, and operational
costs are limited. A solar system's cost is amortized over its
life, there are no rate hikes due to fuel or operating cost increases.
--Solar water heaters are even more cost effective for homes
with electric water heaters.
--Solar water heaters reduce the consumption of a critical electrical
generation feed-stock; natural gas.
-- By deploying solar over time, the cumulative effect of the
installed base is impressive. Given its 20+year life, within
10 years a respectable portion of California's energy could be
supplied by solar.
5.
An Investment in the Future:
Remember, in the 1970's the State of California enacted emission
standards that surpassed the rest of the nation. The argument
against these standards was the cost of such improvements. Almost
30 years later, the impact is in the air and reflected in the
increased fuel economy of the vehicles we drive.
Solar energy is part of the solution and is a key to America's
long-term energy supply.
After all, fossil fuels have a long history
of issues with respect to stability of supply and cost.
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