Solar hot water systems resurging (NC)

http://www.herald-sun.com/durham/4-737107.html

DURHAM -- Back in the early 1980s, many solar hot water systems were installed in Durham homes because of federal tax credits in place at the time. However, when the credits expired, the solar hot water market significantly declined, according to Clean Energy Durham, a nonprofit group that promotes renewable energy and energy efficiency.

But due to rising energy costs, there has been a resurgence of interest in solar technology, both in the Bull City and across the country. Last week, two Durham Community Land Trustees properties -- at 808 Gattis St. and 1113 Proctor St. -- became the newest homes in the city to have solar hot water systems installed. There are currently between 130 and 200 systems in the city, according to Clean Energy Durham.

Solar thermal installation has become a growing sector of the economy, with shipments of solar thermal collectors to the U.S. increasing by 22 percent in 2004. And experts are predicting the upward trend to continue since new federal tax credits were instituted on Jan. 1.

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According to a government-commissioned study, 59 percent of Durham's greenhouse gas emissions in 1998 came from residential, commercial and industrial buildings. Switching from electric hot water heating to solar hot water heating reduces a family of four's greenhouse gas emissions by over three tons per year, the study indicated. That is the equivalent of using 342 fewer gallons of gasoline per year in a car.

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we are definately going solar in the new house though