In early 2007, a group of entrepreneurial souls in the Tunbridge area decided to try something different. They knew people could save money and energy, and reduce CO2 in the atmosphere by using solar energy to replace (or at least preheat) their conventional domestic hot water.

So, they devised a challenge [PDF file]: get 50 families to install solar hot water. It was a big challenge. It required helping people leap some pretty big hurdles – cost being one of the biggest.

They worked with banks to arrange for “energy efficient loans” with a reduced interest rate, they gathered information on federal and state rebate programs, and then then they set to work.

They set up an educational event (or two, or three) to teach people about the economic reasons to go solar: for example, you’d save $500/yr on a $700 propane bill for heating water for a family of 4. Once the cost of the system – after rebates – had been paid for by savings, then the system would be providing all that hot water for free … for decades. The payback period, depending on your site, can be as little as 5 years, but is almost always less than 7 years. This means a greater than 10% return on your investment. When was the last time your savings account, or even your 401k did that?.

Anyway, it was a great success, and now, another challenge is set to launch NEXT SATURDAY, April 24 in the Upper Valley. If you live in the area or want to learn more (perhaps start one in your area?), it’s going to be worth the trip.

This is the kind of challenge Vermont needs in order to create the real changes that will help all Vermonters – bringing green jobs, saving scarce money, and helping keep the air clean for our children.

Details below the fold…

If you could save more than $50,000 over 25 years by installing a new solar hot water system on your home or business, would you do it?

The Upper Valley Solar Hot Water Challenge will take place on Saturday, April 24 at 10 a.m. at the Bradford Academy building on North Main St., Bradford, VT

During the event, a moderator will present a slide show about solar hot water — how it works, what to expect from the technology, how much it can cost, and available rebates and tax incentives – then the floor will be opened up for questions.

Several area solar technology vendors will be available at The Challenge, and visitors to the event will have opportunities to meet individually with them to learn more about their products and services.

This free public event is co-sponsored by the Bradford & Newbury Energy Committees  and Conservation Commissions, and Hills 5 & 10.  Organizers hope that 50* homeowners and businesses will take the challenge and replace conventional hot water systems with solar in the coming months.

For more information, contact BCC Energy Committee Chair, Ed Wendell

802-222-4657 or at info@hillsofvermont.com.

*An average residential solar hot water system can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by over three tons per year. Replacing 50 conventional hot water systems with solar hot water systems could reduce carbon emissions by up to 150 tons per year.