Shortage of Solar Hot Water Collectors

Shortage of Solar Hot Water Collectors

This was almost inevitable. It seems that there is a growing shortage of solar hot water collectors. One manufacture that I spoke to is having difficulty getting glass for its larger sized collectors. Others are struggling with higher product demand and fixed manufacturing assets. Solar thermal manufactures may be leery of making large investments in facilities because congress still has not approved the renewable energy tax incentives past December 31, 2008 (which is fast approaching).

On the surface, this would seem to be a good thing. The solar business is growing, more and more people are aware of solar, not just Photovoltaics, but solar hot water too. More and more people want these systems installed on their homes and businesses to off set energy use and save money. Those are the positive aspects.

However for a solar installer, it is difficult to get business if you cannot give the potential customer an installation schedule. I am right now, waiting on several collectors to show up so I can finish two jobs. I am also leary of Congress and the lack of progress on the renewable energy tax credits. As I have said before, unless they pass, a great majority of home owners will not be able to afford solar thermal systems. I do not want to take on a large inventory of flat plate collectors that I will not be able to sell in six months.

And so we wait.

I curse incentives and subsides. Too much tinkering around with the market forces if you ask me.

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