PV Gap

Rebecca Said:

Which is better the Geothermal system or Solar System? ?

We Answered:

Solar, unless it is subsidized will longer to recoup your initial investment than geothermal. Aside from solar orientation and region, where are you going to put them? A 10kw system requires a significant roof area if you plan to install them there. My (1400 sf) house faces due south but only can accomodate a 4kw system. With net-metering, when you collect the energy has little to do with when you use it, so the 24/7 idea shouldn't be a deterrent

degrade over time, what is Gotanew referring too when he says that. A ground source heat pump does not need super heated water (old faithful) it only needs a consistent ground temperature (from deep in the earth, closed loop) or ground water (as opposed to spring fed wells, open loop)

I installed an open-looped geothermal system in December '07. I eliminated 550+ gallons of oil and replaced it with approximately 4500 kwh of electrical usage running the pumps.

At $4.00+ for heating oil, I will have paid for the system upgrade in approx. 4 years. This was the smartest decision I have ever made.

The link below offers some operational costs for a geothermal system for my area of the country