Why is Solar Thermal (DHW) not discussed more as a viable option to Co2 reduction?

I'm afraid to burst this particular bubble-but:

The manufacture,maintenance during useful life and disposing after use far outweigh in carbon terms any "savings" in carbon, i.e. the net result of utilising such devices is a an INCREASE on carbon output. It might save the individual consumer money and carbon, but certainly not the world. Same goes for voltiac panels, and car batteries for hybrid cars.

The devices have to be manufactured, transported, installed, decommisioned and scrapped at their life's end.

Hybrid cars also need electricity to charge the batteries to function. From where does this electricity come in the main part, good old hydro-carbon fuels.

Sorry about that!

Andy

Solar water heating is not understood by most people, I call it "the other solar". Water heating uses about 30% of a home's energy, and solar water heating can provide about 75% of that. That's a HUGE savings. Problem I run into is SHW isn't sexy. It doesn't create your own power, it just makes heat, and you use less power, yawn. But when you look at how much a $4,000 system can save you, especially once you figure in the 30% federal tax credit, and many local incentives, it starts looking pretty darn good.

Even if we look at $10,000 for a professionally installed system, for a family of 4 in Massachusetts, it can provide 63% of my hot water. That will save me $775 a year. If we take out $3000 federal tax credit, and $1500 state tax credit, I'm looking at $5500 installed. Even if the electricity rates never go up (haha), it'll pay for itself in 7 years. Assuming they do continue to climb the way they always do, it'll pay for itself in less than 6 years.After that, it's all mine, $775 that used to go to the electric company, is mine to keep! What's the return on investment on that new car you just bought?

Carbon footprint? That's 4.8 barrels of oil not consumed a year, or doubling the gas mileage on your car!

Solar electric panels are about 20% efficient, solar water heating is 85% efficient. The bang for your buck with solar thermal is huge. Many countries require installing solar water heating by law, and thankfully Hawaii just passed a law starting next year! Back before WWII, 80% of homes in Miami, FL had solar water heating. It's nothing new.

As for the life cycle of a solar collector, they are made of aluminum, copper, and glass. All of these can be recycled at the end of the 40+ year life. I'm installing 30 year old panels at my house, I got them off a house that is now shaded decades after they were first installed, and they work perfectly for me. How's that for a low carbon footprint? Reduce, reuse, recycle!

Sorry for the long answer, I'm passionate about this.

its too expensive