VEA approves solar water heater as option

Pahrump residents will soon have the option of using a solar water in their home now that Valley Electric Association has approved the Domestic Solar Water Heater Program (DSHW).

The program, introduced at the request of the membership, was approved at the VEA's July 31 meeting after analysis of the the results of a member survey.

The survey, which was mailed out to all 15,500 VEA members was deemed "a great success" with a 13 percent return rate from over 2,000 surveys, according to a VEA press release.

"Over 80 percent of those completing the survey indicated that they would purchase the solar water system," the press release stated.

After examining several different solar water heater systems, VEA Ambassadors selected Rheem Manufacturing as the product partner.

"With an 80-year business history, $2 billion in annual sales, and tested equipment for solar water heaters, VEA feels Rheem adds the confidence in a solid product that was essential to our business model," said Thomas Husted, CEO of Valley Electric Association, Inc.

In addition to the environmental incentives, the VEA is offering a financing method for the solar heater systems at zero percent interest. The member will own the system which will allow him to receive a 30 percent tax credit.

On the environmental side, using a solar water heater can save members between $253 to $564 a year, meaning monthly savings can exceed monthly costs.

In addition, solar water heaters can provide 50 to 100 percent more hot water capacity and help eliminate 15.4 million pounds of carbon dioxide annually.

The VEA estimates, based on market data, that members can save $34 million over the next 20 years.

Residents can get more information about the program at an upcoming event.

The VEA will host the two-day Our Energy, Our Future 2009 Energy Symposium Sept. 4 and 5 at the Pahrump Nugget Event Center at which DSWH information will be available.

The event will also feature Ed Begley Jr., star of the HGTV show "Living with Ed," as the keynote speaker.