Which is better the Geothermal system or Solar System? ?

Question

I plan to install in my home a Geothermal system; but would like to know in reference to savings etc. which one is better to install.

Answer 1

GeoThermal is something that you can use 24 / 7 where solar is only during daylight hours.

Answer 2

Lissy,

I plan on going solar for power in our next home.  depending on a lot of varying programs out there, from state subsidies that change state to state, and the federal tax exemption you can save a considerable amount of money.

You can experience a good return depending on your location, greater in the tropics, but still quite good in the northern areas.

You would want to connect into the electrical grid through a rectifier, producing and selling to the power company during the day, then drawing from the grid at night,  You are correct, it will work.

Answer 3

Depends where you live.

In the NE US you'll be lucky to get a 30% solar advantage/year while the southwest can expect a 50% advantage/year.



A geothermal system,sinking collectors into the ground for ex. (as in an HVAC unit) negates the fact the 'energy' drawn from the earth has to be replaced so the system will degrade over time.

If you live near 'old faithfull' go for it.

Both systems are dependant upon a storage /supply system.

You'd be better off building a super insulated home with an air exchanger for long term savings.

Answer 4

While solar is daylight only and geothermal is 24/7, it would depend on where you are.

In some areas, Geothermal is not practical.  In others, Solar is not practical (such as near the poles where there is almost no sun part of the year.)

Answer 5

Solar will save you more money in the long run. ~MaDiSoN

Answer 6

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