Solar Versus Geothermal

Why not just get solar panels instead? You should talk to a certified professional in each field to know whether solar or geothermal makes more sense for your situation, both in terms of initial cost, long term savings and ease of installation. It may be possible that you could even reap the benefits of both.

To have solar panels a building should have a shade-free roof with south/southwest orientation. In addition the roof must be in good enough condition to support the installation of the panels. A professionally certified solar installer can tell you if solar is even possible for you. If so you may not have to purchase the panels outright. Some solar companies offer an option where they will pay for the installation and maintenance of the panels in exchange for the right to sell the electricity back to you (i.e. “leasing”). Another option beyond the scope of this book is solar hot water heating.

  
    Solar
    Geothermal 
  
    Generates electricity
    Heats and cools 
  
    Can be purchased or leased
    Must be purchased
  
    Depends on condition and orientation of roof
    n/a
  
     May require the additional cost of replacement roof in order to install 
    n/a
  
     n/a 
    Depends on size and features of land
  
     Can suffer damage or decreased efficiency from exposure to the elements 
     Durable and reliable due to relatively few moving parts, and components being sheltered in a building or underground 
  
     Warranty generally lasts 20 years 
     The underground piping often carries warranties of 25-50 years and may last much longer. The GHPs themselves often last 20 years or more. 
  
     n/a 
     May need to re-landscape afterwards