WHAT IS A SOLAR WATER HEATER?
A solar water heating system uses the sun’s energy to heat water for basic daily use or for space heating. There are solar collectors that gather sunlight (which is how the heater works). These collectors are mounted in a sunny space like on your roof or in your yard. There are pipes which connect to a storage tank and a pump circulates water through the collectors when the sun shines. Then a heat exchanger preheats the water and it’s stored in the tank for use. Of course this is just a simple run through and there is more than one type of solar water heater. To see a full on description of how this works read the in-depth solar water heater piece at the Department of Energy (DOE).
ARE SOLAR WATER HEATERS COST-EFFECTIVE?
Yes. Start up will cost you; typically $4,000+ for a smaller system all the way up to $20,000+ for larger systems. That said, solar water heaters are one of the most cost-effective investments a home owner can make because solar, after initial costs, is free energy. When you figure that the typical household uses 20%+ of it’s energy just for water, you can see how the savings will add up over time.
According to the DOE, a typical existing home will see water heating bills drop 50%–80% if a solar water heater is installed. Also, because the sun remains free, you won’t be subjected to later energy cost hikes. If you build a new home, you’ll save more than if you install one in an existing home. According to the DOE…
“Including the price of a solar water heater in a new 30-year mortgage usually amounts to between $13 and $20 per month. The federal income tax deduction for mortgage interest attributable to the solar system reduces that by about $3–$5 per month. So if your fuel savings are more than $15 per month, the solar investment is profitable immediately. On a monthly basis, you’re saving more than you’re paying.”
PLUS don’t forget, many states offer tax incentives and rebates for making an eco-home change like this, so you’ll save money this way too.
CAN ANYONE GET A SOLAR WATER HEATER?
Yes and no. Start up costs are large, so you’ve gotta have the budget. Secondly the type of system you’ll need can be dependent on various factors so you may not get the exact kind you thought you might. Where you live is the biggest issue. Obviously your solar ability is very different if you live in an area that’s warmer and sunnier year round vs. an area that has cooler, cloudy seasons. Also, if you live in a cooler area, your heater will need more upkeep. You have to drain your system in cold month or use a special antifreeze mix.
To learn more look at these links…