A Solar Hot Water System - Are they Worth the Cost?
Author: Michael Wilson
Author: Michael Wilson
Solar energy systems are becoming a very popular thing for people to want to have. But the fact is most people only want them but don't have them. One of the main reasons most people don't switch to solar is because of the high cost of solar equipment. When people think of solar energy they typically think of photovoltaic solar panels. These are the solar panels that convert sunlight into electricity and they can be expensive for the amount of electricity they create. What a lot of people don't realize is generating electricity is not the only way to utilize solar energy. Solar water systems can heat water very efficiently and cost a fraction of what solar electric systems cost. Heating water is a simple process that use low cost components.If you pour cool water into a dark container and leave it outside in the sun it's going to get warmer. Some containers are better at absorbing and holding heat better than others but this is how simple solar water heaters can be. A good solar hot water system will integrate into your existing hot water system. When the sun is shining the hot water it produces will be used to fill your conventional water heater tank or another storage tank. When the sun isn't producing enough hot water your conventional water heater will kick in and pick up the slack. Of course solar doesn't work when the sun is not shining. The percentage of hot water that your system will produce from solar will partly depend on your climate, latitude and sun exposure. The estimate for someone living in the state of Vermont is thata typical solar water heating system will save them 60-70% off their water bill. The amount of hot water you can produce will also depend on the size of your solar water heater and it's surface area. If you need more just get more surface area. Solar hot water heater systems can cost anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. They are also simple to build from low cost materials. If you are considering going solar heating water is one of the lowest cost ways to go. Learn more about solar water heaters and low cost ways to go solar.About the Author: