With nearly a third of the average household's energy use attributed to heating water, the installation of a solar water heater is a smart investment. Installing a solar water heater is one of the easiest ways to get the sun to work for you and conserve our valuable natural resources. The installed retail price of such a system is around $3500, but remember, a solar water heater is a long-term investment and the initial outlay will only be recouped over a number of years.
The solar water heater is really quite an old idea, the original design having been patented by William Bailey of California in 1909. With sixty to seventy percent energy savings, tax incentives, and rebates the solar water heater is very economical. Remember, a solar water heater is only as good as its installation although the electricity tariff to which your solar water heater is connected, will also play an important role in the overall effectiveness of the system. With current rebates and tax incentives, a solar water heater is one of the best investments you can make, financially as well as for the environment
Types of Solar Water Heater
Solar hot water systems can be either active or passive. Active systems require a pump to circulate the water while passive systems do not.
Passive Solar Water Heaters
Passive systems come in two basic types: Thermosyphon & Batch. If you choose a "Passive" solar water heater, the storage tank(s) will be on the roof. The Passive Solar Water Heater is one of the simplest and oldest ways to heat hot water.
Active Solar Water Heaters
An active system is one where the exchange fluid is actively pumped from the storage tank through the collectors and back into the tank. An electronic controller, a small pump, valves and other components are needed for proper operation and future ability to service.
Solar Water Heating is a fantastic way to obtain free hot water and to save fossil fuels. Solar hot water can save at least 30000 kWh in 10 years. Another great reason to switch to a solar water heater is financial. A solar water heater is a long-term investment that will save you money. It costs more up front, but you'll save over time but bear in mind that you may need a conventional backup system to supplement the solar water heater for times when your solar water heater is unable to keep up with the demand.
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