Solar Water Heating - Cost Savings to Homeowners
Most people use hot water frequently throughout the day. Everyday activities
such as laundry, bathing, washing dishes, cooking, and cleaning all use hot
water and it can add up fast. When we use hot water we are using energy, usually
electricity, because our hot water heater has to heat up the water. Hot water
heaters use a lot of energy which means our desire for hot water ends up costing
a lot in energy bills.
Solar water heating
is one way to save on your energy bill by using the power of the sun to heat all
the water you need for your daily activities. Installing a system like this is one of
the least expensive
solar power systems to
install around your home and has the potential for long-term savings on
energy bills.
Solar water heating is easy to retrofit to almost any existing water heater
using a heat exchanger. Solar heat exchangers
attach to the hot water tank and
allow the hot water heater to draw power from a solar panel instead of the
household electric current. Hot water heaters that have built in solar panels
are more expensive than regular hot water heaters. Retrofitting
your existing hot water tank to accept solar power may save you a bit of money.
Another source of savings result from not having to replace your existing water
heater... and because solar panels generally outlive water heaters, it's easy
to move the solar panel to a new water heater when the time comes.
You can also use a solar wand heat exchanger to heat water with solar power
using your existing water heater. The solar wand rests inside the water tank
and water moves through the wand and is heated and heats the water before it
is released. The wand is connected directly to a solar panel which heats it
so it can heat the water that passes through.
A solar panel system used for solar water heating is not as expensive as
a whole house system and can still save you a considerable amount on your
energy bill. These systems are reasonably easy to install, and, if you have
the inclination, you can even build
your own solar panel. Kits are available to convert your water heater to solar power
or you can have it professionally done. The advantages
of using solar power outweigh the disadvantages, which is why using solar
water heating is an attractive option. Solar power is cost-effective over time and
does not harm the environment. However, one drawback is that it takes an
upfront investment which would eventually be recouped over time.
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