We all know solar water heaters can help the environment but there may be a few things you don’t know about them. They only provide 50% to 80% of the water heating needs of your home, depending on the climate. While most solar water heaters require electricity to operate, they cost only a tenth the operating cost of a regular water heater.
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Here’s an experiment: Place a bottle of cold water outside in the direct sunlight. In two or three hours, feel how hot the water is. Wouldn’t it be great to make that work for the water in your whole house? Actually, you can!
There are several solar water heaters on the market, but there are also some misconceptions, such as a solar water heater will supply all your hot water. Only the extreme southern climates can have a solar water heater meet almost 100% of a home’s needs. Depending on the climate, it typically will take care of 50% to 80% of the hot water.
It’s not free to operate either, even though the sunlight is free. The good news is that it’s only going to cost about one tenth the amount to run as compared to a conventional water heater. The price is also coming down, so they’re more affordable. There are even some do-it-yourself models on the market.
February 20th, 2011 at 8:33 am
In Florida why don’t hot water tanks get installed outside in direct heat! Instead of in a/c areas of the home?