Water heating consumes a lot of energy. The solution: solar water heaters to cut down on cost and get you started in using green energy.
In many homes in temperate regions, hot water is a necessity. It is also one of the top contributors to high power consumption, which in turn equals cost. It is estimated that about 15% to 25% of domestic energy consumed is for heating water. Worse, they tap fossil fuels that when burned, produce greenhouse gases and pollutants. While that's not something every homeowner can readily avoid, it's actually an issue that has a solution: solar water heaters.
How do solar water heaters work?
The basic solar heater system is composed of a set of solar panels or collectors and at least one insulated storage tank. Solar water heaters tap solar power in order to convert light energy to electrical energy. When unused, this energy is stored in batteries that are constantly recharged provided the solar panels in the system continue to collect light energy. The converted energy then heats up the water to a specified temperature so it can be used in the home.
Passive and active heating systems
Passive systems are simple and are touted to be reliable and long-lasting. Unlike active systems, they do not utilize circulating pumps and controls. Active systems, on the other hand, are a little more complex and cost more. Of the two types, active systems are considered more efficient.
Pros and cons of using solar-powered water heaters
The main advantage of solar heaters is that they tap into an ever-ready source of energy that is by itself free of cost and available virtually anywhere. Solar energy is also significantly cheaper than fossil fuel energy, which means installing a good solar heater will directly affect the cost of power in a home, effectively bringing it down. Green sources of energy are also easy to maintain.
As for the disadvantage, solar heaters can be quite expensive, at least initially. Upfront costs have gone down in recent years but they are still more expensive than conventional water heaters. However, the initial investment can be recovered over time.
Is your home ready for solar water heaters?
The ideal scenario for installing a solar heater is during construction of a home, when it’s easier to incorporate into the design and available space. However, it can also be added to a home that’s already built, provided there is sufficient space and foundation support. In general, a home would need a panel area of about 10 to 15 sq. feet per family member. Panels are best located in the south-facing area of the roof to maximize the collection of light.
Cost
A water heating system using solar energy can range in cost from about $1,500 to $3,000. Depending on the solar panels and how much water is used, homeowners can save about $150 to $300 each year. That much savings means the system will pay for itself in about 10 years or less.
If cost is an issue, budget-conscious homeowners can always start small, tapping both solar and conventional sources of energy to heat water. They can then add new solar panels until their water heating system becomes completely independent of conventional power source.