| Like the name implies, solar water heaters use | | | | heater will have at an advantage if you have a |
| energy from the sun to heat water. Initially, the | | | | south-sloping roof. This will make installation easier |
| cost of a solar water heater is high, but it can | | | | and your heater will run more efficiently. Most |
| save you thousands of dollars in the long term. In | | | | cold-climate families use solar as a three-season |
| this article, we'll discuss the costs associated with | | | | system and then fall back on a traditional water |
| solar water heaters, how they work and how to | | | | heater during the dark winter months. |
| install them. | | | | Before installing a solar water heating system, |
| While solar water heaters are no longer supported | | | | always look for a qualified installer and dealer who |
| by tax credits, they have become considerably | | | | can design and size your backup system. Ask |
| more reliable, less expensive and more efficient | | | | about their certifications, and request referrals |
| than the popular models of the 70s and 80s. | | | | from past customers. This will be a fairly |
| For example, a moderate climate system that's | | | | expensive job, so you don't want to be shy |
| capable of heating water for an entire household | | | | about insisting upon an experienced installer with |
| can be installed for anywhere from $2000-5000, | | | | positive customer feedback. |
| making solar water heaters very competitive | | | | Thinking Ahead |
| when compared to traditional electric and gas | | | | You should also start planning now. Like most |
| heaters. | | | | people, we don't think about replacing our water |
| What's the Annual Tab? | | | | heating system until it actually fails and hot water |
| Typically, a solar water heating system has an | | | | becomes unavailable for several hours. In fact, |
| annual operating cost of only about $50. | | | | depending on the design of your home water |
| Meanwhile, a traditional gas or electric water | | | | pipes, the main water valve to the entire house |
| heater will cost you $500 and more - especially | | | | may need to be shut off until the water heater is |
| those that heat up the water all night while | | | | replaced. |
| everyone sleeps. | | | | Then in those unplanned emergency situations, we |
| Essentially, solar water heaters work by serving | | | | wind up rushing out and putting in whatever |
| as a preheater for a conventional storage or | | | | system we can get. Instead, take the time to |
| on-demand water heater. They even work well | | | | research different solar options, find the system |
| with on-demand water heaters that have | | | | that fits your energy needs and plan ahead to |
| temperature adjustability. | | | | replace your existing water heater before it fails. |
| Because the solar system preheats the water, | | | | Remember, most water heaters have a lifespan |
| the extra temperature boost required by the | | | | of about 10-15 years, so be prepared. The energy |
| on-demand heater is low and people who use | | | | savings alone could pay for that new solar water |
| them can get a high flow rate and lots of monthly | | | | heater by the time the year is up, and you'll be |
| savings. | | | | happier knowing you're polluting the earth just a |
| Installation Considerations | | | | little bit less. |
| Those of you thinking of installing a solar water | | | | |