This post was most recently updated on January 27th, 2020
A solar water heater is an important device to provide you with the hot water supply at home. There have been significant development in water heater technology that have allowed solar water heaters to be more available and affordable today.
The latest water heater technology is different from a heat pump water heater or any traditional water heaters. We’ll take a closer look at some of the fine points of solar water heating. Some of the features and its applications that may be just what you need to both save money over the long term, as well as be green energy efficient while doing so.
About your Solar-Water Heater
A solar water heater is the next generation of the water heater technology in which it uses the power of the sun to make the water hot. The secret of the system is on the solar panel which works effectively to collect sunlight. It is also considered as an Eco-friendly device which can reduce the use of electric power. Moreover, solar-powered-hot water heater technology is also cheaper than traditional water heaters. In comparison, you have to spend approximately $10.000 if you use a traditional water heater. On the other hand, you only have to spend $1.000 if you install a solar hot water heater at home. That usually includes the cost of maintenance and usage.
The Advantages of going solar
The advantages of solar water heaters are more than just giving you enough hot water supply, today’s advancement in the technology helps you save money because the primary cost to have the equipment up and running is at the start. In the long term, you don’t have to spend money at all except for the maintenance. The cost and savings pays for itself over the long term.
It is totally different if you are installing a traditional water heater in which you have to spend extra money on the monthly electricity bill. The installation is also simple because you only need a small 12-volt pump and a solar panel. You don’t have to buy or install a battery because it works with the help of the sunlight.
That’s why you will have an independent energy source without depending on the electric power from the government. Also , check to see if you qualify for a tax break by using solar energy .
Installing solar hot water heater means that you are reducing water pollution, air pollution, and keep the level of greenhouse gases.
Types of Solar Water Heaters
You might find a different type of solar water heater on the market. There are primarily 2 different types of solar water heaters. First, you are able to use a stand-alone water heater. This heater is commonly used for residential homes . Second, you can also use a pre-heater water heater system. This type of water heater is designed for those who have a water heater at home. The function of the solar water heater is to heat the water from your existing water heater. Due to the function, a stand-alone solar water heater is more complicated where it consists of several parts such as a storage tank, heat exchanger, and hoses or tubing.
Things to Consider before Installing
So, can you install a solar water heater right away? Actually, it is possible for you to install this technology right away but before that, you need to consider several important things. First, you have to consider the number of people who live in the home and water consumption. Just make sure the shower time, dishwasher operation time, washing machine operation time, and many more which need the role of water at home. It is an important consideration to determine the size of the solar water heater system. As a result, you have enough water for the entire family and your daily activity.
Second, you need to calculate the budget you have before installing a solar water heater. Just make sure that the purchasing and the operating costs meet your budget. Third, it is also important to measure the space to install the water heater. The drawback of installing a solar water heater is that you need enough free space. It seems impossible to install a solar water heater system in a very small space or a space with a difficult layout. Fourth, you have to remember that a solar water heater achieves its power from the sunlight. Because of that, you also need to consider the local climate in your living area. You may install this device if you are living in sunny locations. At the same time, you can’t use this technology if you are living in cold areas.
How it Works
The technology typically consists of a water tank along with an insulated box and a glass top. These features work to preheat water before going to the conventional water heater. On a sunny day, the water heater is able to heat water from 1000 to 1200Fahrenheit.
The amount of heated water depends on the size of the solar system installed. For your information, a square foot of glazing is able to heat approximately 1 to 2 gallons of water. It is better to use a long narrow tank because it has a larger surface area which provides more solar heating. To get the best hot water, you may install the solar water heater vertically.
The solar heater can be used for residential homes, but the same heaters can also be used for many other industries , such as restaurants, factories, and many more. As long as the area needs hot water or boils water at high temperature, it is able to use solar water heater installations. The solar water heater has found a nice home in the green energy market. Going green these days is always in the headlines and appears to be a trend that’s going to be around for quite a while.
The best part is, that you can reduce the use of electric power and exchange it with the sunlight power. It is not only reducing the electricity bill but also saving the world.
Of course, it’s not without its caveats. These heaters will require a large space to be properly installed . That limits the options for certain customers. Naturally, like most solar products, these heaters will only perform in areas with adequate sunlight. Areas exposed to the Southern sky works best in many areas.
One thing for sure though, installing a solar water heater is a good solution for those who need an affordable and Eco-friendly system which can provide them with enough hot water supply.