When we think of solar power and our homes we imagine a fancy array of blue panels perched neatly on the roof paying off our electricity bill. However solar electricity is not the only type of solar energy you can get working on your home.
While those panels can cost an arm and a leg without extensive government rebates, an equally important path to saving money is to install a solar hot water heater.
The benefits of such an installation are many. The most noticeable and immediate effect will be a significant reduction in your energy bill. Regardless of whether your current water heater uses gas, oil or electricity, getting a solar unit installed will slash the amount of energy needed to provide you with hot water.
Less immediate benefits include having a more positive impact on the environment by harnessing a renewable energy source, and making your home more valuable. Solar water heaters work effectively in virtually any climate and latitude. It is very likely that you will be able to get a grant or rebate on the cost of the unit and installation, which should make it very affordable. There are plenty of reasons to go solar for hot water and none against it.
There are a range of different unit types available, and you’ll need to determine which is the most suitable for your home and budget. Active systems pump water through the panels and may be able to use your existing tank. Passive systems rely on the fact that cold water is denser than hot water, so they do not need a pump. They do need the tank to be mounted above the panels, which may not always be possible.
If you live in a frost prone area you’ll need to go for a system that uses some type of anti-freeze in the collector tubes. These systems require a heat exchange unit as well so they may cost a little more.
Be prepared to shop around to get the best deal. Most installers are willing to come to your home to give you an accurate quote and will also let you know what system is best for you. By getting several such quotes you will be able to determine what you should be paying and what system you want. The more quotes you get the better a deal you will end up with.
To read more about solar hot water visit the solar home heating section of www.green-planet-solar-energy.com. If you’re interested in solar electricity production, have a look at cheap solar panels for powering your home.


