Solar hot water systems are energy-efficient devices that use heat from the sun to heat water. They can be used as auxiliary heaters in places where space or cost prohibit installing a conventional hot water heater, or they can be a primary source of heat for homes with no other source of hot water. These systems require minimal maintenance and have an average lifespan of 20-25 years, making them a great long-term investment for homeowners.
Read on to learn more about solar hot water systems, including how they work, and the pros and cons of installing one.
What is a Solar Hot Water System?
A solar hot water system is a way of heating water using the free and renewable energy provided by the sun’s light. Solar water heaters can be used in conjunction with conventional electric or gas-fired water heaters, or they can be the primary source of hot water for the home.
Solar hot water systems for domestic use are made up of two main components: solar collectors and an energy storage system. The solar collectors are installed on the roof of the building and use a fluid that flows inside a pipe to transfer the sun’s heat to the water. Solar hot water systems are relatively simple in design and can be installed either as a DIY project or by a professional.
How Do Solar Hot Water Systems Work?
The way it works is that solar panels are placed on the roof and collect sunlight, they then transfer that energy to a fluid that flows through the panel. The water is typically stored in a solar hot water tank and only gets heated when you turn on a hot water faucet in your home. There are various systems on the market that each function a bit differently, but this is the general principle behind many of them.
Pros & Cons
As with most things, there are both advantages and disadvantages to having a solar hot water system installed. The biggest pro is obvious: solar hot water systems run entirely on renewable energy, which means there is no cost for operation.
Another advantage of solar hot water systems is that they are incredibly easy to install. The systems come mostly pre-assembled, and installation can be completed in a single day.
Solar hot water systems do have some disadvantages, the most significant of which is the upfront cost. Although the systems are much more affordable than they once were, they are still costly to install. The other disadvantage is that solar hot water systems are less efficient in colder climates.
A solar hot water system is an efficient way to heat water for your home. Solar hot water systems are environmentally friendly, and they require little maintenance. They can be a good option for people in warmer climates.
Solar hot water systems are a bit more expensive than other systems at the outset, but they have lower ongoing costs and are better for the environment. Also, keep in mind that you’ll need a licensed plumber to help install your new hot water system, so make sure you set some money aside for the installation.
