Solar Hot Water Systems

Mar 01, 2010 | Solar & Renewables

Snapshot Using the sun to heat hot water is one of the most effective ways to reduce your energy bills. The payback on an installed system can be as little as eight to ten years, depending on local rebates and water heating costs. And the savings from solar hot water are immediate because the solar system replaces your natural gas or electricity use. Your savings potential equals your hot water spending.
Solar hot water is one of the lowest-impact and cleanest means of power generation available, so you can enjoy that hot shower with a clean conscience.
Basics How Solar Hot Water Systems Work

A solar hot water system uses fluid-filled panels on your roof to capture the sun's heat and pipes the fluid into a heat exchanger in a tank, which is used to heat your home's water.

Typical installations have one to three panels, and one or two storage tanks, depending on the optimal arrangement of the heat exchangers for your system. These tanks are over twice the size of a typical hot water heater. Super-insulated, the tanks keep the water hot until you need it.

The modern solar hot water system uses a pump to circulate a heat-absorbing liquid (such as glycol) through the panels and into the tank. Glycol or antifreeze is used in cold climates for winter protection. It is also a more efficient heating medium.

Simple diagram of a typical solar hot water heating system. Graphic: U.S. Department of Energy

Is solar hot water right for me? The best time to consider a solar hot water system is when you are replacing your water heater. The typical life of a standard water heater is nine to ten years, so if your unit is more than eight years old, now is a good time to explore solar hot water.
Solar hot water systems can be installed in both hot and cold climates. A key factor in your decision will be the available roof area. Best is south and southwest facing, with plentiful sunshine. Some shading can work, so even if your roof area is not suitable for solar PV, it may be just fine for solar hot water.

A qualified and experienced contractor can help you evaluate your roof area and size the system to your home. Working with a good installer is the number one thing you can do to get great results from your solar system, so make sure the contractor you use has good local references.

Take Action!
Thinking of going solar? WattzOn can help. Here are your steps:
1) Check our solar calculator to learn how much you can save with solar.
2) Read "Six Reasons to Go Solar" for more information
3) Call WattzOn! We're happy to talk through solar with you, and connect you to a qualified and vetted solar installer.


Want to talk about solar in your home? Have questions?
Speak with a WattzOn Solar Energy Consultant. It's free. Call 1-800-314-5997


WattzOn is your free source of independent, expert information on solar and other ways to save energy. We don't sell windows, furnaces, solar systems,.... or anything else for that matter. What we do provide is informed and unbiased guidance on your best solar options. We can also talk with you about other ways to save energy and money, and how to make your home more green. Call us! -- we're ready to talk about how solar might work in your home. WattzOn has a network of Preferred Solar Installers -- let us introduce you!

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