Solar Water Heater

If you are thinking about replacing your aging water heater, there are a number of options to look at. Of course, there are the old standby heaters, meaning electric water heaters or gas water heaters. In addition to these there are propane gas powered water heaters, or even tankless heaters that can use electricity or natural gas or propane. If you would like to go as ‘green' as possible when you update and make improvements to your home, you will want to consider one of the newest innovations to hit the heating scene, the solar water heater.

The solar water heater comes with a number of benefits. First, is the investment you are making in your home? By upgrading to a solar model, you will be saving money on your monthly utility bills. In addition, you may be eligible for the government sponsored tax incentives that are offered to homeowners who make certain energy-efficient improvements to their homes. You can get up to $1500 back as a tax rebate. If your system costs about $4500, you will get 1/3 of that back at the end of the year. Between the rebate and the savings you will see each month on your utility bills, your new solar system will soon pay for itself. You will no longer be a slave to your ancient water heater that carried your hard-earned income away like foam on the tide.

Some manufacturers have made it even easier for low-income homeowners or those who really want to save as much money as possible. If you are a do-it-yourself kind of a person, you can get consumer kits from the manufacturer that allows you to make and install your own solar water heater. Some of these companies offer the plans, materials, and even tools needed to do the job, while others simply sell you the plans. It totally depends on how you want to do it. If you know you can get the proper materials for less and already have the tools, all you need would be the plans. The nice thing about this is that if a repair is needed in the future, you are the one who put it together so you will be able to make the repair. No need to spend money on an expensive repairman.

A solar water heater can be either passive or active. An active unit, while powered by the sun, also uses an electric pump that transfers the water through the system. This type of system can reduce energy consumption up to 50% over conventional gas or electric units. The passive system is fully powered by the sun. It uses the radiation from the sun to heat the water and keep it in continuous motion. This type of unit can save up to 65% over the other models.

By using a solar water heater you are lowering the emission of greenhouse gasses that radiate from your home. You are being responsible to the environment and to yourself. You will be able to save money and can make a pretty good return on your investment. By doing a little research, you will be able to get the best water heating unit for your needs.