Is a Solar Water Heater Worth It? | Global News Avenue

Taking a hot shower literally means pouring money down the drain.

Average U.S. household spending Boiling water costs nearly $300 per year. If you spend extra time in the shower, the cost may be higher.

Turn down the water heater temperature Can save you some money on your hot water bill, according to the Department of Energy 14% to 18% of a household’s monthly energy budget. However, it is also possible to replace or supplement your current water heater with a solar water heater.

Solar water heaters use the sun’s energy to provide a sustainable solution for home hot water. Although solar water heaters are extremely popular in countries with high electricity bills, they have been slower to take hold in the United States, but they can be a compelling option for cash-strapped Americans.

Here are the details you need to know about solar water heaters and how to use them to save money.

Look at this: Simple ways to lower your utility bills and save money

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What is a solar water heater and how does it work?

Solar water heaters vary in design, efficiency, capacity and price, but they all replace a large portion of the gas or electricity used to heat water with clean, free sunlight. this Three basic designs All have methods of collecting heat, tanks to store hot water, backup heating systems if the system can’t keep up, and hydronic systems.

Batch collector water heater

Batch collector water heaters heat water in tubes or pipes, often painted black to collect more of the sun’s heat. Cold water can be mixed in periodically to prevent the water from getting too hot. These heaters are best suited for warmer climates. If ice buildup is likely to be a problem, it will need to be drained during the colder months to avoid damaging the system.

Flat plate collector water heater

Flat-plate collectors rely on metal plates, usually painted black, to absorb the sun’s heat. Heat is transferred from the plate to the tube filled with water. Water is circulated in and out of the water storage tank through heating pipes to keep the stored water at a high temperature.

Vacuum tube collector water heater

Vacuum tube collectors are the most efficient models available. The water is heated in a tube that is surrounded by a larger vacuum-sealed glass tube. Since there is no air between the heating liquid and the outside world, very little heat is lost.

Solar water heaters can heat water directly or indirectly. In an indirect heater, the sun heats a heat transfer fluid (usually a mixture of water and propylene glycol), which transfers heat to the water in the tank. Since the freezing point of the heat transfer fluid is lower than the freezing point of water, the system can operate in colder climates. For example, evacuated tube collectors can operate at temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

How to buy a solar water heater

Buying a solar water heater is more complicated than browsing online marketplaces like Amazon, selecting a water heater, paying and exiting, he said Jack Eadieis an adjunct professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago, where he teaches courses on clean energy for the grid.

Eadie said that much like other clean energy options, solar water heaters require a significant upfront investment in exchange for long-term benefits and cost savings over their lifetime.

Here are some steps for purchasing a solar water heater system.

• Assess your roof: Make sure your roof is in good condition and receives at least five hours of sunlight each day.
• Estimate heater size required: The size of a solar water heater depends on the number of people in your household and your location. Depending on the amount of sunlight you get, 20 square feet of collector panels is recommended for two people, with an additional 8 to 14 square feet per person. The tank capacity should be 1.5 to 2 gallons per square foot of catchboard.
• Check efficiency metrics: The solar coefficient and solar ratio of the system are the most important indicators for measuring and understanding the efficiency of the water heater. A typical solar coefficient (the amount of electricity used by the sun divided by all the electricity used by the grid) is between 2 and 3, and a typical solar fraction (the amount of electricity used by the sun divided by all the electricity used by the grid) is between 2 and 3. system) falls between 0.5 and 0.75.
• Estimated cost: Consider the initial cost of the system, potential maintenance costs, and cost savings Federal tax credits for solar water heaters.
• Get a quote from your installer: Contact a solar water heater installer to get a quote and compare.
• Purchase and wait for installation: Once you’ve made your decision, go ahead and purchase and schedule a time for an installer to install your system.
• Apply for tax credits: In the United States, solar water heaters are eligible for a 30% federal tax credit. Be sure to apply when you file your taxes.

Types of solar water heaters

There are two main types of solar water heaters: active solar water heating systems and passive solar water heating systems.

Active solar water heater

Active solar water heaters use pumps to circulate heated liquid and can be divided into two types: direct circulation systems and indirect circulation systems. Active solar water heating systems are generally more expensive, but Common types of installations in the United Statesaccording to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

• Direct circulation systems circulate water directly through solar collectors and are suitable for climates that do not experience freezing temperatures.
• Indirect circulation systems heat water by circulating a non-freezing heat transfer fluid through a heat exchanger, making them ideal for environments prone to freezing.

Passive solar water heater

Passive solar water heaters do not have a pump to move hot and cold water. They are available in two different variants: integrated collector-storage system and thermosiphon system. Passive solar water heaters are known for their reliability, cost-effectiveness, and durability, but some of the finer controls of active systems are not available.

• The integrated collector-storage system heats water through a transparent lid on the storage tank, from which it is drawn when the hot water tap is opened.
• Thermosiphon systems heat water in rooftop collectors and take advantage of the fact that warm water rises and cold water sinks to keep the cooler water in the path of the sun’s warm rays.

How much does a solar water heater cost?

The cost of solar water heaters varies greatly depending on type, size and installation requirements. On average, you can expect to pay $2,000 to $5,000 for the system, with installation costs adding $1,000 to $3,000. Despite the upfront cost, solar water heaters can save you money over time by reducing your energy bills.

In the United States, solar water heaters are eligible for federal tax credit By the end of 2032, it will account for 30% of total costs. So, for a system that costs $3,877, you’ll be eligible to recoup $1,163 when you file your taxes.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of solar water heaters?

As with any technology, solar water heaters have advantages and disadvantages.

Eadie said solar water heaters are a great way to reduce your overall energy bill, but they come with challenges. For example, he talked about cloudy day or night When the solar panels are unable to generate electricity, the water heater will not be able to produce hot water.

Here’s a further breakdown of the pros and cons.

advantage

• Energy saving:Installing a solar water heater can help you save money on your energy bill and reduce your reliance on municipal power for your hot water needs.
• Environmental friendly:By harnessing the power of the sun, solar water heaters provide a sustainable energy solution that reduces your carbon footprint.
• Long service life:Solar water heaters have a long lifespan and can last up to 20 years or more if properly maintained.