Solar Water Heater

Solar water heaters use sunlight to heat water for use in homes, pools, recreational vehicles, and even boats. They can be used in any type of climate and could reduce your energy bill by at least 50 percent each month.

How Does a Solar Water Heating System Work?

You can choose from two different types of solar water heaters, active solar water heaters, and passive solar water heaters. Each type comes with a water storage tank and solar collector and is a cost-effective way to save energy. 

Types of Solar Water Heater

Active Solar Water Heaters-Active solar water heaters are an extremely energy efficient way to heat the water in your home. These systems use a flat plate solar collector, typically installed on the roof of your home, and a storage tank. There are two different types available depending on the climate that you live in.

A direct circulation system is ideal if you live in a climate that is not prone to freezing temperatures. This system uses pumps to circulate heated water through the collectors and into your home. Whereas an indirect circulation system pumps a heat-transfer fluid through both the collectors and a heat exchanger to heat the water and circulate it through the home. Indirect systems are designed for use in freezing climates.

Passive Solar Water Heaters-A passive solar water heating system is a less expensive option than an active system. It is typically not as efficient, but it is a very reliable system. Like the active solar water heaters, passive heating systems come with a solar collector and storage tank. However, passive solar water heaters typically use a batch collector rather than a flat one.

There are two types of passive solar water heaters. The first kind, called integral collector-storage passive systems works well in homes that use a lot of hot water. And they are best suited for non-freezing climates. Thermosyphon systems are another reliable passive solar water heater option.

Why Solar Water Heating 

Solar water heating systems can help reduce your carbon footprint and save you a staggering amount of money on your utility bill. They require a small investment upfront, but you will begin to see the benefits almost immediately.

According to a report from Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), installing a solar water heating system can prevent up to 4,000 pounds of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere. If you want to help protect our environment, then using solar power to heat your water is certainly one way that you can make a difference!

Solar water heaters are also great for cutting your energy costs drastically. While they may seem like a big purchase, you can typically save anywhere from 50 to 80 percent on your utility bill each month. Plus, if you are in the process of purchasing a new home or refinancing an existing one, you can include the cost of the new solar water heater in your mortgage. Another great benefit of using free solar power is that you are not vulnerable to issues such as fuel shortages or rate hikes. The sun is free, always.

Not only are solar water heaters good for your home, but they can also be used on recreational vehicles, boats, and even pools. Have you ever skipped out on using your pool because the water was too cold, but you felt it was too costly to heat it? With a solar water heater, you can enjoy your pool for much longer each year without the stress of having to pay for it later.

 Choosing a Solar Water Heating System

When selecting the right solar water heater, there are certain factors to take into consideration. First, you should evaluate what you are currently spending to heat water and determine the cost savings of switching to a solar water heater. How much you can save will depend on a few factors including:

• Where you are located and the amount of sun you get each day.
• How much hot water is used in your home.
• The cost of conventional fuels in your area.
• Financing and incentives that are available.

Additionally, you will need to evaluate where you get the most sun each day, what size of solar heating system you will need, and what are the local codes, regulations, or restrictions where you live. These factors will all help you determine which solar heating system is best for you.

Once you have a better idea as to the type of solar water heating system you need, you can begin looking for one. At KSL Renewable Energy we offer a variety of easy-to-install and affordable solar water heating kits, as well as to fit both your budget and needs. We have systems available to heat your home, pool, and more.