It is only logical that if you live in Australia, you harness the free, clean, and inexhaustible energy of The Sun. Our solar hot water systems are highly efficient and help you reduce your carbon footprint while saving money. An electric or gas booster can be added to the system to ensure that hot water is always on those less sunny days.
Solar water heaters work on a simple principle: sunlight that hits black surfaces or tubes heats the water.
Imagine all the hot water you use in your home, from the morning shower to the cup of coffee. Imagine if your family could enjoy all the hot water it needs without paying the associated utility bills. Solar water heating can help you achieve this.
Solar water heating is the topic of this article. What better option to fully harness its power than installing a solar hot water system in your home? What is solar water heating? What is it? How can it save you money? What should you consider when installing a new water heater? Stay tuned, and we are about to reduce your monthly budget.
What is a solar water heater?
Solar water heaters heat water using the sun’s energy. They can be used for both domestic and commercial uses. This technology is a sustainable and clean energy source that reduces carbon footprint.
Solar panels are the most common form of solar energy. They convert sunlight’s energy to electricity. Solar technology isn’t limited to the generation of electricity. It can be used to heat water.
How does a solar water heater work?
Solar collectors are used to collect the heat from sunlight. Ideally, these collectors should be installed where they’ll get the most sunlight—on the roof. You can also mount solar collectors to the ground or a wall facing south. The collectors transmit the heat from the sun to the water.
There are two major types of solar thermal collectors:
- Flat plate collectors
- Pitched or evacuated tubes
They are similar in operation, but their primary difference is the aesthetics.
Flat plate solar collectors, for example, are flat-glazed solar panels that heat water. They can be mounted on a roof. By contrast, evacuated tubes consist of dark “vacuum” tubes fixed to a manifold mounted at the top.
You can also use an immersion or boiler to raise the water temperature.
Solar water heaters are a great way to save money.
Renewable energy has the advantage of being available whenever you want it. Once you get past the initial installation hurdle, solar systems start paying for themselves from the first day.
According to report of an Energy department of U.S., solar water heaters can reduce your utility bills from 50 to 80 percent. Savings vary depending on the setup and water consumption. A family of seven, for example, will save more than a couple.
Solar water heating systems are economically viable. quickly, usually in 5-10 years.
It gets even better. By investing in a solar hot water system through a reputable provider like Adelaide plumbing service, you not only save money but also boost your property’s value. The current payback models are based on the current utility rates. As energy prices increase, your solar water heater’s payback time will shorten. This is because it protects you against rising utility costs.
The sun, unlike other energy sources, is always free.
If you’re buying a home or refinancing an existing one, you can also include the cost of a solar water heater in your mortgage. Upgraded properties with higher energy efficiency have a better resale price.
According another energy department the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, for each dollar you save on your utility bills, your home value will increase by $20.
Additional Benefits
Solar water heaters offer many other benefits besides free hot water.
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Reduce your carbon footprint – According to a Pacific Gas and Electric report, a solar hot water system can prevent 4,000 lbs, or 30kg-510kg, of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere annually. Here’s a way to save money and protect the environment.
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Low Maintenance Costs Unlike other solar solutions, solar water heaters have lower maintenance costs. Installations last longer with fewer moving components, as proven by warranties between 5 and 10 years.
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Lower Operating Costs — You will have very little additional expenses Once the initial installation cost is paid. The solar energy is used to power the water system.
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Interoperability of existing water heating systems– Solar water heaters are compatible with other systems, such as heat pumps, boilers, and biomass heating systems.
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Renewable Heat Incentives– You can earn regular incentives for solar water heating in the U.K., regardless of how much heat you use.
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Installing solar panels is cheaper than installing P.V. Solar water heating panels are cheaper than P.V. Panels.
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Space and energy efficiency– Solar thermal panels convert 80% of the solar radiation to heating energy. They also take up less roof space than solar P.V. panels. While you might need a P.V., Solar arrays with 10-16 panels are sufficient for hot water in your home. However, solar thermal panels only require about 2-3 panels.
What to consider before choosing a solar-powered water heater
Assess your current water heater costs to identify potential savings. You can save money depending on the following factors:
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The amount of sunlight you receive each day depends on your location.
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How much hot water does your household use each day?
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What is the cost of fuel and energy in your area?
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Other incentives and available financing
Consider also the local building codes and regulations and any restrictions that may apply to your installation.
To get the best out of your solar water heater installation:
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Make sure your roof faces south, or install a thermodynamic solar panel on any house wall to maximize the efficiency.
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You need about one square meter per person in the building when using flat plate collectors. This is enough to heat 30-60 liters of water.
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Perform an energy audit to assess your energy consumption and efficiency. Before installing the solar thermal system, make the necessary modifications.
The conclusion of the article is:
In the long term, renewable energy is usually cheaper. Solar water heaters will ensure you have hot water all year round while reducing utility costs. The fact that you’re also helping to protect the environment makes this investment even more valuable.
Do you own a solar-powered water heater? What are your favorite features, and what would you have liked to know before installation? Comment below.
