The Benefits of a Solar Hot Water Heater

Is your hot water heater sucking up energy, and money out of your wallet? A solar hot water may be the solution for you.

What It Is

A solar hot water heater consists of a storage tank (for storing the hot water), and a flat tank called a Flat Plate collector. This flat device is basicallly a thin, wide and long tank, in which cold water is pumped from the bottom. As the water heats up via sunlight, it rises up the flat plate collector. Eventually, when it is hot enough, it reaches the top of the tank where it is pumped back down into the main storage tank. 

Interesting FAQ

• The water that leaves the heating tank of the solar hot water heater is actually far too hot to use (you would be burned!). The storage tank is partially meant to cool it down.
• Bought, a solar hot water heater ranges from around 2 to 4 grand. The hefty price tag might scare you away from this water heater, but you must also remember it uses absolutely no electricity, and it will pay for itself by lower electricity bills.
• Unlike some myths you may have heard, you actually can take a hot shower in the early morning with this type of water heater. This is because there is so much water being stored and cooled in the storage tank, that there is plenty of water for any time of day.

Pros and Cons

• Pro: Helps the environment by requiring no electricity to operate, and easily pays for itself via dramatically lower energy bills.
• Con: Is expensive to buy up front.
• Pro: Requires maintenance only every 3-5 years.
• Con: Specialists for this type of hot water heater are mildly difficult to find.

I hope you enjoyed this article about solar hot water heaters, and their benefits!