Solar Water Heaters | Department of Energy

Heating and cooling account for over half of worldwide final energy consumption, however, fossil fuels are currently used to generate the majority of this energy. Solar has become particularly appealing for water heating as the cost of renewable energy has decreased. Solar water heaters, like other renewable energy technologies, have a role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, creating jobs, improving healthcare and communications, and driving local commerce through the markets and industries they produce.

Solar water heater project planning takes place in the homes. Because solar water heating is a relatively simple technology, most countries’ indigenous manufacturers—often small and medium businesses—can develop, install, and maintain the systems.

Combating Climate Change

Water heating consumes 17% of the energy used in a typical home. Many homeowners use natural gas or other fossil fuels to heat their water. Many tons of carbon have been released into the atmosphere. Switching to solar hot water is an excellent approach to cut carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions while also protecting the environment.

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Protecting the Air Purity

A growing number of homeowners rely on electricity to heat their water. Coal is responsible for more than a third of all-electric power. Particulates and other byproducts of coal combustion pollute our air, causing a variety of negative environmental and health consequences. You become a part of the solution to these public health issues when you heat with solar hot water.

Protecting the Water Quality

Burning fossil fuels produces more than just carbon and particles. Power plants, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council, are the largest source of mercury and other harmful heavy metals emitted into the environment each year. These chemicals pose a serious threat to the health of our rivers, streams, and lakes, as well as to human health. One practical action we can take to stop mercury pollution in our watersheds is to use solar water heating.

Cost-Efficient

Even in temperate settings, a solar water heater may provide up to 80% of your hot water demands. Month after month, this equates to significant utility bill savings. In fact, Reece’s solar hot water systems can pay for themselves in as little as four to eight years and can last for 40 years or more. That’s a lot of free energy, as well as a lot of money saved.

Typically, solar water heaters have a backup gas or electric water heater that kicks in when the sun isn’t shining. Many solar water heater users, on the other hand, prefer to utilize backup heating as little as possible. Instead, they make it a game to use their hot water when it’s the most convenient. Small habits like washing laundry on sunny days can add up to significant environmental and financial savings.