Solar Water Heaters

"Choosing the one that's right for your climate, water demand and wallet"
Bary L. Butler PH. D.. Solar Today, Nov / Dec 2008.

As utility expenses spiral ever higher. wouldn't we all like to draw on the sun to heat our household water? The average 40-square-foot (3. 7-square-meter) solar collector system provides 38 gallons (144 liters) of hot water daily, about 60 percent of the daily water needs for a family of four. Virtually every U.S. location has adequate sun for solar water heating. These systems also benefit from what I like to call the Four E's: They save energy, create local employment, reduce environmental damage and empower energy security - all necessary for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

More than half of your hot-water cost is fixed using solar energy and will not rise with electric, natural gas or heating oil prices. Solar energy is not taxed, and by using less natural gas to heat water, we reduce demand for and hence the price of natural gas. The first cost of a solar heating system may be higher than that of a conventional system, but in the long run solar wins for our society, the U.S. economy and your pocketbook. In fact, solar water heating makes...

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