September 8th, 2007

Solar Hot Water– A Great, Cheaper Option

Posted by Low Impact Living

While full-home solar PV systems are sexy right now, their price point is unattainable for most of us. While most people (including us) can’t afford the $20-30K cost of a full-home solar electric system, a solar hot water system can cost between $3-6K depending on where you live and how large your home is.

Surprisingly, the best way to capture energy from the sun is actually by using solar hot water. Solar hot water systems are over three times more efficient than solar PV systems in converting the sun’s rays into energy you can use in your house. And in many parts of the country hot water heating is the second or third biggest energy sink in your house (after heating and cooling), so this can lead to major savings.

You can check out this article from Home Power Magazine for more information.

There are excellent rebates and tax incentives available for solar installations — learn how to get money back for your solar system here.

You might also want to consider installing a solar hot water system yourself! It’s isn’t a simply Do-It-Yourself project, but if you’re mildly technically-inclined and handy with tools, you can install your own solar hot water sytem.

And as always you can find solar power installers in your area by searching our nationwide solar service provider directory by clicking here.

Enjoy your sun-warmed shower!

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