The Importance of Solar Water Heating and How to Get Started

Solar water heating is an eco-friendly way to heat water with the sun’s rays instead of fossil fuels. It can reduce your monthly energy costs and keep you from having to crank up the thermostat on those chilly fall days or freeze buckets of water to keep them from freezing on your roof in the winter. There are many ways you might think about using solar power, but few are as simple and cost-effective as solar water heating. Let’s take a look at why you should invest in solar water heating and some examples of how to get started today.

What is Solar Water Heating?

Solar water heating is the use of solar power to heat water for use in the home, generally for things like washing clothes, cleaning dishes, showering, and more. Solar water heaters are designed to use the sun’s energy to heat water, rather than relying on electricity or gas. Solar water heaters are generally mounted on the roof of a home, but they don’t require a large investment or any changes to your home’s plumbing. Solar water heaters are also generally maintenance free, making them a good option if you’re not interested in gardening or otherwise keeping up with regular gardening maintenance. Solar water heaters generally work by circulating water through a system of pipes, where the sun’s rays heat up the water and then return it to the home through the same pipes. You’ll generally want to use a special type of water for solar water heating, since other types of water can potentially damage the system and reduce the effectiveness.

How Does Solar Water Heating Work?

Solar water heaters are made of a series of pipes, collectors, and heat exchangers. The water is pumped from the ground or a storage tank, then through the collectors where it’s warmed by the sun. The water then flows through the heat exchangers, where it’s cooled before returning back to the storage tank or ground. The entire system is controlled by a computer that kicks on when the sun goes down and stops when the sun comes back up. Solar water heating systems can be added to your existing home, usually at a cost of $0.50 to $1 per watt. You’ll have to have a place to put the collectors, but they don’t have to be on the roof. In fact, mounting them on the roof can be difficult and risky due to the need to climb up on a ladder regularly.

Installing a DIY Solar Shower

If you’re ready to start saving money and using renewable energy in the home, you can install a DIY solar shower with a few basic supplies. You’ll need a black, watertight box about the size of a milk crate, some black hose, and a water pump. You can find the hose and pump at a hardware store, and these are items you’ll probably use in other ways around the house as well. The best place for the solar shower is on the south-facing side of your house, but you can also put it on the roof if you don’t have a south-facing wall. Put the black box on the ground and run a hose from the pump into the box. Then, run another hose out of the box up to the roof. Secure the hose on the roof with a staple gun and you’re ready to start saving money on water heating.

Pros of Going Solar

There are many reasons you might want to invest in a solar water heating system. It can save you a lot of money in the long run, and it’s a great way to reduce your carbon footprint. Some of the other benefits of solar water heating include Reduced maintenance - Solar water heaters don’t require much maintenance and can last for many years without problems. No fuel costs - Solar water heaters don’t use any fuel, so you’ll never have to worry about rising fuel costs going up. Better for the environment - Solar water heating is good for the environment since it doesn’t release any pollution.

Cons of Going Solar

While solar water heating is good for the environment, it may not make sense for everyone. Higher upfront costs - Solar water heating is generally more expensive upfront than other ways of heating water. Limited availability - It’s important to check if solar water heating is even allowed in your area. Not every area has enough sun to make it worthwhile. Can’t power pool pumps - Solar water heating systems generally can’t be used to power a pump for a pool. This means you’ll need to find another way to heat the water for the pool.

How to Get Started Today

Installing a solar water heating system is a good idea for homeowners of all types. You can either buy a system that comes ready-made or you can build one of your own. If you’re installing a pre-built system, you’ll have to check to see if your roof is sturdy enough to support the system. If you’re installing a DIY system, you’ll need to find a place to put the collectors and run the necessary plumbing. Solar water heating systems can take some time to pay for themselves, but they’re a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and lower your monthly expenses at the same time.

Conclusion

Solar water heating is a great way to get started with solar power. It’s a simple system that doesn’t require a lot of maintenance and doesn’t cost a lot to install. Solar water heating systems generally take a few years to pay for themselves, but they can save you money in the long run. They’re also good for the environment by reducing your carbon footprint. If you’re ready to start saving money and reducing your carbon footprint, you can do so with a solar water heating system. It’s a great way to start using solar power in your home and is a simple way for homeowners to get started.