Solar Hot Water Heating Systems for Your Home

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The National Renewable Energy Laboratory rates the majority of the United States as “Very Good” or “Excellent” for modern solar thermal technology.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory rates the majority of the United States as “Very Good” or “Excellent” for modern solar thermal technology.
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West Texas reader A. Ohl built an ICS batch heater to regularly supply 100 percent of household needs.
West Texas reader A. Ohl built an ICS batch heater to regularly supply 100 percent of household needs.
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Attractive solar PV and thermal collectors make use of otherwise wasted roof space.
Attractive solar PV and thermal collectors make use of otherwise wasted roof space.
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Neighbors can coordinate their hot water supply by using shared pad-mounted collectors.
Neighbors can coordinate their hot water supply by using shared pad-mounted collectors.
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You can easily incorporate solar into your existing residential structure and design. The fittings, pump, storage tank, and expansion tank for a small drainback system take up minimal space.
You can easily incorporate solar into your existing residential structure and design. The fittings, pump, storage tank, and expansion tank for a small drainback system take up minimal space.
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The DIY option is the perfect challenge for a creative builder with plumbing and wiring skills.
The DIY option is the perfect challenge for a creative builder with plumbing and wiring skills.
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A solar thermal system adds a surprising amount of curb appeal to a roof.
A solar thermal system adds a surprising amount of curb appeal to a roof.

Solar thermal systems have been the water-heating method of choice for homes near the equator for decades — back when many North Americans relied on a woodburning stove and kettle! Spared the threat of freezing, “batch” equatorial systems are simple, cheap, and effective. North Americans also have a long history with solar hot water, but wintertime freezes — found in much of the United States and Canada — forced the development of freeze-ready “flat-plate” collectors, which went mainstream in California and Florida in the 1970s. Today, the innovative solar thermal industry produces highly efficient models capable of heating water as far north as the Arctic Circle! As a solar water heating system installer, I’ve met hundreds of people who’ve turned to solar water heating as a way to save money and to reduce their carbon footprint.

The solar thermal systems that I promote provide a return on investment between 5 and 15 percent, depending on the type of fuel you’re replacing, your location, and which state utility incentives are available. A residential solar water heater will offset greenhouse gas emissions by three-quarters of a ton of carbon dioxide every year — the equivalent of an average driver cutting 1,300 miles from their annual commute. Moreover, solar water heaters qualify for the 30 percent federal tax credit until 2020, so the time to install is now!

If your plumbing and wiring skills are up to snuff — and code — you’ll have no trouble assembling a solar water heater for your home. For everyone else, a commercially available system is the best recourse. This article will present four initial steps to take and the general options to consider when shopping for solar thermal systems.

Step 1: Reduce Hot Water Consumption

Your first step toward hot water self-sufficiency is to reduce waste. Address your household’s water-wasting habits. Shut off the hot water when shaving, soaping up, and rinsing the dishes; better yet, embrace the thrill of a cold shower! Insulate as many hot water pipes in your home as possible. Mineral wool and fiberglass insulation are ideal for high-heat applications, such as indoor solar piping, and polyethylene is recommended for temperatures up to 180 degrees Fahrenheit. Finally, choose high-efficiency washing machines and dishwashers, and low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators to reduce demand.

  • Published on Jul 19, 2016
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