The high cost of operating a home with electricity is astronomical. In addition to traditional resources being expensive, you probably find yourself making unwanted choices as a way of trying to save money. As an example, you may be adjusting the thermostat to a point of the home being uncomfortable, you might be turning lights off that you would prefer to have on, or the temperature for the water heater may be turned so low that you constantly run out of hot water. While these changes save money, they also disrupt normal life.
A better solution that would save month on energy bills but also allow you to live comfortably would be to consider solar power. Using the water heater as a prime example, you can actually install a solar system on your own that would give you all the hot water wanted but without spending a dime. These kits are easy to find, affordable, and they offer tremendous cost savings. Imagine washing your clothes and dishes in hot water or taking a long, hot shower without worrying about the expense to heat the water. With a solar powered water heater, you can!
Because these systems are so easy to install, cost so little, and work so great, they have actually become a highly popular alternative energy source. Although having a solar powered water heater would be beneficial for any household, if you have a large family, enjoy entertaining guests often, have family in from out of town on a regular basis, or even board out rooms, it would be an ideal cost saving solution.
Of course, the key in using a solar powered water heater is to make sure the right type is purchased for the type and size appliance but also that the installation is done correctly. To accomplish this, you would need to look at hot water consumption averaged out over a 12-month period. You would then break this down monthly, choosing the type of do-it-yourself system accordingly. Some of the specific things you need to consider when buying include the following:
• Solar Power System – For the do-it-yourself solar power water heater, you would be able to purchase a passive system, which is designed to use water’s natural movement or a forced circulation system or active system, which uses controls and pumps to move water.
• Design of System – You will find that a solar powered water heater is designed with a variety of parts, and comes with various features. The storage tank would be insulated, it would come with some type of backup energy source, have a solar collector where power is stored, and in the case of an active system, it would be designed with controls and pumps.
• Water Consumption – Once you know the amount of water used on a monthly basis, you would need to determine if you want that to increase. For instance, if you have been trying to save month on energy bills by keeping water temperature low, then current consumption would not be adequate. Therefore, using current consumption determine how much hot water is actually wanted and needed.
• Backup System – Most do-it-yourself solar water heaters on the market today have a built-in backup system but you want to make sure. This system is designed so if hot water were needed prior to enough being stored in the collector, backup electricity, or gas would kick in to ensure you always have plenty of hot water.
• Production Quantity – Another consideration when buying a solar water heater is the amount of production. Most systems are designed with a flat panel that can produce between 80 and 100 gallons of hot water daily but if you decide to go with a passive system, you would probably have slightly less production. In addition, if you live in a cold part of the country, a passive system would be at increased risk of frost damage so an active system may be best.
• Price – Although there is a slight financial investment to get the solar powered water heater installed, usually around $2,000 for a passive system and $3,000 for an active system, this would quickly be recouped with incredible financial savings.
If you decide to install a solar powered water heater so you can save on monthly energy costs while having all the hot water wanted, be prepared to save between 50% and 90% each month.
