About Solar Water Heaters

• Solar water heaters (SWH) need a sunny location where the solar collector can be mounted, whether on the roof or on the ground near the house.

• SWH systems include a hot water storage tank, which can be connected to a conventional utility line to ensure that hot water is available, even during cloudy weather.

• SWH work year-round, even in the winter.

• SWH are very durable and will operate for 20 to 30 years or more.

Financial Benefits of Using Solar Water Heaters

A solar water heater can reduce the cost of heating water by 50 to 80% or more, saving a family hundreds of dollars per year (see Table ). A solar water heater fixes the cost of energy needed to heat water, providing security against rising fuel prices, and may also increase the equity value of your home.

Environmental Benefits of Solar Water Heating

Solar water heaters use a free renewable resource, without producing pollution . Their use reduces our demand for energy from coal, natural gas and propane, all fossil fuels whose use causes significant environmental harm. When you install a solar water heater, you will not only save your family hundreds of dollars per year on utility bills, but you will be helping to create a cleaner, safer environment for your children and grandchildren.

Annual Pollution Prevented by Using a Solar Water Heater in Kentucky

Uses for Solar Water Heaters

• Heat water for washing, bathing, and other household needs

• Heat swimming pools

• Provide hot water for radiant home heating systems

• Produce hot water for commercial and institutional uses, such as: Schools, hotels, offices, restaurants, laundromats, factories

To learn more about solar water heaters, read the following chapter from The Kentucky Solar Energy Guide :

Chapter 6—Introduction to Solar Water Heating Systems

Efficiency and Conservation First!

Before investing in a solar water heater there are many things you can do to use hot water more efficiently and reduce your demand for hot water. These steps will not only lower your monthly utility bills, but may allow you to install a smaller, and therefore less costly, solar water heater. Remember, saving energy is generally cheaper than producing energy, so start with conservation and energy efficiency.

Some simple ways to conserve hot water include installing low-flow showerheads, lowering the thermostat on your water heater to 120 oF, adding insulation to your existing water heater, replacing an old washing machine with a high-efficiency Energy Star-rated washer, installing a timer on an electric water heater, and learning ways to use less hot water.

To learn more about conserving hot water, read Chapter 9 of The Kentucky Solar Energy Guide.