Solar Water Heaters

Using energy from the sun to heat water isn't a new concept, neither are solar water heaters. In fact, they have been commercially available since the 1880s. Solar water heaters are once again en vogue due to the rise in popularity of living a "greener" lifestyle. Solar water heaters are one option for consumers who are looking to make their homes more eco-friendly.

Modern solar heaters are generally mounted on the roof of a home and resemble a skylight. There are two types of solar water heaters: forced and passive. Forced solar water heaters use pumps to circulate the water while passive solar water heaters don't. Passive systems are two part systems comprised of a solar collector and a storage tank. The collector harnesses the sun's energy and uses it to heat up the water located in the attached storage tank. Forced systems operate in the same way, except pumps are used to force the water between the collector and the storage tank

Solar water heaters are an attractive "green" choice for consumers for two reasons - their energy efficiency and their environmentally friendliness. Using the sun to heat the water instead of traditional fuel sources equates to reduced energy usage and a reduction in energy bills. By using less of the tradition fuel sources, the demand for such sources declines. As a result, less of these resources are produced and less pollutants are released into the atmosphere. Average installation prices vary, depending on each home's energy needs. The initial investment of having a solar water heater installed will be returned to the consumer several times over during the lifespan of the product.