| Solar power is becoming popular as people become | | | | source to move the water but moves the water |
| aware of individual responsibility for protecting the | | | | through gravity. Depending on the heat of the water in |
| environment and the increased costs of traditional | | | | the storage tank a standard, electricity powered |
| energy sources. Although there is much debate about | | | | heater can be used as a failsafe or in case there is a |
| the extent to which humans are responsible for climate | | | | heavy usage of water. In theory however, solar hot |
| change it shouldn't stop people from making an effort | | | | water can supply up to 90% or the households heating |
| to use more sustainable and environmentally friendly | | | | requirements if the climate is right. |
| energy sources. One thing that is sure is that fossil | | | | The biggest drawback of solar hot water systems is |
| fuels are a finite resource. Sooner or later they will run | | | | the initial cost of installing the system. There is the cost |
| out and alternatives will have to be found. Solar energy | | | | of the solar equipment and then any changes to the |
| is one such resource that will not run out. This article | | | | original hot water piping throughout the house. Again |
| will discuss solar water heaters and how the can save | | | | this will change with time as solar energy becomes |
| you money a help you do your bit for the environment | | | | popular. Indeed in California more new houses are |
| at the same time. | | | | fitted out with solar panels as standard than ever |
| The basic principle of a solar hot water heater is that | | | | before. This will only increase as we go forward. |
| the water passes through a solar collector or solar | | | | Most of the equipment needed to create solar hot |
| panels that heat the water. The solar collectors or | | | | water heating will last for up to 25 years. Indeed if the |
| panels are in direct contact with the sun and this | | | | collectors and panels are of good quality and looked |
| energy is used to heat the water. The water then | | | | after they should outlast the storage tank. During this |
| passes to an insulated storage tank that conserves | | | | time the house owner should have made back the |
| the heated water for later usage. | | | | initial investment on savings in electricity bills. Another |
| There are two variations on this principle : active and | | | | note on the initial outlay of installing a solar powered |
| passive systems. The active system uses a pump to | | | | system is that many governments offer rebates or |
| move the water from the collectors or panels to the | | | | grants to people that install this kind of energy |
| storage tank. The passive system has no power | | | | resource. This can make the choice more attractive. |