The benefits of a solar water heater are numerous. Solar water heaters use the power of the sun to produce domestic hot water. Not only are the good for the environment by helping to reduce greenhouse—carbon dioxide—gases, but they can reduce the costs of your hot water production as well. The post below will discuss the many benefits of a solar water heating system.
Reduced Utility Costs
Solar power is a renewable and sustainable fuel source. Using solar power for your water heating needs can shave approximately 50-percent from your annual hot water costs when you combine a solar system with a backup—gas or electric—system. The savings can add up quickly depending on system type and your household hot water use.
Financial Incentives
Many utility companies, as well as your state and federal government, offer financial incentives to promote renewable energy that can reduce the costs of your system. For example, the federal government through its Energy Star program provides a 30-percent tax credit for qualifying purchases. To learn more, visit the energy.gov website. In addition, you can search for additional cost cutting programs by visiting the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency website to search for programs in your area.
Good for the Environment
According to Energy Star, solar water heaters can reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by half when switching from a traditional water heater. This can prevent up to 4,000 pounds of the toxic gas from entering our atmosphere each year. Put another way, the carbon dioxide reduction is equivalent to parking your car for four months out of the year.
Return of Investment
Eventually, a solar water heater will pay for itself. How long it takes depends on several factors. The amount of sunshine your area receives and the cost of traditional energy play an important role. For example, if you live in a sunny climate with rising energy prices and use a lot of hot water, you could realize a return on investment in just a few years. However, if you live in New York, an area with diminished sunshine with cheaper traditional fuel costs and use hot water sparingly, it could take five to ten years before you realize a return. Since the life expectancy of a solar water heater is much longer—twenty years—than traditional heaters, you will realize even more savings as the years go by.
For answers to your questions, contact The Pink Plumber today.
