Solar water heaters (often called solar tanks) are a relatively new and exciting way to heat water using the power of the Sun. A small number of companies are actively promoting this new and emerging technology as more individuals are looking for ways to reduce their dependency on fossil fuels. It is estimated that by 2022 solar thermal water heaters will make up 25% of the total water heater market. Many larger businesses such as McDonald's and Unilever have also installed these water heaters in some of their foreign offices (as part of their green initiatives).
What makes solar thermal water heaters so special is that they can produce hot water 24/7 without the need for you to set your alarm clock or wake up in the middle of the night to switch on the boiler. Letting your hands be your guide, you can simply position the solar heater in the sun and leave it there until your water is at the desired temperature. You will not be burned by overheating even on a hot day and this also reduces your carbon footprint. Naturally, this being a form of solar power, it would be wise to use materials which are recyclable and have a long life.
Thanks to advances in solar thermal technology and the growth in popularity of electric vehicles, it is now possible to obtain very high efficiencies from these water heaters. The market is responding and prices are coming down. What started as a $5,000 USD price tag for a standard solar water heater is now a $2,500 price tag for a similar sized electric water heater. This represents a 100% reduction in price and an 80% reduction in energy use. The future of sustainable and eco-friendly hot water systems seems assured.
The market for solar thermal water heaters has traditionally been divided between commercial and industrial sectors. These days, smaller domestic installations are also popular as people try to reduce their carbon footprints and their reliance on fossil fuels. What's more, as we have all become so environmentally aware, people are looking for ways to heat their homes efficiently.
Solar Water Heaters vs. Electric Water Heaters
Now, let's compare the pros and cons of a solar water heater vs. an electric water heater:
- Cost: Electric water heaters are far cheaper to purchase and run than solar water heaters. This is especially beneficial for those on a budget.
- Size: Electric water heaters can be more compact than solar water heaters. This makes it easy to transport and install. For those with limited space, an electric water heater is usually the better choice. You can also purchase smaller units which are more suitable for your personal needs.
- Durability: The lifespan of an electric water heater is typically several years while that of a solar water heater is only around a decade. If you are planning to purchase a water heater and intend to use it for several years, then go for a solar-powered one. However, with regular maintenance, the lifespan of an electric water heater can be extended.
- Efficiency: We've already established that electric water heaters are more efficient than solar water heater s. This is mainly because they don't consume as much energy to produce the same volume of heated water. In the summertime, when it is hot and the Sun is bright, it is best to set your thermostat a few notches below normal. Remember that electric water heaters have a maximum capacity so you don't end up using more energy than you actually produce.
- Compatibility: Many electric water heaters are compatible with many different water sources. This means you can connect different types of hoses and fittings to your water heater. Naturally, this will vary by model but most electric water heaters are designed to work with different types of liquids, such as cold water, hot water, and even water containing other chemicals, like chlorine or bromine. This makes them versatile and easy to use.
- Noise Level: Most electric water heaters are extremely quiet and discrete when in use. This makes them great for homes with children or pets. There is also usually very little, if any, noise associated with the operation of a solar water heater. This cannot always be said about gas-powered water heaters which can be extremely loud during operation.
- Environmentally-Friendly: As we've established, electric water heaters are more sustainable than solar water heaters. This is because they don't produce any harmful by-products during operation. Instead, they simply convert what is available into usable energy which you can then utilize as you see fit. They also don't need any additional materials to manufacture, so it's essentially a recyclable product. This makes it very eco-friendly.
Overall, if you're planning to purchase a new water heater in the near future, then go for an electric unit as they are much more efficient and versatile than their solar counterparts. Additionally, they are much cheaper and it's good to shop around before making a purchase.
Solar Water Heaters: The Most Popular and Most Sustainable Choice
It is important to note here that solar water heaters are not just a fad. In fact, they have been gaining popularity ever since the oil crisis of the 1970s. It was at this time that many energy-hungry countries saw the benefits of solar water heaters and decided to invest in them. Today, solar thermal water heaters are more popular than ever before and many industry experts predict that this age of green technology will see an increase in home solar systems. It isn't just limited to heating water either – many homeowners are choosing to use these water heaters to heat their homes as well. This is because solar thermal water heaters are the most sustainable option available. They don't produce any harmful by-products during operation and they don't generate any greenhouse gases. They simply absorb energy from the Sun to provide usable water where it is needed. So, if you're looking for a long-term, sustainable energy source which produces no harmful by-products, then solar thermal water heaters are the way to go.
How to Choose the Right Sustainability Features
If you are looking for a new or replacement water heater and are interested in making your home more ecological, then there are several different features you can look for within the industry. Many manufacturers produce home water heaters which are designed to be more eco-friendly. These days, it's very common to see water heaters with a feature called a Eco Valve. This is because the majority of water heaters now-a-days are designed to be more eco-friendly. Additionally, many home water heaters have an option called a Low-flow shower head. This reduces the amount of water used while taking a shower. The best part is that you don't need to change anything in your shower – the water will still flow the same way it always has. This is because the shower head is specifically designed to meet the needs of those trying to conserve water.
When selecting a low-flow shower head, make sure that it is compatible with your water heater. This will depend on the make and model of your current boiler but most manufacturers produce shower heads which are suitable for many different home water heaters. Once you've located a low-flow shower head which is compatible with your current setup, you can begin by connecting it to your nozzle and then test out how easy it is to use. Remember: you'll need to work at getting the right mix of hot and cold water until you get the feel of it!
There's also the option of purchasing an electric water heater with a feature called Icemaker. This is an automatic icemaker which produces ice during off-peak hours. So, if you have an extra freezer and you're looking for a way to get some use out of it, then this could be a viable solution. Additionally, some electric water heaters have a feature called a Humidifier. This unit will increase the amount of moisture in the air. So, if you live in a cold climate with lots of dry air, then this could be a life-saver. It would be wise to test out the features on the various home water heaters before making a decision.
Solar Energy: The Future of Home Water Heating
With developments in technology and a change in consumer behavior, the future of home water heating looks incredibly bright. Many large companies are now promoting and selling sustainable solutions. This is also due to the increasing cost of fossil fuels. Even large businesses which are reliant on the energy generated by fossil fuels have started to shift their purchases towards greener alternatives, such as solar power. Additionally, electric vehicles are now becoming a common sight on the road. This is also changing our reliance on oil and making it less of a dominant feature.