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Could I power my water heater with solar power instead of gas?
ByI live in a house with A LOT of roommates, and we use a lot of hot water. Could we install a solar panel just for the water heater? We would like to install solar panels all over at one point but need to start on a smaller scale.
9 Comments
August 31st, 2010 at 12:54 am
Short answer yes.
Doing the solar hot water heater probably gets you the most bang for the buck too.
With a little searching in the web you could find plans for a simple do it your self version.
August 31st, 2010 at 1:37 am
This is definitely doable. You can find an easy explanation of how this works here on the Sungate Energy Solutions website:
http://thesungate.com/sungate_products/solar_domestic_hotwater.cfm
August 31st, 2010 at 1:40 am
ABSOLUTELY! That is the best way to save money with solar. You won’t be making electricity with the solar panel, it’s a different kind of panel. You run fluid through the panels and it directly heats the fluid. That fluid then heats your water tank. You can heat up to 75% of your water for free!
Take a look at this free video teaching you about solar water heating, http://www.altestore.com/store/Books-Classes-Educational-Videos/Educational-Videos/Educational-Video-Solar-Water-Heating-Basics/p6726/.
August 31st, 2010 at 2:38 am
Solar Power is the best way to use for water heating. Its a natural way, also cost effective and pollution free. At present our earth’s natural resources like coal, petrol, gas etc. are going to be degraded day by day so use of solar power is the best alternative for them.
August 31st, 2010 at 2:53 am
Not just with solar but also by thermal means it is frequently done and there are many article about it at the site below including plans on how to do it some of the articles are free others they want you to sign up for my experience is if you just want info the free articles are great if you want actual plans you may have to pay.
August 31st, 2010 at 3:44 am
As everyone else said, solar water heaters are pretty easy and cost effective. however, you might want to start with trying to reduce the amount of hot water you use in the first place by taking shorter showers or using cold water when possible. You can find all kinds of water conserving tips using google.
August 31st, 2010 at 4:03 am
The short answer is yes, you could do this. For more information, visit the URL in my sources.
August 31st, 2010 at 4:45 am
yes
August 31st, 2010 at 5:05 am
Absolutely. Solar hot water is a great way to save money. I used Global Solar Center for my solar needs recently. Unless you’re more of the DIY kind of person I would recommend visiting their site @ http://www.globalsolarcenter.com/ and request a free quote. After a feasibility analysis you may then request a free on site evaluation. Basically, they’ll consolidate all the info you need to know to make a smart decision and if you decide solar is right for you they will hook you up with a certified installer in your area. Good Luck!