According to research, water heating takes up to 25% of the total energy used in an average household and it generates about 23% of the greenhouse gas emission in the country. Reducing your hot water consumption is a great way to reduce your energy bill but this would require implementing some lifestyle changes like taking less full baths. And the truth is, we all love them.
Using renewable energy sources to heat water is another great way to reduce energy costs and environmental impact. This would require the installation of a solar hot water system
How do Solar Hot Water Systems Work?
Rather than relying on fossil fuels, solar hot water systems use the sun’s energy to heat water. These systems use solar collectors (usually flat panels) which are often located on the roof of the home. The solar collectors absorb energy from the sun to heat water, which is then stored in an insulated tank for when you need it. On cloudy days, when the temperature of the water in the storage tank may fall below the thermostat settings, a boost is used to ensure you get the most of the energy coming from the sun.
Benefits of Solar Hot Water Systems
Reduced Energy Bills
One of the main advantages of these systems is that in the long-run, they lead to considerable savings. An average household spends hundreds of dollars a month to heat water. Having a solar hot water system installed in your home can help reduce this cost considerably. Although the initial cost may be high, over the years, the system will more than pay for itself.
Constant Energy Supply
In some parts of Australia, the sun shines pretty much all year long. If you are lucky to live in one of these parts, having a solar hot water system means not having to worry about running out of fuel to get hot water. Even in cloudier days, a good solar system can store energy during sunny days and then use this stored energy to heat water on cloudy days.
Less Carbon Footprint
The positive effect these systems have on the environment is another fantastic benefit you enjoy. By using clean, green solar energy, solar systems don’t involve the burning of fossil fuels and emission of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, both of which have a huge impact on the environment.
The maintenance costs of solar systems are generally very low. Most of these systems come with with a 5-year or 10-year warranty and require minimal keep up. Once installed, the vendor will tell you details of any maintenance checks that you can carry out from time to time to ensure everything is working properly.
