Benefits and Drawbacks of Solar Water Heaters
Solar water heaters are gaining popularity across the globe. While solar panels exploit solar energy to generate electricity, solar water heaters maximize solar energy to produce hot water. Furthermore, a solar water heater is regarded as a green technology and a clean energy option. Here are its benefits and drawbacks to learn more about this solar advancement.
Benefits of Solar Water Heaters
Reduced Electric Bills
Cutting your electricity bills gains you more savings every month. Although the reduction of electricity use associated with water heating is different in every area, solar water heater can most likely reduce your water-heating electricity consumption by at least half. Keep in mind that sunlight is essential in using a solar water heater at home. If you live in a place where it’s extremely sunny, the more the decrease of your water-heating bill and savings would be. Otherwise, savings on electric bills would be relatively lower.
Reduced Carbon Footprint
Severe weather conditions, global warming and climate change – these are concerning realities that we often hear buzzing around the world. While you think you could not make a big difference, the change could start in you. Combustion from conventional fuels is harmful to the surroundings. With solar water heaters, you can lessen your carbon footprint from heating water and contribute less pollution to the environment.
Increased Property Value
A home that integrates a green technology like a solar water heater becomes more appealing to potential buyers. Hence, when time comes that you would want to sell your property, you would benefit with an increased market value.
These benefits make a solar water heater desirable and considerable. However, there are also concerns about solar water heaters.
Drawbacks of Solar Water Heaters
High Upfront Price
The primary negative thing that concerns most people when it comes to having a solar water heater is the high upfront price. A conventional water heater that uses nonrenewable energy can be bought at a price of about $500. This is significantly lower compared to the upfront cost of installing a solar water heater starting from $1000 beyond. While the money put in can be acquired back through savings, the payback period depends on the area you live in. Some places would only require you less time to make the money back whereas other places could take you a decade to get a financial return from your investment.
Limitations on Property Location
Not all areas are suitable for solar water heater installation, making the location of your home one of the drawbacks for this heating technology. The temperature of your place, for instance, is something to be concerned about. Living in cold place could mean that solar water heating system installation might be unavailable due to the peril of freezing. There could also be limitations in the home orientation, quality of water in your area, regulations on buildings and power requirements.
If you think you have all the things necessary to maximize solar energy with solar water heaters, you can be assured that you can benefit much from this environment-friendly technology.
