Solar-powered water heaters have become a hot commodity (no pun intended) in recent years. As the name suggests, they harness the power of the sun to heat water before it’s used inside the home. But there are both pros and cons to using solar-powered water heaters, which we’re going to discuss further in this blog post.
Benefits of Solar Water Heaters
Most people seek to install solar water heaters to save money on their energy bill. Whether your current system uses electricity or natural gas, chances are you’re paying more than you should. With energy prices only expected to increase in future years, families are going to continue struggling to pay their power bill unless they look into other means to generate power. Investing in a solar water heater isn’t going to eliminate your power bill altogether, but it will certainly help reduce it down to a more manageable amount.
Another benefit to using a solar water heater is that it’s completely green and renewable. We live in an age where we must think about what kind of world we are leaving behind for our children. Renewable energy sources are the key to reducing the carbon footprint we’re creating in our day-to-day lives while promoting a healthier Earth.
You may also be eligible to receive federal and/or state tax credits by purchasing a solar water heater. The government views these devices as a positive way to improve the environment, which is why they often give financial incentives for homeowners who use them.
Disadvantages of Solar Water Heaters
Of course, there are also some disadvantages to solar-powered water heaters, such as the space requirements. As you can see in the photo depicted above, solar water heaters are larger than standard electrical or gas-powered water heaters. If you have limited space around your home, you may want to stick with a standard model instead. But if space isn’t a concern, then a solar water heater will probably be the better choice.
One of the biggest disadvantages to solar water heaters is the simple fact that they are reliant on sunlight. If there’s a heavy overcast preventing the sunlight from beaming down on the PVC panels, it won’t be able to heat the water; thus, leaving you with cold water. This problem can be mitigated somewhat by installing a battery bank with your solar water heater, as it will store energy to use when there’s little-to-no sunlight present.