When it comes to hot water replacement, many people assume they have only two options: gas or electric. In fact, another option is a solar hot water system, which uses free energy from the sun to heat the water you use at home. Here are a few good reasons to consider a solar hot water system instead of or alongside a gas or electric water heater.
1. Lower Long Term Costs
Installing a solar water system is relatively pricey, but it is likely to lead to significant savings in the long run. When you mount solar water panels on your roof, they use the sun's heat to naturally warm up the water so you can use it for showering, cleaning and bathing. This can work out much less expensive than using electricity or gas to heat the water you need.
2. Higher Home Value
Even if you do not plan to stay in your home for many more years, you could still recoup the costs of installing a solar hot water system. Solar water panels typically push up the value of a home because buyers are aware that they result in lower bills.
3. Lower Environmental Impact
Burning gas to heat water in your home releases carbon dioxide, which is a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. Using an electric water heater is not necessarily any better, as many electricity-producing power plants burn fossil fuels to meet consumer demand. Solar water heating systems produce no carbon dioxide when you use them, so they can be a more environmentally-friendly choice.
4. Space-Saving Alternative to Solar Panels
If you are an environmentally-conscious homeowner, you might already have considered installing photovoltaic solar panels to provide energy for your home. Solar energy generation systems are typically only suitable for homes with relatively large roofs that get a lot of direct sunlight throughout the day. On the other hand, solar water heating systems take up much less space, so they could be an option even if your roof is too small for an electricity-generating solar system.
5. Government Grants
In Australia, there are many different types of funding programs that can help homeowners meet the costs of installing a solar hot water system. For example, in Victoria, funding up to $1,000 is available for this kind of home improvement. Go to your state's government website to learn what funding is available in your region.
