Why Consider a Solar Water Heater?

First, a solar hot water heater is much more affordable and operates more efficiently than most other solar systems. And it is this fact that makes the consideration of a DIY solar water heater a smart decision for you. Like any solar energy system, the amount of the benefit you derive will be based on the amount of sunlight you get during the year. If you live in a region where more than 60% of your days are rainy then you should probably pass on this system. However, if you live in an area where most of the days are sunny around 8 or more months of the year then you should definitely be considering a solar hot water system.

So What Are Your Choices When Choosing a Solar Water System?

This one is simple- active and passive hot water systems are your choices. Here is a comparison of the two:
•    Just as it sounds, passive sets up a passage from the solar energy to the source of the water. Passive uses the normal house plumbing and gravity to transfer the water between the hot water faucets and the solar collector. The passive system does not have any pumps to move the water along. When considering a solar water heater, a passive system is easier to set up and requires much lower maintenance. It is important to note that a passive system should probably not be used in cold climates. You can run the risk of freezing your pipes and having a real catastrophe.

•    An active hot water system assures that the hot water process is running at all times. This is an important feature if you live in a cold climate. There are two types of active systems, a direct or an indirect system. The direct system is based on a process of heating the water in a collector and then transferring heated water through the pipes with pumps. On the other hand, the indirect system uses a certain non toxic liquid that contains coolant that transfers heat to the water and then it is stored to be used for demand at a later time.

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So Do I Really Save if I Have a Solar Water Heater?

Well first it depends on the type of system you purchase, that is either an active or passive system. Because of this it is not possible to give an exact cost quote. But assume that an active solar water heater system had a net cost to you of $3600 after rebates. Using today’s dollars and calculated over a 20 year period, it is estimated that it generally will cost approximately $15 a month to cover the cost of the solar hot water system for a family of four. This is definitely much less than you would have to presently pay for a gas heat hot water system. The need to worry about the solar water heater system is minimal and the source, the sun, is free. If you were planning to only live in the home for a short period of time it would not be a wise investment obviously.

Can I Get A Little Help For a DIY Solar Water Heater Project?

Now that you have decided to move forward with your DIY solar water heater project it would be a great idea to get some valuable instruction. You don’t want to end up frustrated and lost for such a valuable project. You want a guide that is going to give you step by step installation procedures with diagrams. So do your homework and work with a guide book that you feel comfortable. It should be your partner when tackling this project. Good luck with your project and be proud of yourself for taking this on!