How would you like to have free hot water for the next 40 years?
About 15 percent to 20 percent of a typical household's energy outlay goes to make sure the "H" tap means what it says. If energy prices increase by 6 percent annually, the average family would save thousands of dollars over the coming decades by installing a solar water-heating system that supplies just 65 percent of their hot water.I mean "free" literally. Yes, you'll spend money up front to install the heating system, but your home equity will increase instantly, often enough to offset the cost of installation. You'll also pay reduced utility bills - saving more money every time rates rise. Within a few years, you'll recover the initial expense. Experts agree, a solar water heater is far and away the easiest initial investment in renewable energy. Perhaps best of all, you'll enjoy hot baths or showers with the satisfaction of knowing the energy comes directly from the sun.| Solar water heaters vary in their details, but they all do the same basic things: |
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They use relatively simple, time-tested technology, which is one
reason they are a best bet in renewable energy. Consider the
positive environmental benefits of a solar water heater, and the
deal just gets better. A typical residential solar water heater will
offset greenhouse gas emissions by about 1,500 pounds of
carbon dioxide (CO2) per year. That's equal to the amount of CO2 released by an average vehicle every 1,685 miles (based on 19.6
pounds of CO2 per gallon at 22 mpg).
reason they are a best bet in renewable energy. Consider the
positive environmental benefits of a solar water heater, and the
deal just gets better. A typical residential solar water heater will
offset greenhouse gas emissions by about 1,500 pounds of
carbon dioxide (CO2) per year. That's equal to the amount of CO2 released by an average vehicle every 1,685 miles (based on 19.6
pounds of CO2 per gallon at 22 mpg).