Solar hot water systems are becoming a popular method for homeowners to harness the sun’s energy for use inside their homes. They are environmentally friendly and offer a clean energy option for your home’s hot water needs. Every home system has its advantages and disadvantages, so below we’ll take a look at those for solar hot water systems.
Advantages of solar hot water systems include:
- They generate free energy for use to heat water.
- They allow you to use a renewable energy source: the Sun.
- They are very cost effective in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
- Many incentives are available for homeowners who wish to install solar hot water systems.
- The payback period for the system is pretty low, at only about 5 years.
- The systems have low maintenance needs and costs.
- Lease options for solar hot water systems may be available to decrease installation costs.
Disadvantages of solar hot water systems include:
- The cost of installation is more than a conventional water heater.
- Some electricity or gas will be needed to fuel a backup system during winter months.
- The payback period isn’t definite, it varies based on conditions in your area and the system’s exposure to sunlight.
- They offer a relatively low efficiency of the passive solar water heating systems available.
- They will need protection to prevent freezing as well as overheating.