Solar hot water systems prices are usually much more affordable than photovoltaic systems. The retail prices of some of the most efficient solar hot water systems can cost you several thousand dollars. But keep in mind, these are retail prices for the most efficient systems.
To heat water with solar energy, you don’t need expensive equipment. Unlike creating electricity with solar energy, heating water with solar energy is simple and does not need costly materials. If you leave a garden hose out in the sun, you have probably noticed that the water inside can get very hot. This example alone should convince you that you don’t need to pay high retail solar hot water system prices to heat water with solar energy.
The more expensive solar hot water systems may be more efficient, but since solar energy is free, a less efficient but much cheaper solar energy system may be a better choice. You can build your own solar water heater with common materials for less than $100 that will work almost as well as the ones that cost thousands. With a home made system the payoff can be a few months instead of years.
Heating water with solar energy is one of the most economical sources of energy for your home. Heating water is one of the biggest energy users in an average home and can be slashed greatly or even eliminated without much of an initial investment. The roofs of most buildings receive an enormous amount of free energy every day that could be put to use. Instead of using this energy, most consumers instead choose to use energy that they have to pay money for.
With home made solar hot water systems prices being so low, you can create a system with more than enough capacity to supply your traditional home hot water needs. The excess hot water you produce can be used for many other things. You can use it to heat a pool or a hot tub or even to heat your home or a greenhouse. Try watering your yard, garden and other plants with warm water instead of shocking them with cold tap water and see what kind of results you get.
Even if you do buy the higher priced systems, the investment is usually well worth it in the long term. After a the few years that it takes to pay for the system, the money you save is all cash in your pocket.
