Solar Water Heaters
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Solar Water Heaters and Solar Hot Water Systems
Have you ever turned on a garden hose that was laying out in the sun and noticed how warm or hot the water can be when it first comes out? This is how simple solar water heaters can be. You can build your own home solar water heater system for less than $100.
Heating water is one of the biggest, if not the biggest energy consumers in a traditional home. It also happens to be one of the most simple and efficient ways to use solar energy. With heating water the sun’s energy is directly transferred to the water directly producing a finished product, hot water.
With photovoltaic panels the sun’s energy is converted to electricity and that may have to be stored and then converted to another form of energy that we want such as light or motion from motor. This is a more complex system which is less efficient and requires more expensive components.
With solar water heaters we are talking about equipment as simple as putting water out in the sun in a simple heat absorbing container. A container with a clear top to allow the sun’s energy to pass through and a black bottom to absorb the energy is all you need to efficiently heat water.
There are of course many products that make heating water more convenient but most on them work on the same principal. Since solar water heaters are so simple they can be inexpensive, easy to use and maintain.
Many forms of solar water heaters you can build yourself. For example my cousin built a solar water heater for his swimming pool with some inexpensive PVC pipe and the pool’s existing filter pump. For a one time cost that was probably less than $50 his family now enjoys a swimming pool that is 90 degrees year after year.
If the cost of solar energy has been stopping you from going solar, you can’t use that excuse any more when it comes to heating water.
You can instantly convert your showers to solar power for less than $20 with a solar water shower.
Build your own home solar water heater for less than $100.
Build an inexpensive homemade pool solar heater.
