Many people in the U.S. can produce more than half their domestic hot water needs with a solar hot-water system. In Arizona and other southern regions of the US this can be more than 80% savings. Solar hot-water systems can be either active or passive. Most solar hot-water systems use a pump to move fluid through one or two collectors. Thermosiphon systems, suitable for simple domestic hot water systems in frost-free climates, rely on natural convection to move water.
A solar hot-water system is cheaper than a solar space heating system but still costs considerably more than a than conventional water heater, typically between $6,000 and $9,000. Homeowners should budget for regular maintenance, including periodic checks on the pH of the system’s glycol solution.
An electric resistance or gas water heater should never be used as the only tank in a solar hot-water system. In a solar storage tank, water stratifies by temperature; cool water from the bottom of the tank is pulled up to the collectors to be heated and is returned to the top of the tank. The colder the incoming water, the higher the solar collector’s efficiency. In a single tank system, the electric element or gas flame keeps the stored water hot, leaving no cold water available to send to the solar collectors.
In most cases, credits or rebates can defray some of the cost of installing a solar water heater and are available from local utilities or state and federal governments. Solar systems offer stability and predictability when it comes to energy costs and supply. That’s not something that any system running on fossil fuels can match.
Please contact us for additional information.
Jim Holt is a Builder and Construction Consultant by trade. To find additional information on Jim and his company, Erus Builders, please view his blog http://jimiholt.com/blog and the company website http://erusbuilders.com We are here to offer free assistance with building and construction related issues. Our background covers all aspects of commercial and residential construction to include: home improvement, new custom homes, commercial building, land development, remodels, additions, updating, tenant improvement, building maintenance, condo, apartment, hospitality, medical, industrial, site work and utilities, and more. You can find additional free information and videos from Jim by searching for him on the web.
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Solar Panels Are A Great Way To Go Green
“Going Green” is a buzzword of the decade. The phrase could refer to anything from recycling to carpooling to work. The only requirement is that the efforts better the environment. A focus of those involved with the green movement is to find energy sources that don’t harm the environment and are naturally found in the earth. What is more natural than the sun? Solar energy is an easy, inexpensive way to generate power for homes. Many people have found they can create their own solar powered system at home with solar panel kits.
As with anything, the solar panel kits have drawn some criticism. However, people who have used the kits have reported success. Some of the advantages include:
• The materials can be purchased for as little as $200. This is a small price to pay to do something good for the environment. You can find the materials at any hardware store.
• You can see results in your utility bills from the first month. Even if you just use one panel to power a laptop or appliance, you may see a drop of a couple of dollars—which can add over the course of a few months. If you add several panels, you will see bigger savings—enough to quickly cover the $200 you paid for the materials.
• The panels are environmentally and physically safe. The solar cells simply convert the sun’s energy into power. Electricity can shock us and injure. Gas can cause fires and death if there is a leak.
• You can use the panels to help with new home or building construction. What could be cheaper than having a home that is totally depending on solar power? Include a solar energy plan when heating your new home for lifetime utility savings.
• Do you have an RV? You can stop lugging those bulky generators and install solar panels on your motor home. Stay warm when camping in the chilly fall months. Use solar panels to power stoves to create great outdoor meals.
Creating the solar panels is a great weekend project for the entire family. Get everyone involved as part of a lesson on “going green.” Solar panel kits contain detailed steps that anyone can follow. The kits cost about $50. Add that to the $200 materials cost and you have an inexpensive way to save money on your utility bills for the rest of your life.
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Gary Miller is owner of www.energygreat.com, a site that reviews the best kits to create solar and wind power for homes. Miller has 8 years of experience as a testing engineer and has worked in information technology for 32 years. He resides with his family in Kansas City.
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Sam Nichols started to generate his own solar power for his home in Montana back in 2001. He was given some blueprints from a friend that didn't understand it. Sam used this as his basis for creating and expanding on ways to create your own solar power. 
