Sustainable Plumbing: Top 3 Reasons To Get a Solar Hot Water System

Water heating is the second largest segment of the household energy consumption after space heating and cooling. According to the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency (DCCEE), it accounts to more than 20 per cent of the household energy use in Australia.

So, what does this mean to you? Well, if you choose the best hot water system (HWS) for your needs, chances are, you’re water heating bill will be significantly reduced. And that’s just one of the major reasons you should invest in a solar HWS. In this article, we will be discussing the benefits of a solar HWS that you can take advantage of.

Save Money on Your Water Heating Bill

 
Although a solar HWS would cost more than a conventional water heater, it can provide up to 90 per cent of your hot water for FREE! But the amount of savings actually depends on the climate where you live in. Solar HWSs work best in places with good solar radiation.

If you live in a place where the sun doesn’t shine that much, your energy savings is expected to be lower. But that’s not something you should get worried of. Solar HWS with evacuated tube solar collectors are more efficient in providing you with hot water even in cooler months or cloudy days.

To help you choose the most cost-effective HWS for your needs, it is highly recommended that you should seek expert advice.

Very Short Payback Period

 
The extra upfront cost for buying and installing a solar HWS is expected to be recovered between 4 to 8 years after the purchase, depending on type of the system, the local climate, the energy tariff and the amount of hot water you use.

Also, solar HWSs last longer than conventional units adding more value to your home. On average, the life expectancy of a solar HWS is about 20 years while a conventional water heater will last only up to 10 years.

Solar is a Renewable Energy Source

Solar energy has been considered as the cleanest and most abundant renewable energy source. Renewable energy means energy that can be obtained from natural resources which are naturally replenished. And what’s the best part about solar energy? It’s FREE!

Solar power doesn’t only provide you with free energy, it also offers environmental benefits. Installing a hot water system at home can reduce your hot-water carbon footprint significantly.

Conventional electric water heaters have the highest carbon footprint since electricity is generated by burning coal or fossil fuel. A family of four is estimated to produce 8 tons of carbon dioxide emissions every year with a conventional electric water heater. Whereas a solar HWS can only produce less than a ton of greenhouse gas emissions depending on the type of booster or backup system being used.

To sum things up, a solar HWS is a great choice not only for environmentally conscious consumers but for ordinary household owners as well. With up to 90 per cent energy savings, the extra costs are worth it!

About the Author:

Katie Jones is the blog editor of https://www.drdripplumbing.com.au/ With more than 10 years of experience in the home improvement industry, she is passionate about helping people in making the best home improvement projects.