Many people are choosing more energy-efficient ways to get energy. Using solar panels to heat your home and even as your primary source of electricity has become more popular as new houses are being built to fit modern, more eco-friendly times. Water heaters are no different. Solar water heaters are now being installed as an alternative to the traditional water heater to not only save money, but as a more eco-friendly way to heat your water.

Water heaters that use solar energy pull from the sun’s energy to heat the water. The cost of a solar heater is quite expensive although, you can save thousands of rands in electricity costs as you no longer need to use your homes power to heat your water. One of the downfalls of these heaters is that they are no longer supported by current tax credits. They have become more reliable, more efficient than traditional water heaters, and are less expensive. Living in a climate that is mild and has the capability of heating water for the entire home one can have one of these heaters installed for between R12000 and R22000. This makes solar heaters extremely competitive compared to traditional gas and electric heaters. Solar water heating systems typically have an average annual operating cost of R500 to R1000. An electric or gas water heater can cost over R12000 a year to operate.

Solar water heaters work by acting as a pre-heater for a standard storage water heater or on-demand water heaters. These heaters work extremely well with on-demand heaters that have temperature adjustability. Since solar systems preheat the water in the tank, that extra boost required for on-demand heaters to work is much lower. Homes that use these heaters tend to save a lot of money every month and get a higher flow rate.

If you have been thinking about installing a solar heater and a south-sloping roof, you are at a higher advantage than most people. This makes installing the heater easier and it will run more efficiently. Most families who live in colder climates use solar power as a three season system and will then use a traditional gas or electric water heater during the colder winter months. Before having the heating system installed, do your research to look for highly qualified installation companies and a dealer that both design and size your backup system. Make sure you ask to see certifications to install and maintain solar heaters and ask for testimonials and reviews from previous customers.

One thing to keep in mind is that with any water heater, their life span is only about 10 to 15 years. This is also true for solar water heaters. What you will save a year in energy costs could potentially pay for a new solar heater and you will feel more at ease knowing that you using an eco-friendly method to heating your water.