How Much Are Solar Hot Water Panels

Over 30 of the average american family s electric bill goes directly to heating hot water.

How much are solar hot water panels. How solar thermal power can work at community scale. You can add solar thermal panels to most existing hot water systems. For both solar and heat pump hot water systems the final cost can vary as it depends on the cost of the system installation rebates and the price of stcs at the time of purchase. However since you can t always count on the sun to shine most solar hot water systems come with electric or gas boosters to ensure your home has enough hot water.

Costs and prices in this article are indicative and should only be used as a guide. A second option to explore is the use of a dedicated solar thermal hot water heating system coupled with a heat pump to make the most cost effective option on the market. Solar hot water systems capture thermal energy from the sun and use it to heat water for your home. Knowing how much solar thermal output a particular water heating system will require is an important part of sizing a solar water panel.

Collectors a storage tank a heat exchanger a controller system and a backup heater. On many solar hot water systems customers report that their hot water heating bills have been reduced by as much as 80. This means that a solar water heating system can immediately reduce your bills and will continue to do so for decades to come. Solar power hot water systems range in price from about 3000 to 7000 fully installed.

Some also have a drainback system to drain water from inside the solar panel when the pump is switched off. How to select the right solar water heater. What you need to know about solar thermal panel installation a solar water heating system involves pipe work a thermostat and a hot water cylinder. Solar hot water systems are capable of providing anywhere from 40 to 90 per cent of your home s hot water needs and are particularly effective in warm climates.

Solar hot water systems can last 20 years or longer so you will be saving money in the long run and won t have to replace your system because conventional systems only last 10 to 15 years. Experiments in district heating by john lorinc the new york times march 3 2009. How much you spend on a solar hot water heater depends on what kind of system and what size system you get. A major study of solar hot water systems finds they re very effective in the uk but don t save much money each year compared to the high initial cost of installation.

One solar panel would be enough to power a traditional storage hot water heater throughout a day as this is the most inefficient appliance used in most homes.