Solar Water Panel Systems

Solar water heating systems are also healthy for the environment, as they avoid the detrimental greenhouse gas emissions accompanying electricity production. During a 20-year period, one solar water heater can prevent more than 50 tons of co2 emissions. A $3-$6K investment will last longer than 25-30 years and can pay for itself within 5 years.

Furthermore, many state and local government authorities are actively offering rebates and tax incentives for those who decide to implement solar water heaters in their houses. The long run advantages will also show themselves as your decreased dependence on oil and other fossil fuels keeps your expenses the same or lower than other homeowners with conventional hot water heaters. You may also feel good about the truth that your solar water heating system is not harming the environment with gases and exhaust from the burning of fuel.

There are a number of systems with well made flat plate collectors. The actual systems may be used to preheat water prior to visiting your current storage tank, or you can opt for only one solar storage container. Water storage tanks in solar water heating systems are usually bigger and better protected than your typical home warm water container, and usually they have four ports rather than two on the tank.

You will want to have a minimum of 80 gallons of storage for a 1-3 person home or 120 gallon tank for a 4-6 person house. Sizing collectors is simple too: allow about 20 square feet of collector space for each of the first couple of family members and 8 square feet for each member of the family should you reside in the Sun Belt. If you reside in the northern US, allow 12 to 14 additional square feet per person. Flat plate collectors are around 3'x 7' up to 4' x 10' and may weigh between 100 and 150 lbs each.