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08 October 2012

Advantages Of Solar Water Heaters As Compared To Conventional Ones

By Leslie Mitchell


Lately, there has been a tendency where people are beginning to turn towards the use of heaters of water that are not powered by the electric energy but powered by solar energy from the sun. The reason is that solar types of heating systems come with some advantages over the conventional ones. With rising environmental concerns over the need to cut carbon dioxide emissions, emphasis is shifting on how to harness the solar energy to power water heaters.

The use of electrical gadgets to heat water has been found to consume a lot of energy. A family that relies on the electrical machine to heat their water uses a lot more energy. This in turn increases the level of carbon dioxide emission in the atmosphere, something that is the chief environmental degrader today. If you thought automobiles lead in the emission of carbon dioxide, then you would better think again.

When tanks are to be heated solely by electrical means, there is a lot more pollution than when solar power is used instead. The total amount of carbon dioxide released to the atmosphere as a result of using electrical heating systems is almost to equal to that emitted by automobiles in the northern America. However, if 50% of households were to turn to solar for their heating needs, then the amounts of emission would be reduced at the same rate as when the fuel efficiency for vehicles were doubled.

It may look like a mirage to have half of the northern American populace change to solar power, but it is actually very possible to do so. Presently, there are more than 1.5million households in the US who have changed to solar. Also, 40% of the population can comfortably access enough solar energy to power their gadgets. These factors make it very possible for people to switch to more eco-friendly sources of energy.

Heating gadgets powered by solar have great economic benefits for their user. Although the installation costs are quite high, these heating gadgets will have paid for themselves after 4 to 8 years. Their lifespan is 15 to 40 calendar years. This means that for a very long time, you will be using free energy.

To reduce the cost of installation, the government in 2005, offered 30 percent tax credits to homeowners who chose to install solar powered systems. The offer however did not extend to those who installed water tubs and swimming pools. This way, the government was trying to encourage use of solar powered gadgets.

It is important to research adequately before installing solar driven gadgets. Homeowners are required by most municipalities to have permits before they can go ahead and install. Not abiding by the rules can be catastrophic.

If you are in Canada, you will need to look for a certified installer. The list of these installers is readily available from the Canadian Solar Industries Association. Solar water heaters have a lot of benefits especially in terms of economic benefits.




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