How Solar Water Heating Can Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Solar water heating is the free and natural way to have hot water in the home. Whenever the sun shines it shines on the solar panels or collectors that are fitted to the roof. There are two types of solar water heating panels, evacuated tubes and flat plate collectors. They collect heat and use it to heat the water stored in a hot water cylinder. The cylinder has a thermostat that should be set at 60 degrees centigrade. When the sunlight fails to heat the water to that temperature a boiler or immersion heater can be used as a back-up.

Many people today are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint. Solar water heating is one of the best and most effective ways to do this because it does not pollute. It is a renewable heating system that reduces carbon dioxide emissions. It does not emit carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides that fossil fuels create when they are burned to produce heat energy. Solar water heating is also a long term investment into a cleaner future. One heater used over 20 years avoids more than 50 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.

The economical benefits to solar water heating include a huge reduction in energy costs for hot water. Studies show that in an average household that has an electric water 25% of the energy costs go to heating water. After the initial installation, payment would only be for the times during the year when the back-up needs to be used as well as regular maintenance. Sunlight is free and will keep the water hot all year round. The initial investment is higher than an electric water heater, but the savings, over time, in cost and environmental pollution are great.

There are different types of solar water heating products from which to choose. Some use electricity from the mains in their pumps and solar panel controls; others use solar energy electricity to power the pumps. Even the ones that use some electricity from the mains still greatly reduce carbon emissions. Also, carbon emissions and energy bills are reduced if solar hot water panels only heat the water partially. It means the electricity or boiler will have to do less work and turn off sooner. Before deciding which is the right one to chose, each situation has to be evaluated. Free quotes and surveys are available from solar water heating companies.