In the average home, water heating consumes a lot of energy. According to the U.S. Department of Energy [1], heating water consumes around 18% of the energy used in a typical home. By switching to a home solar water heating system, it is feasible to lower energy use and its costs.
A device like this uses solar energy to warm up stored water without using fossil fuels. Consequently, it saves money, a key benefit of solar heating systems. There is no fee from electrical utilities required because solar energy is free.
On the other hand, if you’re interested in learning more about its pros and cons, then keep reading as we include in this article all you need to know in terms of the benefits and drawbacks solar water systems could offer to your home or commercial property.
Solar Water Heaters - How they Work
Solar water heaters don’t utilize electricity from the grid to heat water, in contrast to conventional water heaters. Instead, these energy-efficient appliances employ specialized rooftop solar collectors to capture energy from the sun. Your home’s water is heated using the solar energy that has been collected.
Traditionally, solar water heaters have been very popular since they lower your electric bill and let you heat your water with green energy. Your home receives no more solar energy from solar collectors; they merely use it to heat your water directly.
People are now choosing electric heat pump water heaters connected to residential solar panel installations. While electric heat pumps can still work on solar electricity when linked with a home solar system, they do require grid energy to heat your water.
Solar water heating systems can meet most household hot water needs. For both household and commercial use, there are primarily two types of solar water heaters available for both household and commercial use: An active solar water heater, and a passive solar water heater.
Advantages of Having a Solar Water Heater in Orlando
1. Affordable
The solar panel should ideally harness the power of the sun. This implies that we owe the power grid nothing for the electricity we use. It is free and always available because it is a renewable energy source. All we have to do is figure out how to tweak our panel to maximize its performance during cloudy conditions. Get in touch with the top solar water heater suppliers for more information on how solar water heaters can function effectively throughout the year. Get in touch with the leading solar water heater suppliers.
2. Effective and Efficient
The efficiency that solar panels provide us with when it comes to heating water is one of the main reasons they outperform all other forms of energy. Efficiency in this context refers to the solar panel’s ability to convert about 80% of radiation into thermal energy without using external fuels.
3. Low-costs Installation
Comparatively, installing a solar panel will cost far less than installing a PV panel. Transferring the unused unit back to the power grid is an excellent method to gain incentives. They are a one-time investment that will pay off in the long run.
4. Take Up Less Space
We do not need to worry about if room for mounting a solar PV panel has been considered. If the space is insufficient, we can use a thermal panel.
5. Reduced Amount of Carbon Footprint
There is broad agreement that carbon emissions are a significant contributor to climate change and that it is happening. The water in your home is heated by a solar water heater using the sun’s renewable energy.
Using solar energy instead of conventional electric or gas water heaters will consume less fossil fuel or natural gas and release into the atmosphere. So, in addition to saving money on your gas or electricity bill, you’ll also be doing your part to protect the environment.
6. Requires Limited Maintenance
Solar water heaters don’t need a lot of maintenance. It merely requires little chores such as basic cleaning. It won’t wear out or break and won’t require ongoing maintenance because it has no moving parts. The solar water heater maker offers a 20–25-year warranty. However, these units typically last longer.
Disadvantages of a Solar Water Heater in Orlando
1. Maintenance Concern
Although most systems don’t require excellent care, maintenance is one drawback. However, scaling happens when there are suspended minerals in household water, which cause calcium deposits to form in the system. Scaling can be prevented by using water softeners or mildly acidic chemicals like vinegar. Depending on the water quality, it only needs to be done every three to five years.
2. Corrosion
Another issue is corrosion. Oxygen can rust any iron or steel component in open-loop hydronic solar systems. Plumbing parts composed of copper, brass, bronze, stainless steel, plastic, or rubber are more durable. Storage tanks should have a glass or plastic lining to prevent corrosion.
3. Overheating
Active systems may also overheat if the storage tank is too small for the collector. The usual rule is that there should be 1.5 gallons of storage for every square foot of collector. By keeping that in mind, a disadvantage like that can be avoided.
4. Limited Heating Hours
Heating can only be acquired during the daytime. It doesn’t follow that hot water won’t be accessible at night. Water heated throughout the day can be used at night by maintaining the temperature in an insulated storage tank, but without one, this may cause a problem without one.
5. Costs
Cost may also be a downside. Comparing solar water heating systems to other water heaters, they are frequently more expensive to buy and install. The long-term benefits result from lower water heating costs, which can be cut by up to 80%. Worrying about price increases, fuel shortages, or other problems with utility-based heating is also unimportant.
How To Choose the Best Solar Water Heater for Your Orlando Property
Different conditions suit some solar water heating systems more than others.
1. Natural systems perform best in regions without many periods of below-freezing weather. Natural active systems are more resistant to freezing damage in colder areas.
2. Do you want your solar heating system to serve two purposes? Purchase a method for indirect circulation. The heating fluid can be redirected between heating your home’s water supply and heating your pool or spa.
3. Families who use more hot water throughout the daytime reap the benefits of integrated passive systems. Family members won’t have to worry about running out of hot water for morning showers because of the production of numerous little batches of warmed water.
4. Possess a more extensive roof than the ground area? Your roof can accommodate a thermosyphon solar water heater, giving you extra room.
5. Make sure your roof can sustain the weight of a hefty water tank because integral collector storage systems can weigh over 400 pounds.
You should also consider your budget, how much hot water you use daily, and how much sunlight your property receives before concluding a final decision.
Average Cost of Solar Water Heaters in Florida
According to the 2022 Home Guide [2], the average cost of solar water heaters depends on the system and the tank’s size, kind, and location. Typically, installing a solar water heater might cost between $3,000 and $9,000. A solar hot water system costs $1,500 to $6,600 after tax credits and subsidies, which is 26% to 50% less. Meanwhile, it is estimated that solar-powered water heaters last 20 years and save energy expenses by 50% to 80%.
Factors to Consider in Installing a Solar Water Heater
Before purchasing a solar water heater for your property, there are several factors you need to keep in mind before making a decision, which are the following:
- Estimate the price and power consumption of a solar water heating system.
- Analyze the solar potential of your location.
- Identify the appropriate system size.
- Look into any local ordinances, restrictions, and guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Solar Water Heaters
What is the lifespan of a solar water heating?
ENERGY STARS [3] stated that the average lifespan of approved solar water heating systems is 20 years compared to ordinary gas or electric storage water heaters.
How do I maintain my solar water heater?
Every three to five years, solar water heaters require maintenance. As leakage is relatively common in these places, check for any type of leaking in the pipes, tank, panels, etc. You should also look for frayed wires and wire connections. Be cautious about keeping the panels clear of dust.
How do I protect my active solar water when I’m not using it?
You must provide your solar collectors with overheating protection to maintain your solar water heating system operational over the long term. Covering your panels or collectors is the simplest method to accomplish this. Cover any accessible flat plate panels in your system with plywood if they exist.
Do solar water heaters work on rainy days?
Hot water can still be produced during the monsoon, even on cloudy days, since the heater uses dispersed radiation from the environment. You will most definitely receive warm water, at the very least. Additionally, you can store a backup at home that will provide hot water on days when it rains.
Are solar water heaters good for health?
The water you use from a solar water heater is safe for consumption as far as sunrays are concerned. The sun’s UV light can harm our DNA and result in cancer, among other health issues.
Conclusion
A solar water heating system has many benefits, and its drawbacks can be avoided by having it professionally installed. To determine whether the roof can sustain the panels, installers can inspect it. They can also examine the shading and other elements that could affect effectiveness.
Professional installers can also assist you in maximizing the system’s potential. They could also increase roof space so that photovoltaic systems and water heating elements can be incorporated, in addition to an ideal layout. These can provide additional heating capacity with their electricity. In actuality, mixing several panel types results in high energy efficiency.
Solar water heaters are dependable and efficient but have certain drawbacks. Homeowners may maximize their use, minimize some flaws, and enjoy all the benefits that the right system and size can provide by adequately planning and installing them.
Additionally, with the help of Everything Solar, you may enjoy the benefits your solar water heater offers if you’re interested in having one installed for your property. All you need to do is contact us immediately today, and we’d be more than glad to help and answer all your inquiries!