Solar Water Heater Cost and Energy Efficiency

Did you know that solar water heaters are more energy efficient than electric or gas water heaters? Powered by the sun’s energy, solar water heaters reduce reliance on the national power grid, while being resistant to electricity price increases and power shortages. In fact, they’ll pump out high volumes of hot water whenever you need it. Let’s take a look at the details to see why solar water heaters may be right for your family.

Why a Solar Water Heater?

The beauty of solar water heaters is their use of dedicated rooftop solar collectors to draw environmentally-friendly, clean, free power from the sun to provide hot water for your family. Solar water heaters are virtually maintenance-free and Valley of the Sun residents can reap some of the greatest cost saving advantages because it’s sunny over 300 days of the year.

What’s Energy Efficiency?

Deciding if a solar water heater is right for your household is based on the solar energy factor (SEF) and solar fraction (SF). Without getting too complicated, the SEF is the amount of energy delivered by the solar water heater divided by the energy put into the system, whether it’s gas or electric. In short, the higher the number, the more energy efficient the solar water heater is. For solar fraction, the important figure to know is the higher the SF, the greater amount of solar energy being used to heat water for your home.

Solar water heating systems list both the SEF and SF efficiency numbers plus how much heat (kWh) the system will deliver daily depending on hours of sunlight and daytime temperatures.

What Are the Costs?

The other primary factor to consider when deciding to go with a solar water heater is cost. According to Energy.gov, on average installing a solar water heater will decrease your water heating bills by 50% to 80%. To help you in figuring out what solar water heater is right for you, you’ll need to know the amount of hot water you use, available financing, rebates, tax incentives, system size, installation, and maintenance costs. As your local solar system installation experts, we can help you sort out all of these numbers to determine the energy savings and how a solar water heater can be a great addition to a home solar system.

Call Cool Blew Solar

Our professionals are ready to help answer any questions and crunch the numbers for a solar powered water heater for your home. Call us today at 623-234-2836. Going solar can be a valuable clean energy solution that you’ll enjoy for many years to follow.

FAQ's

Is Solar Energy Expensive?

The size of your panel installation and the needs of your home will affect your costs. The average net cost of a 5.69kW system is $13,838 cash after 30% rebate (according to solar-estimate.org). An average-sized system can cost up to $35,000. Larger installations will require more hardware, planning and construction time. This can further increase costs. While solar panels are expensive, they have many distinct benefits. Cool Blew Electric & Solar’s experts can assess your situation and goals and recommend a cost-effective system to meet your needs.

How Much Can I Save By Installing Solar Panels?

An average-sized system (5 kilowatts) can reduce up to 50% of your monthly electricity bill. A 5.69kW system would offset 100% of your energy usage if your typical monthly bill is $138. Over a period of 20 years, these savings can add up to $30,000, based on your location and energy usage.

How Long Would It Take to Recoup My Solar Investment by Solar Energy Savings?

With a 5.69kW Solar system you would recoup your savings in 7 years and 2 months but with continuous Utility increases every year your Return and Investment will be much sooner.

What is a Solar Lease Program?

The Solar Lease Program has been one the most popular option that homeowners have chosen over the years. Solar Lease programs gives homeowners the opportunity to take advantage and put Solar on their homes and a guaranteed savings from their Utility for little to no money out of pocket. Most Leases are 20 year power guarantee from the solar provider and includes fixed monthly payments, no repair cost, fully insured and warrantied for the life of the system.

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