Login to admin area to modify this. |
Many folks love the idea of soaking in a hot bath – especially one with lots of bubbles! These days, however, the cost of that hot bubble bath is rising higher and higher because of the increasing cost of energy to heat the water. A solar hot water system can provide comfort, savings and help save the planet.
It's true. solar hot water is proving to be one of the easiest and most economical ways to reduce a home's "carbon footprint" at the same time it retains modern convenience and helps cut the family's electric bill. Here's how the concept works:
A conventional hot water heater, powered by electricity or gas, takes some 35 to 40 percent of a home's average energy expense. That means that a homeowner with an average annual power bill around $1,500 is spending nearly $600 of that bill solely to heat water for cooking and cleaning. Makes you stop and think about turning on that hot faucet, doesn't?
What's more, the electricity often used to create hot water comes from generating plants fueled by oil or coal. These fuels produce carbon dioxide when burned, and this "greenhouse gas" vents into the earth's atmosphere. CO2 emissions from automobiles, airplanes, trains and power generating plants are seriously affecting the earth's atmosphere, allowing more harmful radiation to be trapped and causing measurable changes in the earth's climate.
Contrast the current water heater with a solar hot water system. In a solar system, panels known as collectors gather in the light and ultraviolet radiation from sunshine and convert it into heat. The panels, made of darkened materials, are covered with glass, which acts like a mini-greenhouse. In other words, a solar hot water system uses a kind of mini-greenhouse to counteract the big greenhouse effect that's harming the plant.
The heat that results from the trapped radiation is transferred via wiring to the tank where the water is stored, keeping hot water constantly available in the home. During periods of cloudy weather when sunlight isn't seen, ultraviolet radiation is still collected by the solar panels. If the weather turns cold or rainy, a solar hot water system can be augmented by a gas or electric booster to maintain hot water. Even though a solar hot water system is most effective in the sunniest parts of the world, even a building in more northern climates can still benefit from it a good portion of the year.
The benefits of using solar hot water are becoming clearer every day. A Solar hot water system is good for the earth's environment because it can save 3 to 5 tonnes annually on a home's carbon dioxide emissions. A solar hot water system can reduce a household's overall electricity bill by as much as 40 percent on average every year, as well as receive energy tax rebates for installation. Finally, a solar hot water system allows a household to maintain the comfort and health benefits of hot water with a good conscience, by using renewable energy to power their hot water system.
Whichever way you look at it, a solar hot water system can be a real boon to both the planet and a homeowner's pocketbook!
Article Source: http://www.articlebillboard.com/