Is a Solar Hot Water System Right For You?
Before you commit to solar hot water installation, take the time to consider whether it is the best choice for your home. For some households, a solar hot water system can reduce energy bills, decrease environmental impact, and provide a reliable supply of hot water. Find out if your home is a good candidate for this type of hot water system.
1. Do You Have a Suitable Roof?
The ideal place to install collectors for a solar hot water system is on a pitched north-facing roof. This type of roof gets the highest intensity of sunlight. If your roof faces west or east, a solar hot water system still might be the right choice for you. A south-facing roof receives less sunlight and is therefore a less-than-ideal installation site.
2. Are There Trees Overhanging Your Roof?
Overhanging trees can be a problem for solar hot water systems. As well as casting shadows over the solar collectors, trees can also drop leaves, seeds, and other debris onto solar collectors, reducing their efficiency. Before you go ahead with solar hot water installation, hire a tree surgeon to trim back your trees so you can be sure they will not interfere with the solar collectors. You might need to repeat this process every few years as the trees grow back.
3. What Is the Local Climate Like?
It is a myth that you can't use solar hot water systems in locations where winter temperatures drop below freezing. Antifreeze in the solar collector fluid can prevent it from freezing even at very cold temperatures. Cloud cover is a much more important factor than temperature when it comes to assessing the suitability of a site for installation of a solar hot water system. If your local climate is cool but bright, solar water heating could be a great option for you and your family.
4. Can You Afford the Upfront Cost?
Solar hot water installation can be pricey, although many companies offer payment plans that allow you to spread the cost over several months or even years. In the long term, you are likely to save money as a result of lower bills. Contact a local hot water installation service today to find out how much solar hot water installation is likely to cost for your home. Prices can vary widely based on the ease of accessing your roof and the suitability of the site for installing solar collectors.
To learn more about your options, contact a hot water system installation contractor.