solar hot water systems

solar hot water systems

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Using the sun to heat domestic hot water is the most practical application of solar energy at this time. While vast improvements to design and a reduction in the cost of photovoltaic cells are making other solar systems very practical as well, heating water for your home is the easiest and least expensive way to get involved in a solar energy solution for your home. By learning the relatively easy method of building your own solar water heater, you can make this expense unbelievably minimal and learn a lot about the application of these systems at the same time.

You might think that it would be extremely difficult to build a solar water heater, but it is not at all. All you need are the right instructions by your side and a little time and money. And by a little money, that is exactly what I mean. Many people are astonished by the small initial outlay that is required when you are prepared to build your own solar water heater. In these times of increasing environmental pollution and rising energy bills, it makes more sense than ever before to become a part of the solution to the global energy crisis and take responsibility for at least a part of your energy needs.

A solar hot water system will generally have a life expectancy of at least 20 years, and often it is much more than this if good quality parts are used in construction. By making a small investment in a good quality instruction manual, you can easily find out where to source the parts you will need when you start to build a solar water heater. The sun is the perfect water heater, and it make no sense how few people are using it to help decrease their energy bills and help out the planet. While creating electricity is also a very do-able project, heating water is even easier and is a great first step for those interested in DIY energy projects.

Even for those people who are dedicated to building or buying a dedicated solar electricity system for their homes, constructing a solar heating system makes perfect sense as a first step. If you can heat your water with the power of the sun, you will have less need for a large and cumbersome electrical system and can get the size and scale of your photovoltaic panels right from the very beginning. There is a fantastic ratio of savings for the initial money spent on a solar heating system, and for only a few hundred dollars on materials and a little on professional instructions you can be enjoying the benefits of solar hot water for years to come.

David Rydd is a professional writer and blogger who is passionate about green issues and DIY technology. Please visit this blog - Make Your Own Energy to learn how to get started on the path to generating your own electricity.

Greg Pahl explains his Solar Domestic Hot Water System