from Erin in Eau Claire, WI:
#159
I am replacing my hot water tank. With energy costs so high, is a solar hot water system a cost-effective option?
This depends on the type of water heater you have in your home.
An investment in a solar hot water system is a great way to hedge against rising energy costs, gain energy independence and protect our environment. Your number one priority is to invest in a high efficiency water heater. Solar hot water systems don’t replace conventional water heaters, instead they work in tandem with them by preheating well or city water before it passes into your water heater. It is in this way that a solar hot water system can reduce the amount of energy your efficient water heater consumes by 50 percent to 70 percent!
Every home is unique so Focus on Energy recommends a solar site assessment to learn how a solar hot water system can help power you into the future!