19 February 2014

How to choose a solar hot water system

The solar hot water system becomes increasingly popular. It is a part of the “green living” (or eco-friendly living) idea. Using such a system is a very good investment, when you are careful. There are some things you should think about, before buying the system:

 - Make some analysis – research the potential companies-providers of such systems. Remember that the price is higher than the price of the gas or electric water heater. But it saves lots of energy – it’s proven that you will reduce your costs with 50 to 80 %. Sun is something completely free so you will not feel the bad influence of the inflation, for example;

- Size – the suitable size of the system could cover the household needs of hot water. For a family of two members it is enough for the system to be 1.2 sq. m. And for every other member you could add 30 sq. m (this is a kind of rule);

- Calculate energy efficiency – there is a coefficient “solar energy factor” (SEF). It is used for comparing the energy of the solar hot water system with the energy of the electric water heater. If the number is bigger it means the sun energy is more effective;

- Solar resources - Because solar radiation is the energy that the system needs you should find out how much radiation there is in your area. But actually the different types of models solar collectors can work even if it is too cloudy;

- Total costs for a year – this is something really important. Before installing a solar hot water system you should think seriously – is it good for you (and your finances) to use the so-called “green technologies”. We could say that it could be a really good decision. Compare your annual operating costs from the conventional boilers with the potential annual costs for the solar system. Think about how much the time for return on investment will be. So you will see whether it is profitable to invest your money in solar collectors or not.

Of course, to live “green” is a choice. Not everybody makes this choice. But it’s not just a lifestyle, it is something that really could help the planet Earth. As far as we know this, we could make the right choice. And that could even change your life and your future.

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