Chunterer > Family Home and Garden > Energy > Solar

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Solar Power Heater Can Vastly Cut Utility Costs

One of the most energy-hungry devices in a home is the heating system, for the entire home or for hot water and installing a solar power heater can help reduce electric or gas costs, while helping the environment. The number of photovoltaic cells required to supply electricity to heat an entire home and hot water may make it economically prohibitive, but a thermal solar power heater can accomplish nearly the same result without such a high initial investment.

People living in remote areas away from the power grid and gas lines may have only a few options for heat such as fuel oil, liquid propane or a generator. Solar power panels, becoming more efficient and less expensive may be a viable alternative for supplying more than light. A passive solar power heater relies on the gravity of the heated air to force it into colder areas to provide heat, but may be inefficient for larger rooms.

Hot water can be heated using solar power without electricity due the design of the tank. Inside the tank coils of metal or plastic tubing allows water heated from a solar power heater sitting in the sun to run through the inside of the tank and heat the water. Some of these heaters have a small pump that moves water when it reaches a set temperature to provide a continuous supply of heated water in the home. On average, it is estimated that a family can reduce its electric hot water heater costs between 50 and 80 percent.

Solar Systems Available For Whole House Use

Depending on the size of the home, a complete system to provide electricity to the house can be installed. While electric heaters and hot water tanks require a significant amount of the power to operate, an efficient solar power heater can be installed to heat the entire house. Hot water tanks are also available to be heated by electricity, provided the system is large enough. However, the initial cost of the system may be out of reach for many homeowners wanting to disconnect from the grid.

Many people install a solar system while maintaining their connection to the power grid. Additionally, some communities require a backup method of heating hot water in addition to a solar power heater to be certain hot water is available. Some areas also require the power company to buy electric power from homeowners with a solar power system if it produces more power than the home uses.

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