Discover today everything there is to know about the solar water heater and its advantages and disadvantages, as well as its average purchase price.
When the preservation of resources solar water heater is a priority and the best consumption in the spotlight, solar energy tends to develop gradually. Thus, it was able to win first businesses and then individuals and today allow hot water production.
So, choosing a solar water heater is:
- Opt for a green energy source,
- Offer yourself significant savings daily and gain energy independence,
- Have a reduced carbon impact,
- Choose a device with simple maintenance: cleaning the solar panels and regular check of the pump or the heat exchanger system,
- To be eligible for state aid for its installation: Energy Saving Certificates
Note that, despite preconceived ideas, the average recycling rate of a photovoltaic solar panel is 94.7% knowing that it still has an average lifespan of 40 years.
WHY HESITATE TO ADOPT A SOLAR WATER HEATER?
Although it has many advantages, a solar water heater brings together various disadvantages to be taken into consideration before any purchase.
Thus, although some solar water heaters can provide up to 75% of the energy solar water heater for domestic hot water production, it is rare to reach this percentage if you do not live in a very sunny region. The solar water heater is thus always coupled to a conventional energy source to compensate for an unexpected or foreseeable lack of sunlight.
In addition, because of its operation, a solar water heater does not heat at night since there is no solar energy. The hot water tank must benefit from reinforced thermal insulation to conserve the heat produced. You can get the best solar water heater from Hydrosolar.ca
Finally, this is ultimately a point that brings together the previously mentioned elements: installing (purchase of equipment and structure) of a solar water heater is expensive. It will take you, on average, five years to pay off your investment.
CHOOSING A SOLAR WATER HEATER: CONCRETELY
KEY SELECTION CRITERIA
As we discussed in How to choose the right water heater: tips and expert advice, there are some things to consider before starting your research. Thus, you will have to take into account:
Your needs, to be assessed according to the number of draw-off points and the number of inhabitants of the household;
THE ENERGY SOURCE (HERE SOLAR COUPLED TO ANOTHER SOURCE);
Location: for solar water heaters, there are four types of models; however, if you are not domiciled in a highly sunny region such as Portugal, the Mediterranean rim or Africa, only three models will be suitable, namely:
Indirect thermosyphon, comprising a liquid that does not fear freezing: the balloon must be located high up and close to and therefore in your attic;
Forced circulation: the balloon is located indoors
Self-draining: the domestic hot water tank will then be found at a lower level compared to the solar panels;
THE BRAND AND THE DISTRIBUTOR ARE DIRECTLY LINKED TO YOUR BUDGET;
The installation itself: it is strongly recommended that you call in a professional with all the required qualifications, particularly the RGE certification. Only a building by an RGE certified company will allow you to claim state aid for the energy transition).
Although for other products, the installation can be carried out by you, it is recommended to have it carried out by a professional in the case of a water heater (and whatever it is the source of energy). Indeed, although it represents an additional cost, it allows you to benefit from an installation guarantee and possibly even a maintenance fee. The use of your water heater will thus be completely secure, and in the event of problems, you can call your installer directly.
Financial advantages
The solar water heater allows you to gain independence, energy and economics.
You are no longer dependent on the electricity grid for hot water, and therefore you are not subject to increases in the price of electrical energy.
- You will reduce your hot water bill by up to 75%, and your electricity bill will be much less.
- The price of the solar water heater is therefore generally amortized relatively quickly.