Only heat pumps are close to the cost savings of electric boosted solar hot water systems.
Cost of solar hot water heater system.
The higher the solar fraction the greater the solar contribution to water heating which reduces the energy required by the backup water heater.
Prices start at 3 000 and usually don t exceed 4 500.
Smaller passive solar water heater systems could cost around 3 000 while a larger active system could run you more than 10 000.
Solar hot water system purchase costs.
Solar power hot water systems range in price from about 3000 to 7000 fully installed.
Direct systems work best in areas that don t often see temperatures below freezing.
In general solar water heating systems specifically for swimming pools include with flat plate collectors.
However the potential energy savings and tax credits plus the peace of mind that comes from safeguarding your home from future gas or electricity price hikes.
They can be used in any climate and the fuel they use sunshine is free.
Since the storage area can hold much more heat and is equipped with an internal electric or gas backup the possibility of running out of hot water after several cloudy days is nonexistent.
Each type of solar water heating system works best in different environments.
Active solar heater systems.
Solar water heaters also called solar domestic hot water systems can be a cost effective way to generate hot water for your home.
For both solar and heat pump hot water systems the final cost can vary as it depends on the cost of the system installation rebates and the price of stcs at the time of purchase.
Typical solar factors are 0 5 0 75.
There are also kits that include controllers that can direct hot water to two separate systems like a storage tank and a hot tub.
They require solar collectors and a heat storage area.
Solar hot water systems have the greatest upfront costs anywhere from 2 000 to 7 000 after rebates depending on the system size and excluding any installation costs.
However some solar water heating systems are hybrid and offer both residential heating and pool heating.
Prices are usually upwards of 6 000.
Some solar hot water systems may also be unreliable on overcast days although most models will kick over to natural gas or electric back up heating if the water isn t hot.
The solar fraction varies from 0 to 1 0.
Solar water heaters cost more to install than other types of water heaters.
How to select the right solar water heater.
Solar water heating systems include storage tanks and solar collectors.
Don t choose a solar water heating system based solely on its energy efficiency.
Prices vary depending on the type of system.
An average household of three to five people will pay around 1100 per year for an electric hot water system or 183 for a gas boosted solar hot water heater.