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Solar Water Heater Benefits

Reshu Mehrotra
Solar water heaters not only serve as a cost-effective technology but also as a clean energy alternative. Nowadays, even the government is encouraging the usage of these water heaters in homes by giving incentives or tax credits.
The concept of 'Go Green' has now gained popularity around the world. As the non-renewable energy sources are dwindling, the world is making a definite transition from non-renewable to renewable energy. Among many forms of renewable energy available, the solar energy has been significantly used since a long time.
Solar energy is the cleanest form of energy which is freely available. Among its wide usage for purposes such as cooking, cooling, heating, and lighting; the most popular use is for heating water for domestic, commercial and industrial purposes.
As per the latest statistics available on solar equipment installations, China has a considerable share of 80% where the installation cost is much lower when compared to that of Western countries. Other countries account for a much lower share of 20%.

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Some of the benefits of using solar water heaters are explained in greater detail in the next section.

Reduction in Pollution

It is estimated that households alone contribute around 50% of carbon dioxide emissions while using conventional forms for heating. More usage of conventional water heaters does not only end up emitting poisonous gases like nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide but also destroys the non-renewable energy which could be used for a better purpose.
Using solar water heater is the most environment friendly way to conserve dwindling non-renewable energy sources. One of the main benefits of solar heaters over gas or electric heaters is the fact that they are cost-efficient and do not rely on availability of electricity.

Low Utility Bills

According to Energy-Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, water heating is considered the most costly bill in America. Therefore, investing in a solar water heater is a sensible approach for a better future. Using solar water heaters enables one to save a fairly convincing amount per year which would be wasted by using conventional water heaters alone.
Since the cost of electricity is increasing tremendously, the best option is to utilize this cheaper resource. Some state government have rebates for homes and businesses to switch to solar heating, making it more attractive for the consumer.

Incentives in Form of Tax Credits

In the US, federal incentives are grated statewide for using solar water heater systems in construction, commercial and residential sectors whereas swimming pool and hot tub heater sectors are granted around 30% tax credit.

A Viable Future Option

These heaters are perhaps the safest investment in which no one can go wrong. Not only do they minimize the environmental hazards but also act as an insurance against raising energy prices. These reduce our dependence on oil reserves which are the cause of many wars.
These are also being used for swimming pools and hot water heater tubs systems because they are similar to solar water heaters and they serve the purpose of cost-effective energy. The most important benefit is that these heaters can operate in any climate and do not need any backup systems as the conventional ones need.
Even though this heater has an upper hand over the conventional one, its initial investment forms a major factor which contributes to low usage of this heater. Before installing a heater, a proper analysis with regards to the cost and the payback period should be done in order to offset this expense feasibly over a period of time.
An indepth research on the solar water plans can prove handy while deciding on the installation. Besides the only disadvantage of using this heater is helping us move to a secure future. Encouragement by governments are certainly attracting manufacturing firms to switch over to this clean energy.
As the American government has passed a bill regarding tax incentives, it has certainly helped the solar industry transform itself from a cottage industry. It has helped America create larger number of jobs which in turn has provided a big boost to the economy.
Solar energy not only helps in eliminating tons of greenhouse gas emissions, but also its generation is a silent process making it favorable for us. Even in isolated areas where power distribution is difficult, solar energy is being used for generation and low-cost distribution.
With such innumerable benefits, it's high time every individual starts using this planet conscious appliance which serves as a key for our sustainable future.