Pros And Cons Of Solar Water Heaters
What is a solar water heater? A solar water heater is a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable way to heat water by harnessing sunlight. If you are environmentally conscious, care about the fate of the planet, and want to be ‘greener,’ solar is the way to go.
Solar Water Heaters
Did you know that the state of Florida ranks third in the Top 10 States for solar electric power capacity? The rankings are based on the quantity of solar electric capacity that is both installed and operational. Nearly 5% of Florida’s electricity is from solar power. This percentage is going up rapidly, which is hardly surprising considering the tax benefits available for homeowners.
Floridians enjoy plenty of sunshine, with an average of 237 sunny days a year. Florida rarely experiences very cold temperatures, so it is more than likely that your water heater could be powered by solar, especially if your roof receives lots of sunshine.
Many homeowners in South Florida want to reduce their utility bills and convert to a more sustainable energy source. To help you kick-start your research, we’ve put together the following list of the pros and cons of solar water heaters.
Advantages Of A Solar Water Heater
If you’re on the fence about installing a water heater, perhaps the following advantages of solar water heating will persuade you.
Generous Tax Incentives
The tax incentives include tax credits and solar rebates. Federal solar tax credits are there to encourage and incentivize homeowners to adopt solar energy.
Clean Energy Source
Clean energy involves harnessing energy from nature, such as wind, water, or sunlight. Clean energy is naturally replenished and does not contribute to global warming.
On the flip side is a fossil fuel, sometimes termed ‘dirty energy’ that includes oil, coal, and gas. Dirty energy is not replenishable and creates CO2.
An Increase In The Value Of Your Home
Buyers will prioritize purchasing a home that already utilizes solar energy, and they are willing to pay a premium for this privilege. When you sell your home, the realtor will ensure that the asking price of your home reflects this added value.
A Reduction In Energy Bills And Immunity To Power Outages
Once your initial investment has been recouped, the energy becomes free of charge. Solar power prices have been steadily declining as design innovation continues to bring costs down, making solar energy more affordable.
Longevity Of The System
Solar water heaters, once installed, are very reliable and can last up to 20 years without any maintenance. Any maintenance that will need to take place would be minimal.
Disadvantages Of A Solar Water Heater
Before booking a consultation with our professional team to install a solar water heater, review the following considerations.
Upfront Costs
The initial expenses can add up swiftly depending on your choice of system. The right size solar system you need will be governed by the amount of hot water your household requires.
You May Require More Roof Space
Your solar panels would be installed on the roof for easy access to Florida sunshine. Keep in mind that not every roof is equal. Roofs come in many different shapes and sizes. Each home has a different pitch, while some are just oddly shaped. So, it is important to ensure that you will have adequate roof space.
Water Only Gets Hot When There Is Sunshine
You may need to upgrade the insulation around your water tank if you have large trees blocking the sun from shining on the solar panels for a part of the day. If the weather is rainy and overcast, you may have to use mainstream power.
Local Solar Water Heater Specialists in South Florida
Are you inspired to install a solar water heater? If you want more information or you’ve decided that it’s the right time to invest in solar energy, it’s important to know that you are using a company that will do it right the first time.
Call the team at Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric in Coral Springs at 1-800-475-1504, and let one of our licensed professionals answer any questions you have about solar power water heaters.
