Do you know that by using a solar water heater, you can drop your utility bills by 50% monthly?

According to the report shared by the U.S Department of Energy, solar water heaters can reduce your monthly utility bills by 50 percent to 80 percent on average. With savings like that, your investment to solar water heaters can pay you back very quickly, usually within 5 to 10 years. Aside from that, there are still numerous reasons why you should invest in solar water heaters. Let’s start by discussing the benefits you can get by using solar water heaters.

 Solar Water Heater Pros:

 1. It’s Using Free Energy

We all know that solar energy didn’t use electricity or gas; that’s why it helps us lower our utility bills. Yet the good things about solar water heater doesn’t stop right there. Once you regain your solar water heater investment, you’re mostly free and clear for the life of the solar water heater. You may still pay for maintenance and repairs, but you don’t have to do that often.

 2. Environmental-Friendly

Using a solar water heater can reduce your hot-water carbon footprint by 50% or more. You’re also conserving nonrenewable fuels, for there currently no readily available renewable sources.

 3. It can increase your overall home value.

Having an energy-efficient solution in your home can increase its resale value. According to the evaluation done by the  National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), for every 1 dollar in annual energy bill savings, your home’s value increases by as much as 20 dollars.

 4. Federal Tax Credits

Having a greener energy solution can get you tax credits to lower your water heater’s upfront cost. Some local governments also offer incentives that help offset part of your initial investment.

 5. It operates quietly

Solar power system runs with little to no noise. After all, who doesn’t want a more peaceful life? Moreover, after knowing the pros of solar water heaters, you also deserve to know it’s drawbacks.

Solar Water Heater Cons:

• It has a higher upfront cost in purchasing, equipment, and installation.
• It may not work effectively in places that don’t have an abundant source of sunlight.
• If your unit has more types of equipment, it means more maintenance.
• You need to have a backup energy source for rainy days.

Now that you know the benefits and concerns of solar water heaters, please also keep in mind that the figures mentioned above may vary in your family size and location. A family of four persons can save more than a family of two people. Before you purchase a solar water heater, estimate first it’s cost, energy efficiency, and the correct system size in your home. Also, make sure that you have an abundant source of sunlight in your location. Perhaps also investigate your local codes, regulations, and agreements to make sure you’ll not violate any of them.

After all, if you decide to install a solar water heater in your home, consulting with a qualified professional is highly recommendable.