A typical family of four in the U.S. uses about 80 gallons of hot water each day. To heat that water with electricity takes about 16 pounds of coal. In sunny Colorado, a standard solar hot water system can supply 60% - 95% of this energy, pollution free from the sun, while saving its owners about $250 per year.
How does it work? Solar hot water systems capture the sun's heat in rooftop solar collectors. Pipes channel that heat from the collectors to a solar storage tank, where cold water is preheated on its way to the hot water heater. Since the storage tank stays hot, it works even after the sun goes down.
Solar hot water can be used for domestic hot water, hot tubs, pools and radiant heat. It can also be used for snowmelt on sidewalks and driveways. With high efficiency and all of these potential applications, solar hot water offers a rapid payback.
The result: You save on electricity or gas because your hot water heater has to do little or no work, and the environment wins as well.
Local Certified Retailers and Installers:
- Mike Tierney - Aspen Solar - 970.925.3659
- Pat Johnson - Solar Flair Thermal Systems - 970.618.1768 / 970.963.4867
- Ken Olson - Sol Energy - 970.963.1060
- Jim Raras - InPower - 970.963.6441
- Thomas Cheatham - AlTech Solar - 970.404.1678
- Andy Gillis - Vibrant Solar - 970.379.4033
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