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3 Things to Consider Before You Choose a Solar Hot Water System for Your Home

by Glen Shelton

A solar hot water system can be a great choice for any home. This allows you all the hot water you need without the cost of electricity or gas, or at least while using far less of these utilities overall. Not only do you save money but you also cut down on the pollution and emissions created by the use of natural gas and from power plants that are used to create electricity. Before you go out and shop for a solar hot water heater, consider a few factors to keep in mind. This will ensure you purchase one that is right for your home.

1. Will it fit on your roof?

This might sound like a silly question, but note that solar panels need to face the direction that gets the most sun throughout the day. In the northern hemisphere, the panels need to face south, and in the southern hemisphere, they need to face north. If your home's roof has peaks or gables then you need to consider how the panels will fit, and may need to downgrade a size simply so that they will fit properly. Some systems may be installed in your yard rather than your roof, so this may be a solution for you.

2. Are there zoning restrictions?

Before choosing any type of solar hot water heater, note if there are zoning restrictions in your area that may affect the size you choose or even the number of panels you're allowed. You might also check your homeowner's association or neighborhood association, if you have one, about any restrictions on attaching a solar panel to your home's roof or putting one in the yard. You may be allowed panels but only of a certain size and may be allowed a yard installation but only in the backyard, and so on.

3. Consider the size of storage tank you need

The storage tank is what holds the water that will be heated for your use; don't mistake a solar hot water system with a tankless system. A tankless system heats water as it enters your home but a solar system uses solar energy to keep a tank of water hot. It's good to allow 50 to 60 gallons of water storage for every two occupants of a home. You can then add another more storage to the tank for each additional occupant, but also consider anything with a high demand for hot water such as a large dishwasher, high capacity washing machine, and the like.

For more information, contact a company like Solar Repairs.

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