Perhaps the best way for the average person to save money by using solar energy is to install a solar water heater. These self contained systems can be installed onto almost any home, and because of the rise in utility rates over the years, the payback time is very short. Up to 30% of a home’s energy bill is used for generating hot water.

A quality solar hot water system will provide 40-80% of a home’s hot water needs for free. Do not worry about the other 20-60%, it will be supplied with a backup source of energy so the homeowner will not ever have to experience cold showers.

The proven and reliable technology of solar water heaters will offer long-term performance with low maintenance. And with federal, state, and utility incentives available, these systems offer a quick payback – in some cases it will only take four to eight years. Rebate and incentive programs may only qualify certain systems in a given area.

There are five main types of solar hot water heating systems sold today.

1.Batch
2.Thermosiphon
3.Open-loop direct
4.Pressurized glycol
5.Closed-loop drain back

These proven solar hot water systems are simple, reliable, and long lasting. Some systems are “open loop” and some are “closed loop.” Some systems are active and have moving parts such as pumps and valves. Others are passive that use no mechanical or moving parts.

Some solar hot water systems are relatively easy to install for do-it-yourselfers, while others most average people should not attempt.

There are many considerations in choosing the best solar hot water systems for a home, but the homeowner and the situation will dictate the right system. The number of people in the household and the climate that you live in will also be deciding factors in the type and size of system that you install.