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Q: Can a solar water heater replace an electric or gas water heater?
A: Not completely. Conventional electric or gas water heating systems are still necessary as a supplement to the solar water heating system, largely because the sun might not shine in a particular area for several days at a time. However, because solar water heaters are designed provide hot water directly to the tank of a gas or electric water heater, they reduce the need for the water heater to run on conventional fuels. And this in turn reduces your gas or electric bill. Depending on where you live, solar water heaters can provide up to 80% of your home's annual water-heating needs.
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Q: Can solar water heaters be used in northern states and other colder climates?
A: Yes. Solar water heating technology is effective regardless of the outside temperature. In colder climates, more energy is required to heat cold incoming ground water, so using solar energy in such conditions could dramatically lower a consumer's utility bills. In addition, colder incoming ground water helps solar water heaters to operate at higher efficiencies.
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Q: Can I use a solar water-heating system to heat my swimming pool?
A: Using a solar system to heat a swimming pool is the most common use for solar energy in the United States today. Solar pool-heating systems increase an unheated pool's water temperature by 10 degrees or more, and they can extend the swimming season by two to three months. Solar system prices range from $2,500 to more than $5,000, depending on the size of your pool and other conditions, such as shading from nearby trees and buildings and how close the pool is to the ocean. When solar systems replace a conventional gas or electric swimming pool heater, the initial investment can usually be recovered in about three years or less, because of reductions in subsequent utility bills.
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Q: Can solar power be used to heat my home and business?
A: No pre-engineered residential solar space heating systems are readily available to consumers today. But many solar energy professionals can engineer a system for you, on request. However, solar space-heating systems are considerably more expensive than solar water-heating systems. Depending on the size of the space that needs heating, a solar system could cost anywhere from $3,000 to more than $10,000. A solar energy professional in your area can explain what would be involved to purchase this type of solar system. You may want to consider increasing your insulation and using passive solar technologies—such as large, energy-efficient, south-facing windows—as an alternative.
Other Resources: To learn more about energy-saving options, please visit DOE's Energy Savers Web site and contact the Sustainable Buildings Industries Council (202-628-7400).
To find a solar energy system designer or installer in your area, please visit our "solar yellow pages" for a list of sources of solar professionals.
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Q: What about heating my swimming pool with solar?
A: Solar swimming pool heating is the most common way that people in the United States utilize solar energy today. Solar pool-heating systems increase water temperature by 10 degrees or more over an unheated pool, and can extend the swimming season by two to three months. System prices range from $2,500 to more than $5,000, depending on the size of your pool and on other conditions such as shading and proximity to the ocean. When systems are installed to replace a conventional gas or electric swimming pool heater, the initial investment can usually be recovered in approximately three years, sometimes less.
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Q: Can solar power be used to heat my home and business?
A: While there aren't any pre-engineered residential solar space heating systems available on the market, solar energy professionals could engineer a system for you. However, these types of systems are considerably more expensive than solar water-heating systems and, depending on the size of the heated space, could range from $3,000 to more than $10,000. A solar energy professional in your area can help you understand what would be involved in this type of solar system purchase.
You may want to consider increased insulation and passive solar technology. For this, we recommend you contact the Sustainable Buildings Industries Council (202-628-7400) or DOE's Energy Savers Web site.
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