Solar hot water, also known as solar thermal systems (or solar thermal panels), use energy from the sun to heat water for domestic uses without the need for electricity.  For homes and commercial operations that require heated water, a solar thermal system could be just the thing to help significantly trim monthly expenses.

Solar thermal collectors

Once you have a solar hot water system and are not paying for electricity to heat your water, let’s talk about saving even more energy and money.  How can you do that?  By using less hot water, of course!

1.  Go with low-flow shower heads.  A nice hot shower is relaxing, but let’s talk about saving water and energy!  Today’s low-flow models are so efficient and advanced, you might not even believe you are saving money.

2.  Reduce the thermostat on  your hot water tank.  Whether you have young children or not, turn down the maximum heat for your hot water.  A few degrees lower will use significantly less energy over a month or a year.

3.  Use hot water during off-peak periods.  Demands for electricity, and hot water, are highest at the beginning and end of the day.  If possible, delay your shower until mid-day (maybe go to work until noon, then exercise and shower afterward?).  Set your dishwasher and washing machine on a delay setting, and wait until you arrive home in early evening to start your appliances.

Solar thermal systems generally work as follows:  Sunlight heats glycol (an antifreeze solution) in the panels’ tubing.  The tubing is connected to a hot water tank with a pump that circulates the glycol to heat the water throughout the system.  As water is drained from your hot water tank, new solar hot water is replaced/pumped into the tank.

Solar thermal panels work, regardless of whether you have bright sunlight.  Even a cloudy day offers enough light to create heat for a solar hot water system!

Solar powered outdoor shower

Looking for a comfortable way to rinse off outside after a swim, a run, or a dip in the pool?

Have you considered a solar powered outdoor shower?  You can save electricity for a pump and, if you go with one of the models shown above, there is no installation required.  No piping, no contractors, just a nice warm shower to enjoy outdoors.

You can install a DIY solar powered outdoor shower with the steps below:

1.  Find an appropriate location

Most people that shower desire some privacy.  Look for a place that is away from windows, and, ideally, concealed with landscaping.  You will need the outdoor shower to be within a reasonable distance of the hose pipe.

2.  Set the hose pipe

You will need to connect the shower to a hose, which will supply the water.  One end will be tied to the valve/tap and the other will end at the shower area.  Use a shut-off coupler on the end of the hose pipe, and make sure it is reachable.

3.  Pressure Welded Studs

If you would like to have a base for the shower (as opposed to a free standing solar powered outdoor shower as shown above), use two pressure-welded studs on a square frame.  This will add weight and stability to the base.  Then, install wood slats within the frame, with some space between each piece to let the water drain through.

4.  Pressure Treated Studs

For this semi-enclosed outdoor shower, attach 4 pressure treated studs, about 6-7 foot long and screw them to the corners of the shower base (which you completed above).  Afterward, tie them together at the top with pressure treated pipes. Some people like to put a top and/or sides on their outdoor shower, but I think they are nice without one.  If you desire, you may install a glass roof or side walls with screws.

5.  Use a Utility Hook

For this completely DIY solar powered outdoor shower, you will now need to install a utility hook on the top of the shower roof in the center and then attach a sprinkler head in the center of the shower base joining the utility hook.

6.  Before Showering

To use solar heated water, you will want to fill up a water can and allow it to warm in the sunlight before showering.  Make sure the shut off valve at the opposite end is closed.  When you are ready for a nice solar powered shower, just turn on the faucet and enjoy!

The Solar Container uses renewable energy to purify water

Clean drinking water is one of life’s biggest challenges facing Third World countries.  Bacteria, silt and other contaminants sicken millions of children each year, and many of them die.

The Solar Container purifies water using power from the sun.  Not only can it help save lives, but it can improve the livelihoods of farmers by giving them access to desalinated water to grow their crops.  If that wasn’t enough, excess solar power generated by the Solar Container can be used to charge electronic devices used for communication and emergencies, including cell phones and GPSs.

While we take clean drinking water for granted, many areas of the world lack this basic resource.  That’s why its so amazing that the Solar Container uses renewable energy to produce 8,000 gallons of potable water each day.  Using clean, reliable solar or wind energy (without the need for a generator or fuel) the Solar Container eliminates the need for water purification tablets, or ground pipes.

The Solar Container is designed for harsh desert conditions; the equipment is installed in a sealed, lockable, air-conditioned container.  The product is a joint venture of Spectra Watermakers and Trunz Water Systems.  If you’d like to see the Solar Container in action, call to set up an appointment at Spectra Watermakers in San Rafael, California (415.526.2780).

The Solar Container purifies water with a pump that is placed into the saltwater or brackish source.  Solar energy, generated by photovoltaic solar panels, powers the pump system which moves the water though a series of filters, to the last step which includes reverse osmosis membranes which purify the water at an ionic level to filter out bacteria, viruses, chemicals and salt.

Solar thermal panels like this one generate solar hot water

Saving energy and money is a snap when you install solar hot water at your home.  Unlike traditional photovoltaic (PV) panels, solar thermal panels are less expensive.  You’ll get your return on investment much more quickly, as well.

If you are currently using grid-based electricity or natural gas to heat household water, why not switch to renewable energy-based solar power instead?  A solar hot water system includes the following:

• a solar collector (there are several different types: flat plate, evacuated tube, or integral collector-storage systems)
• a pump, or a thermosiphon system which uses gravity and thermodynamics to move hot and cold water
• a solar hot water tank
• a back-up water heater
• piping

If you are interested in a DIY solar hot water system, check out the simple instructions on this video:

The cost for a solar domestic hot water system varies, depending on whether you go with a DIY solar project, or not.  As noted above, there also are several different types of solar hot water systems available, which may affect price.

Generally speaking, you can expect to pay between $1000-2000 for a new solar hot water system.  Annual savings are such that you can expect to gain your return on investment in a year or two.  Don’t forget the generous tax credits and other incentives available to defray the cost of solar installations.

Using the sun to heat your water is inexpensive, energy-efficient and just plain makes sense!

Don’t you want to save money with solar hot water at your home?

Solar water heater

New residential construction in Hawaii soon will have to meet another standard to get building official sign-off.  Starting next year, Hawaii is the first state in the nation to require solar water heaters in new homes.  Considering the state’s heavy reliance on fossil fuels, the state government hopes to make a new change and work towards energy independence in Hawaii.

Mandating the change is significant.  Estimates are that 20% of all homes on the islands already have solar water heating systems.  By requiring solar hot water to come standard with new homes, homeowners can slash 25-50% of the power used on a monthly basis.  Traditional water heaters are the largest electricity consumer in a home.

Consider the fact that many homes in Hawaii have swimming pools, and there is a tremendous amount of energy that can be saved with solar hot water.

Solar hot water in Hawaii will soon come standard

While many people are applauding the new law, some are worried that it will add unnecessary cost to the already high price of housing in Hawaii.  Yet, when you consider that homes start around $500,000, and the cost of a solar water heater is about $6,000 and can save more than $50 a month in electricity costs, some would say that the opponents are making much ado about nothing (as far as cost, at least).

But opponents contend that the law is unfair and will drive up home prices in Hawaii, where a modest home can start at $600,000.  However, when you consider that a solar water heater costs less than $6,000, you are only talking about 1% of the purchase price.  And then, when you can save $50 per month on electricity costs in one of the most expensive utility markets in the nation, why wouldn’t this be a great idea.  In fact, consider that solar panels increase the value of your home and you can break even with a new solar hot water heater before you know it!

State Sen. Gary Hooser, stated:

“I’m hoping this will start a trend nationwide,”

and he plans to help introduce other measures in states such as California.

One of the other reasons why the solar hot water heater requirement is so critical in Hawaii is that the state imports more fossil fuels than any other in the nation.  Fully 90% of its energy comes from foreign countries.  That statistic is bound to improve under the new law – and under the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative partnership which aims to have 70% or more of Hawaii’s energy to come from renewable sources by 2030.