DIY Solar Hot Water Heater: Cut Bills 50%

Those interested in the burgeoning field of green building have known for years that a solar hot water heater is one of the simplest, most cost effective devices to get a home or business on the path to sustainability.

Solar water heaters are very reliable and can work in any climate. They harness energy as much as five times more efficiently than solar electric (photovoltaic) systems. Typically, these systems (which are essentially solar heat collectors plus a storage tank) tie in to conventional electric or gas water heaters. The solar heat pre-warms the water, resulting in substantial energy savings.

In the past, solar hot water systems were often leaky and failure-prone, but they've come a long way. Federal tax credits, plus state and local incentives, mean you can see a financial payoff in just a few years. A professionally installed solar water heater may run $4,000 to $8,000, but a much cheaper (about $2,000) alternative is now available that any reasonably handy person can install in a weekend.

FAFCO's systems will save the average homeowner over 50% in hot water heating costs, according to the company, and extend the life of existing hot water tanks.

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