Solar water heaters could save $35 bil / year

Solar water heaters are low tech. Basically, they're black pipes on panels. There's no nanotechnology, no monosilicon crystals, and no DC-to-AC conversion. Just run a pipe to your roof, through the panel, and then back into your house.

In many parts of the U.S., solar water heaters can provide more than 90% of a household's water. And in all but the cloudiest climates, they can provide more than 30%.

A recent study from the UK (not the sunniest place on earth) determined that the average household could save around $450 per year with solar water heaters. Now, the numbers would be slightly different for Americans, and city dwellers with less roof space might not have the same options.

But even with a big chunk shaved off the top, $450 for, let's say, the 80 million American households that are ready for hot water panels, is more than $30 billion per year.

All of that power would be coming from a renewable and ongoing resource. No natural gas bills every month. Just one installation and then years of cheap water heating.

So why haven't we done it?

A few reasons. First, installation can cost more than $5,000, especially in older houses. Second, new home buyers apparently don't like to see solar water heaters disrupting their "roof lines." But there's good news on both these fronts.

First, banks are looking for new kinds of loans in America. A loan that would, in effect, pay for itself and be more or less default-free could be very enticing. A 10-year loan on a solar water heater would, in effect, be free for the home owner and risk-free for the bank.

Second, people are looking for low-carbon homes now. Installing hot water heaters are a less expensive move (per pound of carbon negated) than photovoltaics. People are now able to be proud of their panels, and their neighbors will maybe even be a little bit jealous.

Via The Telegraph