The Need
Heating water for dishwashing and bathing, not to mention laundry, is a major part of your home's energy cost. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), paying to heat water with a conventional water heater is the third-largest energy expense in your home.
The Solution
The most energy-efficient way to heat water is with the sun. More than 1.5 million homes and businesses in the United States have invested in solar water-heating systems, and surveys cited by the DOE indicate that more than 94 percent of these customers consider the systems a good investment.
The Cost
An active, flat-plate solar collector system will cost approximately $2,500-$3,500 installed and produce about 80-100 gallons of hot water per day.
