If you are looking for a new way to make your home more earth-friendly, fear no more. There is a way to lower electric bills, lower your water bills, and also leave a lower carbon footprint while doing it. This new trend in home improvement and plumbing is starting to gain traction in Europe, the United States, and Asia. Using the power that the sun offers the world, solar water heaters keep the water that you need for your sinks and tubs feeling hot.

Solar water heating units are the latest invention that has come from the “green” movement, and its design is genius. Also known as domestic solar hot water systems, these nifty heaters can be used in any climate, and run on the only energy source that is 100% free – light. Solar models have two main components that make them so efficient. They have a very well-insulated storage tank, and also have a solar panel to collect light. The insulation around the storage tanks makes the job of heating the water easier.

When getting a solar powered water heater, you will need to learn a little bit about what kind of heater works for your climate. The two main categories are active and passive. Active heaters use a circulating pump and a temperature control mechanism, while passive ones don’t. Active ones are best used in colder climates, while warmer ones fare well with passive heaters. There are many different subcategories of solar water heaters, so it’s a good idea to ask a specialist about which one is right for you.

The benefits of having a solar model are many, and the first thing that homeowners will notice is the benefit that owning a solar heater will have for your wallet. Having a traditional heater will cost about $500 of more per year to use. A solar model will cost a tenth of that annually, at only $50. This is because it there are no costs as far as energy goes. Over the years, this already substantial amount adds up. The cost of maintenance, usage, and keeping of a traditional water heater is approximately $10,000 over its lifespan. Keeping a solar unit, on the other hand, only will cost $1,000 over the same span of years.

Moreover, a traditional gas or electric model leaves you at the mercy of price fluctuations due to government taxes or business price gouging. Solar models run completely independent of any energy sources that have to be supplied by businesses. This has another benefit as well. During major blackouts, electric heaters won’t have any hot water available. Solar water heaters, on the other hand, will. Consistency is solar power’s middle name!

One of the most surprising perks to having a solar heater only can be observed if you are in the process of selling your home. Solar water heaters actually add a substantial amount of equity to a home. No other form of water heater does this. This isn’t only because of the obvious money-saving benefits of having a solar water heater; “green” houses are very trendy.

The best benefit of having a solar water heating system is that you are helping keep the world clean. This form of water heater is the only one which reduces water pollution, air pollution, and even keeps the levels of greenhouse gasses at a minimum. Every time that you use a solar water heater, you are doing your share in keeping the earth clean.