Heat water with the sun
Solar hot water is cost-effective renewable energy.
Renewable energy systems can make a tremendous difference in reducing the amount of fossil fuels consumed to operate a house. Solar water heating is often the most cost-effective renewable energy system for a house. The many types of solar water heaters including flat-plate collector systems with closed-loop antifreeze collector fluid, drain-back systems, evacuated-tube systems, passive thermosiphon systems, and integral-collector-storage systems. Some active solar water heaters use integral photovoltaic(PV) Generation of electricity directly from sunlight. A photovoltaic cell has no moving parts; electrons are energized by sunlight and result in current flow. (PVPhotovoltaics. Generation of electricity directly from sunlight. A photovoltaic (PV) cell has no moving parts; electrons are energized by sunlight and result in current flow.) panels to power the pumps.
Green points
LEED for HomesLeadership in Energy and Environmental Design. LEED for Homes is the residential green building program from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). While this program is primarily designed for and applicable to new home projects, major gut rehabs can qualify.
: Up to 10 points for a renewable energy system (EA 10).
NGBSNational Green Building Standard Based on the NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines and passed through ANSI. This standard can be applied to both new homes, remodeling projects, and additions.
/ICC-700: Up to 20 points for a solar hot water system (704.3.2.1).
Learn more in the Green Building Encyclopedia
Learn more in the Green Product Guide
Packaged Solar Heating Equipment
Solar Flat-Plate Collectors
Solar Vacuum-Tube Collectors
Solar Concentrating Collectors
Further Resources
American Solar Energy Society
Solar Energy Industries Association
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Profiled in our Product Guide
