Thermal Solar Water Heating

Solar Panels installed on the roof of an airplane hanger in Rockford, IL.	Hot water heater solar panels installed on a home.	D&G Solar Water Heater installed in a basement.

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The efficiency and reliability of solar heating systems have increased dramatically, making them attractive options in the home or business. But there is still room for improvement. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and its partners are working to design even more cost-effective solar heating systems and to improve the durability of materials used in those systems. This research is helping make these systems more accessible to the average consumer and helping individuals reduce their utility bills and the nation reduce its consumption of fossil fuels.

O’Leary Plumbing and Heating installs solar water heating systems for your home or commercial building utilizing your current water heater. Solar energy provides renewable and free hot water for your homes’ domestic water use. Solar collector panels, installed on a south-facing roof, absorb the sun’s energy and transfer the heat into water as it moves through a tubing system. The heated water is then deposited into a storage tank installed ahead of your existing water heater. The storage tank assures a consistent flow of hot water even on cloudy days. Solar water heating systems can be installed on new or in existing homes. Solar energy may also be used as an alternate heat source for your home, supplying a cost-effective source for a radiant heating system.

A pool heating system works by installing black plastic solar absorbing panels on a south or west-facing rooftop.  A diverting valve with temperature control is installed after the pool filter to transfer pool water up through the solar panels when the temperature drops below the set point. When the pool reaches the desired temperature, the diverting valve simply bypasses the solar panels. When solar panels are in use, they keep your roof and attic cooler, helping with your air conditioning costs. The system requires no additional equipment and utilizes your current pool pump. Most pool solar system installations can be completed in one day. The only maintenance on the solar panels is fall draining. Solar panels come with a 10-year warranty with a 2-3 year payback on installation costs as compared to using traditional gas heat.

To help more Americans benefit from these systems, the U.S. Energy Policy Act implemented a 30% tax credit for consumers who install solar water heating systems. To be eligible for this tax credit, the systems must be certified by the Department of Energy's non-profit partner, the Solar Rating & Certification Corporation (SRCC).

To learn more about financial incentives in your area, please visit the Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE) and contact your State's Energy Office .

Links to help you learn more about Thermal Solar Water Heating.
US Department of Energy

Solar FAQ's — Solar Heating — Financial Considerations

Solar Hot Water Fact Sheets & Case Studies