Solar power is becoming popular as people become aware of individual responsibility for protecting the environment and the increased costs of traditional energy sources. Although there is much debate about the extent to which humans are responsible for climate change it shouldn't stop people from making an effort to use more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy sources. One thing that is sure is that fossil fuels are a finite resource. Sooner or later they will run out and alternatives will have to be found. Solar energy is one such resource that will not run out. This article will discuss solar water heaters and how the can save you money a help you do your bit for the environment at the same time.

The basic principle of a solar hot water heater is that the water passes through a solar collector or solar panels that heat the water. The solar collectors or panels are in direct contact with the sun and this energy is used to heat the water. The water then passes to an insulat ed storage tank that conserves the heated water for later usage.

There are two variations on this principle : active and passive systems. The active system uses a pump to move the water from the collectors or panels to the storage tank. The passive system has no power source to move the water but moves the water through gravity. Depending on the heat of the water in the storage tank a standard, electricity powered heater can be used as a failsafe or in case there is a heavy usage of water. In theory however, solar hot water can supply up to 90% or the households heating requirements if the climate is right.

The biggest drawback of solar hot water systems is the initial cost of installing the system. There is the cost of the solar equipment and then any changes to the original hot water piping throughout the house. Again this will change with time as solar energy becomes popular. Indeed in California more new houses are fitted out with solar panels as standard than ever before. This will only incre ase as we go forward.

Most of the equipment needed to create solar hot water heating will last for up to 25 years. Indeed if the collectors and panels are of good quality and looked after they should outlast the storage tank. During this time the house owner should have made back the initial investment on savings in electricity bills. Another note on the initial outlay of installing a solar powered system is that many governments offer rebates or grants to people that install this kind of energy resource. This can make the choice more attractive.