This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of PG&E. The opinions and text are all mine. Is Solar Water Heating Right for You?
In California, water conservation is a household term. With summer just beginning, my lawn is already looking parched. If I do water it, I try to use recycled water and do so in the evening, so that it doesn’t immediately evaporate in the heat. Cold water is just fine for outside, but inside, most of our water usage is warm or hot.
Despite reasonable efforts, we use a lot of water just in day-to-day living. There are dirty little faces, and filthy little feet. Not to mention, the endless dishes to wash and pounds of clothes. In my family, there are at least 7 showers per day, and sometimes more — kids.
We don’t just use a lot of water. We also use a lot of energy. So, I have an interest in decreasing our carbon footprint. In fact, I recently wrote about how to choose a contractor for solar power. Solar water heating is a great option if you’re not ready to go completely solar powered. Did you know that you can even heat your home with solar hot water?
While not as well-known as traditional solar, solar water heating is a great alternative way to “go solar.” The technology uses sunlight to heat water for use in the home (showering, laundry, dishwashing, etc.) and offers a way to reduce your carbon footprint while offsetting gas usage.
Check out this family’s experience with PG&E’s Solar Water Heating Program. The Energy House Calls site has lots of resources for saving energy, including assistance programs for upgrading appliances, heating, and cooling. The first thing to do when considering solar water heating is to download PG&E’s Solar Water Heating Guide.
PG&E offers a rebate through the California Solar Initiative Thermal Program and there is also a federal tax credit available. While the long-term savings are great, of course, there is some initial cost to getting a solar water heating system. Luckily,with both the rebate and tax credit combined, it typically offsets about 60-70% of the cost.
So, is solar water heating right for you?
It might be! Check out some of the FAQs below. I bet you have some of the same questions. Just click one the picture to get the answers. If you can afford the initial cost, want to reduce your family’s carbon footprint, and having been considering “going solar,” this might be a perfect solution for you! It’s a great way to begin your solar journey, before making a decision to go completely solar powered.
I think solar water heating and solar power are some of the most fascinating wonders, where nature and technology meet. Remember, the first thing to do when considering solar water heating is to download PG&E’s Solar Water Heating Guide.
Would you consider solar water heating for your home? Let us know in the comments!
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of PG&E. The opinions and text are all mine.
By: Alicia Gonzalez
Oh wow! I’ve never heard of solar water heating before. It sounds like a great way to save money on heating our water.
That sounds awesome! I live in the Miami area, so I have plenty of sunlight to make this a reality. I’ll have to look into this. Thanks!
I didn’t even know the solar heating was a thing. Where I live I have the sun all the time so would be perfect for us here. I think I will definitely have to check this out.
Before reading this, I had no real knowledge of solar heating. Thanks for the fabulous info!
I have never heard of solar water heating before. I’m a renter, so it’s probably not a feasible solution for me, but I can see this helping so many people. It’s awesome that there are ways to live normal but still reduce your carbon footprint in the world.
Solar is so great. My Husband works in the solar power industry so this looks fabulous! There is nothing better than green and eco friendly heating.
I must live under a rock because I havent heard about this. I would use it if it helped with expense.
I’ve never heard of solar water heating before. What a great idea. We need all we can get to reduce our costs and our carbon footprint
We don’t live in a home, but would absolutely consider it if we did! This is all so interesting, and the amount of water we use as a large family is so true!
I think solar water heating and solar power is the way of the future. We have been thinking of switching over to solar water heat.
I would love to switch over to solar water heating and solar power. I will have to look at what it would take to get started.
I am all about living as green as possible. I think this is a great thing that I would love in my home!
This is excellent way to save money and energy! Thanks for the awesome advice!
I’ve never heard of Solar Water Heating before but I love the idea! It’s always awesome to feel like you are being environmentally conscious but saving money is a bonus too.
This is excellent information. We’ve been discussing going solar for a while now. We even had the work up and date for panel installation but decided we needed more time. It’s good to know there are other solar options. Thanks!!
I’ve never thought about a solar water heater but you make some good points. I’m going to have my husband read this over. Great info!
Solar water heating sounds like a great idea. It is definitely worth looking into. I’ll have to see if it is available in my area.