Alternative Energy Technologies

Solar Hot Water

Forty-percent of energy consumption in buildings goes to heating water. There are a number of solar hot water technologies on the market that can help to reduce this load. The two most common are flat panel collectors and evacuated tube collectors. Flat panel collectors use a system of liquid filled tubes enclosed in a flat black container to transfer the sun’s energy into heat for your hot water needs. Efficiencies of flat panel collectors vary by manufacturer, but range from 30 to 60%. Evacuated tube collectors use sealed heat pipes to heat to higher temperatures and can achieve efficiencies up to 80%, allowing them to be more effective in cooler climates. In some cases, you may qualify for tax credits or rebates for purchasing and installing solar hot water equipment. Visit the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency to see your area’s programs.