The Solar Water Group

In most parts of North America, the best bang for your solar energy buck is with domestic solar water heating (DSWH). It's a no-brainer in the desert Southwest and in semitropical Florida and Hawaii. Hawaii, in fact, now requires most new construction to provide DSWH.

A complete DSWH system can be installed for $3,000 to $10,000, depending on its size and complexity. These systems are now eligible for the 30 percent federal tax credit. At today's energy prices, over the life of the system, the cost to operate is about 20 percent lower than a conventional gas water heater and 40 percent lower than an electric one. As gas and electricity prices rise, DSWH will become an even better deal.

The price of a system depends on two main factors: system size and local climate. A large family uses a lot of hot water for bathing, laundry and dishwashing, while a couple with no kids living at home can use a much smaller system.

Solar hot water systems come in two flavors: passive and active. In warm climates, a simple passive system can provide plenty of hot water.

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