Solar Water Heating Basics

How it Works

Solar water heating is a very simple concept: roof- , rack- or wall-mounted solar collectors capture the sun's energy, transfer it through a heat exchanger and use it to heat your household water for domestic hot water and secondary applications. Your existing water heater provides an auxiliary heating source – ensuring you are never without hot water – while the solar heated water meets your primary demand and provides a significant annual energy savings.

Solar water heating is an effective, reliable alternative to conventional means of heating water. It does not affect the quality of hot water produced nor the speed at which it is heated but it will reduce your energy bill, improve your home's energy efficiency, increase your energy independence and contribute to a cleaner environment by reducing greenhouse gases.

How it Works Spectrum Pre-Heat
How it Works Spectrum Single Tank
How it Works Focus Pre-Heat
How it Works Focus Single Tank

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Applications

EnerWorks Solar Water Heating Appliances can be used for domestic water heating, space heating and pool heating.

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Quick Facts

• Water heating accounts for approximately 25% of total household energy consumption
• In North America, the daily average hot water use is 18.5 US gallons (70 L) per person per day
• Average annual energy used for water heating is 3600 kWh
• Traditionally, water is heated using natural gas and electric fuels
• Water heating with these traditional fuel sources produces an average of 2 tons of CO2 per household per year
• There are approximately 64 M water heaters in the United States and 6.1 M in Canada

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Product FAQ's

Will heating water with solar energy save me money?

In southern Ontario and the north-eastern United States, the free solar energy you get from the sun will deliver summertime savings of 85% and winter savings of 35% for a year-round savings of up to 60% on your utility hot water heating bill. In the southern United States and very sunny areas of the west, annual utility savings of over 80% can be achieved.

How much does the appliance cost?

EnerWorks distributes its solar hot water appliance through builder channels, utilities and renewable energy dealers. There are multiple models of the appliance depending on the heat demands of the application. The installed cost will be quoted by your dealer or installer and depends on the model of appliance chosen and the particulars of the installation site. The installed cost of the solar energy is like buying electricity at 7¢ CAD or 6¢ US per kWh. Consumers have the option of purchasing or leasing the appliance. Commercial customers can purchase solar energy on a toll basis through power purchase agreements.

I am building a new home, is there anything I can do to make installation easier?

During mechanical rough-ins, run a 3- or 4-inch PVC pipe from the basement (or where your hot water tank will be located) to the roof (or where you wish to install the solar absorbers). Contact EnerWorks for installation requirements as certain roof positions need to be considered.

How can I get the EnerWorks' Solar Water Heating Appliance?

EnerWorks offers solar water heating appliances through dealers across Canada and the USA, for installation by trained professionals. For dealer information support in your area, please visit the Dealer Locator.