AmazingEarth's video: The Future In Energy Saving: Reduce Your Energy Consumption Now

The Future In Energy Saving: Reduce Your Energy Consumption Now! Solar water heaters, also called solar domestic hot water systems, can be a cost-effective way to generate hot water for your home. They can be used in any climate, and the fuel they use, sunshine, is free. Solar water heating systems include storage tanks and solar collectors. There are two types of solar water heating systems: active, which have circulating pumps and controls, and passive, which don't. Most solar water heaters require a well-insulated storage tank. Solar storage tanks have an additional outlet and inlet connected to and from the collector. In two-tank systems, the solar water heater preheats water before it enters the conventional water heater. In one-tank systems, the back-up heater is combined with the solar storage in one tank. There are records of solar collectors in the United States dating back to before 1900, comprising a black-painted tank mounted on a roof. In 1896 Clarence Kemp of Baltimore, USA enclosed a tank in a wooden box, thus creating the first 'batch water heater' as they are known today. Although flat-plate collectors for solar water heating were used in Florida and Southern California in the 1920s there was a surge of interest in solar heating in North America after 1960, but especially after the 1973 oil crisis. The proper installation of solar water heaters depends on many factors. These factors include solar resource, climate, local building code requirements, and safety issues; therefore, it's best to have a qualified solar thermal systems contractor install your system. After installation, properly maintaining your system will keep it running smoothly. Passive systems don't require much maintenance. For more information visit: Solar Water Heaters: http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/solar-water-heaters Build It Solar: http://www.builditsolar.com/Projects/WaterHeating/water_heating.htm Solar Water Heating: http://www.wsetech.com/waterheaters.php