Learn about Flat Plate Solar Water Heater

A solar water heater collects energy from sunlight to heat water for domestic uses such as showering and washing, and in some cases for heating the interior of the house. A flat plate solar water heater uses a large, flat area of black-painted metal to collect the heat, inside an insulated box with a glass cover. A solar water heater preheats the water so your regular water heater doesn't have to work as hard, saving on your energy bill.

Check whether you have good, unshaded solar exposure on your roof or next to your house. Have a solar assessment of your property. For some cities in the USA, you can look up your address on Google's Project Sunroof to access an assessment of your solar potential. When looking to install, find a supplier and installer with a warranty and good references.

Can cut your hot water energy bill by 40 to 50%, saving electricity, gas, or oil and reducing your greenhouse gas emissions using the most primary renewable energy source - the sun!

Advertisements for solar water heating systems in the USA date back to the early 1900s, when thousands were installed on homes, to save the work and cost of heating water on wood stoves.