Historically we’ve used solar power in the kitchen to warm a pie on the window sill or brew a batch of sun tea. Present technology, however, gives solar power significantly more influence over the daily workings of our kitchens.

Solar hot water systems are by and large the most inexpensive and cost-effective choice in solar energy systems. A typical system will provide roughly 50-80% of the average household’s hot water needs, much of which goes to the kitchen. Most systems connect directly to the existing hot water tank, converting that electric or gas water heater into a backup for cloudy days and nights. While it is certainly possible to install a solar hot water system for the kitchen alone, especially on a commercial scale, that would typically be unnecessarily limiting to the potential of your new solar hot water system.

Solar hot water systems are proven effective in colder climates as well as arid, sunny locations. Although in colder climates an anti-freeze solution may be used as a heat transfer medium to avoid problems with water freezing up the system. There are three types of solar hot water collectors, all of which have advantages specific to different situations.

A solar hot water system can have a major impact in your kitchen, from heating water to temperatures even exceeding conventional systems to significantly lowering monthly utility bills. Which system is right for your kitchen and home will vary. A call to a local solar contractor should answer that question in no time.

Photo by: Prime Solar Company

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