What are the comparative advantages and disadvantages of electric and solar water heaters?

Solar hot water heaters need sunlight to work. While you can store the heat and create closed loop systems that protect the system from freezing, the use of solar hot water heaters really makes sense if you have full sun exposure and are willing to moderate your usage. It also may cost more to install a domestic solar hot water system. These can run on 12v oe 11v for the pump, or you could go passive- there are many different types and options. Check Home Power mag.

Electric hot water systems come in two flavors; tank and tankless. For electric tank systems, the cost of heating water with electricity can be quite large. These tank heaters store hot water and are using electricity just to keep the tank warm. This is not very efficient even with insulating blankets. Once you run out of hot water in the tank(as cold rushes in) your shower is over. The heater itself is usually inexpensive. Plumbing is straignt foward, with 30 to 40 amp 220V feed required.

Tankless water heaters or "on demand" water heaters (both gas and electric) are fantastic! They are the least expensive to operate, and fairly simple to install. The electric tankless heater requires no exhust ducting and is perfect for under the counter usage or with larger units can heat the water for an entire home. The tankless design never runs out of water! These are perfect for solar installations that may encounter weeks of cloudy weather. The units are more expensive than tank heaters, and usually require 220v service (if electric).

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