Solar water heaters are one of the most affordable ways that a household can generate hot water year round.  These solar water heaters can be seen on the roofs of many of the homes throughout China. Besides the attractive feature of paying no cost for your yearly water energy consumption, the cost of one of these systems is priced at only a few hundred US dollars.  That cost can be recouped by the average house in as little as a few years.  It’s no surprise then that nearly 10% of all homes in China currently have a unit on their roofs along with a high year growth rate.

The biggest question I have is why systems like these become more popular in other countries trying to switch to renewable energy?

What is confusing is that China has found a way to have an affordable price for these units and make them commonplace in China.  It’s very rare to see a unit like this in America.  I know we are now picking up on tankless water heaters, but it’s still a mystery as to why these units haven’t become more popular.  Or is it?

As compared to China, units in America are priced in the thousands.  Even with tax credits, they are still priced much higher than a comparable system you would find in China.  What also could be a factor is the fact that we live in much larger homes as compared to China.  Many of the residents live in smaller city apartments and the idea of “Suburbs” don’t exist.

Imagine if more countries could offer these systems at affordable prices like China has.  They would be immensely popular since it would help dramatically lower our energy costs while cutting carbon emissions.

Source: Pays to Live Green

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