Solar water heater systems have been for so many years and are without doubt not just a publicity stunt for hippies. The abundant amounts of energy wasted in heating water have compelled some governments to enforce their installation mandatory. For example, state of Hawaii now requires all newly constructed homes to install a solar water heater system and in the Israel, 90% of dwellings have solar hot water heaters already installed.

The cost of a solar energy water heater depends on the variety of the system. For a family of 4 persons, it may cost anywhere from 3500 to 4000 Dollars for a system of evacuated tube with electricity assistance. Besides, you have to pay among $1250 – $1650 for its professional installation. It’s a lot to expenditure, but there are ways to cut costs to a large extent.

You may buy retrofit kits which can decrease the cost by in the region of a thousand dollars. The cost may also be dramatically decreased by means of taking benefit of renewable energy rebates which many governments give for solar water heater plans.

To calculate an approximate solar power water heater payback time, first deduct any offered rebates in total costs and then see your current gas or electricity bill. If you’re in USA, work out 20% of the bill being alocatable to hot water, or else if you’re in Australia, calculate 40% for this, then divide the remaining cost of the system with that figure.

This calculation will give you a rough estimate of how much time in months or years it may take to attain the stage that this solar water heater system has paid for itself. Just after this period it’s on the whole free water heating around 20-25 years. After that solar water heater system may require to be replaced.